Jacksonville Jaguars: Blueprint for victory vs. Steelers in Divisional Round
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Here is a blueprint to advance to the AFC Championship Game
The cinderella season continues for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. After winning at home last Sunday, Jacksonville faces the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. Since the Jaguars won in Week 5, here is a blueprint for another victory in Pittsburgh.
Jacksonville defeated Pittsburgh 30-9 earlier this season. The Jaguars defense intercepted five passes and returned two for touchdowns. Leonard Fournette accentuated the victory with a 90 yard touchdown run. In Week 5’s matchup, Brandon Linder did not play. DeDe Westbrook was still on the injured reserve list. Marcell Dareus was playing for Buffalo since the Jaguars had not obtained him yet.
Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report reported on Ben Roethlisberger’s thoughts about playing the Jaguars again:
"“Any game that we are going to play anybody is going to be a difficult opponent,” Roethlisberger said … “For me personally, I’d love to prove that five interceptions wasn’t me in that game.”"
In response to Roethlisberger, Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports shared A.J. Bouye’s comments:
"“Be careful what you wish for,” said cornerback A.J. Bouye … “This is what he wanted, so this is what he is going to get.”"
How will the Jaguars approach the game? Will they be able to play in the cold weather? Will this young team be able to handle the pressure if they are behind and need a late fourth quarter comeback to win?
Jacksonville must set the tone for the game. The Jaguars must control the line of scrimmage both offensively and defensively. Blake Bortles must be given a wall of protection to throw effective passes. If under pressure, bad Bortles throws to the wrong jerseys.
Leonard Fournette rushed for 181 yards in October. Fournette must be utilized in the running game and as a receiver due to his athleticism. Since Pittsburgh will not have Ryan Shazier, Jacksonville needs to split Fournette out to exploit any matchup.
Although Roethlisberger threw five interceptions in Week 5, he was sacked just twice. The Jaguars have to rattle his confidence by putting constant pressure on him. There must be a creative way to bring blitzes from unpredictable areas of the field.
Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are the main offensive weapons for Pittsburgh. Jalen Ramsey is more than capable of blanketing Brown. Bell must be contained all game long. Again, Jacksonville must control the line of scrimmage on defense.
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Finally, Jacksonville has to score touchdowns. Field goals may suffice temporarily but scoring touchdowns will put the game away. The Jaguars offense has to find the end zone early and often by any means necessary to win.
Remember in 2007, Jacksonville defeated Pittsburgh 29-22. Then, they beat Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs 31-29. Let’s hope history repeats itself!