Jacksonville Jaguars: Keys to escaping New York with road victory

The Jacksonville Jaguars open their 2018 NFL slate against the New York Giants. Here is how the Jaguars get the victory.

After letting the AFC Championship game slip away, the Jacksonville Jaguars are more hungrier than ever. The Jaguars defense is primed and ready to play this Sunday against the New York Giants on the road. Expect a close game but the better defense will be the determining factor.

Much has been speculated about the upcoming Jalen Ramsey matchup against Odell Beckham, Jr. Do not forget about the A.J. Bouye-Sterling Shepard tussle down field. The Jaguars have the better secondary and should prevail.

Last year, the Jaguars secondary finished first in the NFL for pass defense. Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post ranks Ramsey and Bouye as the NFL’s top cornerback duos. The Jaguars will be able to contain the Giants receivers without giving up the big play.

Telvin Smith and Myles Jack will have to play close attention to Saquon Barkley. Barkley is a very good  back that is able to take it to the house on any given play. Smith is speedy enough to cover him on pass routes out of the backfield. Jack will anchor the middle and shut down Barkley from trying to find the cut back running lanes.

Most of all, the Jaguars front four on defense must pressure Eli Manning. Jacksonville had 55 sacks in 2017. Yannick Ngakoue will lead the way in smothering Manning. Together with Calais Campbell, the Jaguars should be able to control the line of scrimmage.

Offensively, Blake Bortles has a direct order to eliminate all turnovers. Doug Marrone is on record of expressing a zero tolerance for turnovers. John Reid of Jacksonville.com reported the following:

"“Zero turnovers,” Marrone said on Monday when asked what he wants to see most from Bortles this season. “I mean really, and I say that … When you turn the ball over, it’s hard to win football games.”"

Bortles must play within himself and the gameplay. If there is not an open receiver, how the ball away or run upfield. Turnovers happen when Bortles tries to throw into tight windows.

The Jaguars will win this game in an old fashion, grind-it-out running attack. Short crossing routes will help move the chains. The Jaguars offensive line will wear out the Giants defensive front.