Jacksonville Jaguars: Can team keep momentum in return to EverBank?
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars return to Everbank Field to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Week 6. Should the Jaguars fans expect a victory at home?
The Jacksonville Jaguars return Sunday in Week 6 to play the Los Angeles Rams. Jacksonville was hammered by Tennessee in Week 2 at Everbank Field. After dominating Pittsburgh last week, is there an expectation for the Jaguars to win this week?
Jacksonville is having a difficult time winning back to back games so far this season. They lost in Week 2 after destroying Houston in Week 1. Next, they played great in London before laying an egg in Week 4 against New York. They return home after knocking off the Steelers in hopes of making the statement that they are a playoff contender.
Per John Oehser of Jaguars.com, head coach Doug Marrone spoke to the team about playing at home:
"“We have to play well at home, and earn that right to have home-field advantage,”"
Marrone sounded confident that the Jaguars are in position to win the AFC South. He knows that a home playoff game is a huge advantage:
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"“I don’t think you can just go out and put it on the fans and say, ‘Hey, we need you here; we need you to do this and we need you to do that,’’’ Marrone said. “They’re coming out and paying good money to see a good product on the field and to see someone win. For me, you have to earn that first.”"
There are several things that need to happen for the Jaguars to protect their home turf as they take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6, however. First, the Jaguars will have to contain Rams running back Todd Gurley. He is the Rams leading rusher and receiver after five games. Linebackers Myles Jack and Telvin Smith should be able to limit Gurley’s effectiveness.
Additionally, the Jaguars secondary will blanket the Rams receivers. The Jaguars defensive line should be able to pressure and sack the quarterback as a result. Expect Jacksonville to blitz from all sides on Sunday.
Field position is going to be at a premium this week. Jacksonville has to make Los Angeles start each drive deep in their own territory. As shaky as the Jaguars offense has been, they need a short field to score points.
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Speaking of the offense, the running game must set the tone if Jacksonville wants to keep the momentum going. The passing game must be creative and not force Blake Bortles into any early mistakes. The recipe is there for success, but let’s see which Jaguars team shows up to play.