Jacksonville Jaguars: Week 2 showdown figures to be a classic

In Week 2, the Jacksonville Jaguars host the New England Patriots. After January’s AFC Championship Game, this one should be an instant classic.

The Jacksonville Jaguars circled Week 2 when the NFL released the 2018 game schedules. Many Jaguars felt like the AFC Championship Game slipped from their grasp against the New England Patriots. Jacksonville hosts New England on Sunday. The Jaguars are focused and ready to get after the Patriots. “Myles Jack wasn’t down” has become the battle cry. Jacksonville is looking for some revenge.

Blake Bortles will have to execute the game plan, flawlessly. He should run upfield instead of trying to put the ball into a tight receiving window. If he panics and makes mistakes, Tom Brady will make Jacksonville pay. Bortles needs to be the field general leading the offense down the field.

Donte Moncrief must elevate his presence in the passing game. In New York, he caught one pass for 14 yards after being targeted with five pass attempts. More importantly, he did not knock down the pass intended for him that was ultimately intercepted.

All eyes are on Leonard Fournette. Will he play or will T.J. Yeldon get the bulk of the carries? It is very possible that Nathaniel Hackett deviates from the power running attack to a more West Coast style of offense.

If he does, Corey Grant will catch passes in the flats. Maybe Brandon Wilds is activated from the practice squad to allow him and Grant to line up in two back formations. Either way, Yeldon will get a big workload regardless of Fournette’s injury status.

In Week 1, the Patriots had three receivers catch 18-of-19 passes thrown their way. Rob Gronkowski caught seven out of eight passes for 123 yards. Jacksonville contain him and not let him run free.

Phillip Dorsett caught all seven passes for 66 yards. James Develin caught all four passes for 22 yards. The Jaguars secondary should be able to smother these two Patriots receivers.

The Jacksonville offense will want to run the game clock with long scoring drives. Keeping Brady off the field is an important key. Most of all, the Jaguars offensive line must control the point of attack.

This game will be a tough contested battle. Perhaps another defensive scoop and score is the difference in another Jacksonville victory. In this game, a win is a win, no matter how it happens. Enjoy the game, because it will be a classic.