Jacksonville Jaguars: Calais Campbell looking to sack former team
By Larry Brake
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell should have a big game against his former team in Week 12.
The weather should not be a concern for the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. After playing in the snow, the Jaguars head west to face the Arizona Cardinals. Hopefully, Calais Campbell will have a big day against his former team.
Campbell was selected as the 50th overall selection by the Cardinals in the 2008 NFL Draft. He collected 56.5 sacks to be second on the Cardinals all time sack leaders and became an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season. Jacksonville signed Campbell to a four deal worth $60 million. Campbell is having a career season for the Jaguars. Campbell leads the Jaguars and NFL with 11.5 sacks.
Campbell commented on facing his former team, per John Reid of Jacksonville.com:
"“You have to make it just about getting a`W’. I have friends there, I spent a lot of time there, a lot of history. But you’ve got to live in the moment. Right now, we’re a real good team trying to take that next step and set ourselves up to win a division.’’"
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Interesting to note, Campbell will be looking to sack the Arizona quarterback. Who is going to be the Cardinals signal caller on Sunday, you may ask? None other than Blaine Gabbert, the former Jaguars quarterback. Gabbert wore the black and teal uniform from 2011-13.
The Jaguars defense must pressure Gabbert into making bad decisions. Gabbert was sacked twice and threw two interceptions last week. The Jaguars smothering style of defense should be able continue their domination of consecutive opponents in Arizona.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville defensive front seven must contain Adrian Peterson. The addition of Marcell Dareus has strengthened the Jaguars run defense. In just the three games that Dareus has played, Jacksonville has moved from the NFL’s worst run defense to the 16th.
Jalen Ramsey will blanket Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, the future Hall-of-Famer, will be another non-factor because of Ramsey’s ability to shutdown receivers. Fitzgerald will have a difficult day getting open regardless where he lines up. A.J. Bouye and Aaron Colvin are capable of containing Fitzgerald as well.
Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 12
Blake Bortles will also have to make good decisions. The Cardinals have recorded 24 sacks and intercepted nine passes with one being an 82-yard pick-six. Bortles must realize that running for a first down is a better play than forcing a throw into a tight window.
Jaguars fans should expect another teal and real victory in the Arizona desert. Hopefully the running game will get going early and often. Jacksonville should return home with their fifth consecutive victory.