Prediction:
The Patriots on paper should handle the Jaguars, but so should have Miami last week. With the early bye week approaching after this game, Belichick should have the team motivated to go out 3-0 which would be an improvement over last season’s slow start.
O’Halloran stated that after starting slowly the past two seasons, it will be interesting to see how the Jags handle a little bit of early season success. They can’t afford to rest much on last week with a trip to Gillette on the schedule this weekend.
Unless the Patriots turn the ball over and get hit with a Brady pick-six early in this game, they should be able to move the ball through the air and keep the young Jags on their heels in this one. The key is to start early and put pressure on Bortles and Jacksonville’s offense to keep up. The Jags are averaging only 16 points per game and this won’t be enough to keep up with Brady and Co. especially at home.
Brady and Gronkowski continue their hot hand and the defense come up with a turnover or two and the team goes into the bye week 3-0. Patriots 31-14
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