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New York Jets: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

By Michael Pallas

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson , shown last season against the Arizona Cardinals, intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in the first quarter Saturday night. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson , shown last season against the Arizona Cardinals, intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in the first quarter Saturday night. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms up prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms up prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Week 4: at Jacksonville

The Jaguars are the second of three consecutive weeks where the Jets face a non-division opponent from the 2017 schedule. Last season’s Jacksonville game ended in jubilation for the Jets and heartbreak for the Jaguars.

After fighting back to tie the game and force overtime, and fighting tooth and nail in the overtime period, Jacksonville gave up the game-winning field goal with 28 seconds left.

Much of the Jaguars defense returns. Along with the Eagles, according to Pro Football Focus (Subscription Required), the Jaguars were one of two teams to be a top-10 pass rush and pass coverage team in the NFL. This will be the best defense that Sam Darnold faces in 2018.

For the first time all season, Darnold will be confused by the coverage (93.9 PFF grade in 2017 regular season) and the pass rush (85.7 PFF grade in 2017; No. 1 in the NFL). He will be sacked early and throw an interception.

However, he will bounce back and fight back. That said, it’ll just be a matter of timing, and it will be too little too late. The early mistakes and misfortune will cost the Jets the game as the defense will keep it close but to no avail.

Final Score

Jets 24, Jaguars 28

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