Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets: Full Jacksonville Game Preview
After a nice week of rest, the Jacksonville Jaguars are back in action with an important road game against the New York Jets. This is another winnable game for the Jaguars, but it's fair to say that it won't be an easy test.
The Jets are 4-3, but have played teams like the New England Patriots close and handled worse opponents with ease. The Jaguars are most definitely underdogs here, and it's mostly thanks to that fact.
However, the Jaguars' recent win over the Buffalo Bills may have caused a shift in gears. Although they came very close, the Jaguars did not throw the game away and were able to get a valuable win in London.
A win in New Jersey would put the season in a completely different perspective. The Jaguars would be 3-5, tied in the division with the Houston Texans and probably above the Indianapolis Colts, who have a very tough opponent in the Denver Broncos.
Another big opportunity awaits the Jaguars this Sunday in the race for the AFC South title, and a win would be a huge step forward in this season.
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Local)
Week 7 Results and Recap
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The Jaguars made their third trip to London in Week 7 to face the Buffalo Bills in what was expected to be a relatively close contest. While the Jaguars were 1-5 coming in, the Bills' injury issues had somewhat leveled the playing field.
The Jaguars had an enormous second quarter, scoring 27 points thanks to three huge turnovers, two of which were returned for touchdowns. The Jaguars wreaked havoc on Bills quarterback EJ Manuel, and they quickly jumped out to a 27-3 lead.
The Bills made it 27-13 before halftime, and there were concerns that the Jaguars may not have the composure to maintain their lead. Those concerns rang true, and with five minutes left, the Bills scored on a pick-six off of QB Blake Bortles to take a 31-27 lead.
But the Jaguars offense roared back to drive down the field and score a game-winning touchdown through a 31-yard strike from Bortles to wide receiver Allen Hurns.
The Jaguars earned a much-needed win in London and improved to 2-5. Facing another AFC East opponent this weekend, the Jaguars will hope to improve their record against that division to 3-1.
News and Notes
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Telvin Smith Wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 7
Linebacker Telvin Smith scored the first defensive touchdown of his career in the 34-31 win over the Bills, and his all-around incredible day earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award, as reported by NBC Sports' Darin Gantt.
Smith's electric performance was nothing new for Jaguars fans, but this was the first time that it materialized into something vital to the game. His pick-six turned the game on its head in the second quarter and kept the momentum in their favor.
It's not often you see a fifth-round selection make an impact like Smith has, but the Jaguars may have struck gold on the former Florida State Seminole.
Jaguars Record Outside Division Best in the AFC South
The AFC South only has four wins outside the division, and the Jaguars own two of them with their wins over the Bills and Miami Dolphins. The Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans own the other two, each winning over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Jaguars haven't won in their two divisional games against the Texans and Indianapolis Colts, but earning nondivisional wins against equal, if not better quality opponents gives some hope that the Jaguars can defeat their AFC South rivals in the second half of the season.
If the Jaguars can win this Sunday, it would be a serious statement. Dropping the Jets to 4-4 would likely be the best win anyone in the AFC South has had all season.
Latest Injury Report
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| Player | Position | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| James Sample | S | Shoulder |
| Julius Thomas | TE | Abdomen |
| Josh Evans | S | Groin |
| Zane Beadles | G | Foot |
| Rashad Greene | WR | Thumb |
| Allen Hurns | WR | Ankle/Thigh |
| Marqise Lee | WR | Hamstring |
(All injury information courtesy of Jaguars.com.)
The Jaguars saw two players on its injury report practice in full Wednesday, with tight end Julius Thomas and wide receiver Rashad Greene going on all cylinders. While Thomas looks promising to play this Sunday, Greene is going to be on injured reserve designated to return for another two weeks, despite being back to good health.
WR Allen Hurns and safety James Sample practiced in a limited fashion, likely waiting to practice in full until later in the week, if at all. Both seem likely to play this weekend.
Guard Zane Beadles, S Josh Evans and WR Marqise Lee did not practice Wednesday, and it seems unlikely that Evans and Lee will be healthy enough for this weekend. Beadles, on the other hand, will probably be healthy enough for Sunday.
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Key Matchups
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Defensive Pass Rush vs. Jets Offensive Line
The Jets have only allowed seven sacks on the season, averaging out to one per game. That's a pretty good start to the season, and considering the Jaguars' inability to get to the QB so far this season, it could be a comfortable day for Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The pass rush has been stressed each week, and it's no different this week. If the Jaguars want to force turnovers and make big plays like they did in London, it starts with pressuring Fitzpatrick and causing mistakes.
This will be a tough test for the defensive front, but if they can build off Week 7 and get past their stagnant pass rush, it will make the jobs of the linebackers and secondary much easier.
"The A-Team" vs. Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie
WRs Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have done some magnificent things this season, and their consistency and ability to step in when the other is struggling has given Bortles solid options throughout the season.
However, they'll be going up against the Jets corner tandem of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie hasn't been as good this season as in years past, but the duo will still be a tough test for the young WRs.
Hurns and Robinson will need to be on their game for four quarters Sunday, because if you give either Revis or Cromartie a chance to bully you, they will certainly do it. It's the first time all season that both have distinguished opponents, and it should result in an entertaining matchup.
X-Factor: Bryan Walters
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WR Bryan Walters will enter Sunday as the Jaguars' third receiver, but he may end up leading the team in receptions considering the aforementioned battles that Hurns and Robinson have.
Walters has been a great addition this season, consistently catching the ball and creating separation to earn first downs. He's not an explosive player, but he's a guy Bortles can turn to often to move the chains and progress down the field.
The Jaguars will need a balanced attack, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them turn to the air as the game progresses, as they've done previously this season. That'll mean more time for Walters, and if the Jaguars need to move the ball late, having him on the field will be a major asset.
Walters is proving himself to be a useful receiver despite his size and the teammates around him. Sunday will require a collective effort from the receiver group, and Walters will face that task head-on in New Jersey.
Final Prediction: Jaguars 20, Jets 28
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The Jaguars are rolling into Sunday with some momentum and confidence after their London win, but it will likely not be enough. The Jets have played incredible defense this season, and the Jaguars will probably struggle to establish a balanced attack.
The Jets are ranked first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and seventh in passing yards allowed. The Jaguars have struggled to find balance more often than not this season, and doing that against a defense like the Jets will be an even bigger task.
However, the defense should be able to keep the game in reach for a large part of the game. While Fitzpatrick has done well with WRs Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, the Jaguars' recent defensive display against the Bills could carry over to this weekend.
The Jaguars aren't quite at the level to beat the Jets yet, but a solid, competitive performance with minimal mistakes would be a good effort to take into Week 10 and the rest of the season.
This weekend isn't where the Jaguars have to pick up a win. Putting in a respectable performance against a good and talented team can carry the positive attitude apparent after the Week 7 win, and that's not a bad result on the road against the Jets.
Final Prediction: Jaguars 20, Jets 28
All stats provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.
Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.
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