Jacksonville Jaguars: Keys to a Win in Sunday's Game vs. the Minnesota Vikings

It's hard to say that the first game of each NFL team's season is as important as the other 15 games it will play.

But the Jacksonville Jaguars, fresh off a 5-11 campaign, need to prove the progress shown on the field in the preseason will translate to improvements in games that count.

Yes, now it counts.

Now, the new-look Jaguars—with a new head coach, new receivers, what looks like a new starting quarterback and a new starter at running back (at least for now)—will trot out on the field against the Minnesota Vikings and try to make a statement in the dome.

Just an FYI, Minnesota was one of the worst teams in the NFL last season.

In other words, each of these teams has something to prove.

Because of the hype, the importance of getting off to a fast start and the fact division rival Houston comes to town the next week, this is a must-win for these Jaguars.

Here are some keys to getting a win on the road in Minnesota.

Establish the Run Game

Give the ball to Rashad Jennings early and often.

Doesn't that seem so odd to say?

Rashad Jennings has been named the starter for Week 1 of the season by Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey.

Look for the Jaguars to use him just as they would Maurice Jones-Drew, who will come in on third down and still give this team the boost it needs on the ground.

A lot of both running backs will wear down the Vikings rush defense.

Justin Blackmon Says Hello to the NFL

You could see the flashes of brilliance in his moves on the field during the preseason.

Justin Blackmon is the real deal.

And you could also see the confidence Blaine Gabbert has in getting the ball in the hands of the rookie sensation.

Now, let's see what he can do in a real game, with big-time defenders covering him.

A score or two in Blackmon's first regular-season game as a professional would speak volumes about the timing of Jacksonville's passing attack and would help keep defenses honest early in the season.

Staying Injury Free

Admittedly, the offensive line and tight-end positions have taken beatings this preseason.

Derek Cox is not a full strength, either, and his playing status for the opener is not yet known.

If the Jaguars are to compete this season and get off to a fast start, winning early and staying healthy must go hand in hand.

No Fear

The best thing for Blaine Gabbert would be to come out firing on all cylinders.

The second-year quarterback took a major step in the preseason and showed he has better mechanics and a better feel for the offense than he did as a rookie.

And now, he must prove it in the reality of the regular season.

New receivers like Blackmon and Laurent Robinson will help. The use of the tight end (Marcedes Lewis) should increase from that of last season.

Time Management

One of the rookie mistakes we saw with the Jaguars last season under Gabbert was poor clock management at the end of games, which contributed to losses at Cleveland, at Carolina and against Cincinnati.

This year, Gabbert needs to be sharper.

For him to walk into the huddle and have command of this team and this offense is crucial, if not the most important key to Jacksonville's success this season.

If we see a team trailing at the ends of games but pulling them out, then we will be seeing maturity.

If we see a team in disarray at the ends of games, then the Jaguars are doomed.

Continued Defensive Success

Nine starters return from last season's defense. They all will be counted on to produce as they did last season.

And then some.

Defensive ends Jeremy Mincey and Andre Branch will lead a pass rush that needs to show improvement in pursuit of the quarterback.

The defensive front needs to be the great wall it was last year stopping the run.

The linebackers, led by Paul Posluszny and Daryl Smith, need to continue to be stop-gaps.

And somehow, the secondary needs to prevent long scoring plays.

A tall order indeed.

A Bunch of Mularkey

Now we really get to see Mike Mularkey's offense and what it can do.

Can the team push the ball down the field? Can the running game balance the passing attack? Can MJD and Rashad Jenning get the job done? What happens to secondary receivers like Brian Robiskie and Cecil Shorts?

These are all questions that need to be answered.

The Jaguars are a team that could be 7-9 or 9-7 on the season.

This is the start of either of those runs.