San Diego Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: What's the Game Plan for Jaguars?

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) take on the San Diego Chargers (2-8) in what should be a proper test for both sides of the ball. The Chargers' record is misleading, and they'll be a team that will be more than competitive on Sunday.

If the Jaguars want to prove their legitimacy this season, it will require a win on Sunday. It would put the Jaguars at 5-6 on the season while also giving them a third consecutive win, something they haven't done since 2010.

As the season has progressed, the Jaguars have slowly done what's needed to earn respect on a national level. But there are still plenty of questions, and they'll look to positively answer those on Sunday.

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

It will require execution from the offense, defense and special teams. The Chargers haven't racked up a whole lot of wins this season, but they have talent everywhere. The Jaguars have yet to display a complete performance, and Sunday would be the perfect time to start.

Offensive Game Plan

While the entire team needs to perform on Sunday, the most important aspect will be the offense. Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers will have success as he's done throughout the season, and it will be on QB Blake Bortles and the offense to keep up.

Establishing a balanced attack early will help Bortles perform close to how he did for the majority of the Tennessee Titans game, and opening up space for rookie running back T.J. Yeldon will continue an impressive first year, as seen below. 

Yards	Yards per carry	Touchdowns	Receiving Yards	Rec TDs
585	4.0	1	153	1

Bortles should, and will, look to involve all of his weapons whether it's wide receiver Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson or tight end Julius Thomas. And with wideouts Bryan Walters and Rashad Greene also at his disposal, he should have no issue spreading the ball around.

The Chargers don't have a spectacular secondary, so they'll look to force passing errors with a constant pass rush. The Jaguars need to utilize screens and quick passes to combat that and to keep the Chargers defense on its toes.

As a whole, the offense has to show competence in the red zone. The past few games have been nearly comical inside the 20, and if they want to take the next step as a team, finishing drives is crucial.

Defensive Game Plan

It will be a difficult day for the Jaguars' worst section of the defense, the secondary. While corners Davon House and Aaron Colvin have performed admirably this season, they will have to carry the dead weight of their teammates.

"

CB Aaron Colvin registered his 4th sack of the season, the most by a @Jaguars DB since 2000 (franchise record by DB is 5.0 by Aaron Beasley)

— Tad Dickman (@Tdickman89) November 20, 2015"

Rivers should have a pretty successful day, but shutting down his slot options as well as his top target receiver, Stevie Johnson, would do considerable damage to their attack. Mix in a decent pass rush like we saw against the Titans, and they'll limit Rivers to the best of their abilities.

An indirect way of containing that offense as well will be consistent stoppage of running back Melvin Gordon and the run. The Jaguars have held opposing rushing attacks to 3.4 yards a carry this season, the best in the NFL. Continuing that trend will keep the Chargers one-dimensional and predictable.

As they've been all season, it'll be on linebackers Telvin Smith and Paul Posluszny to moderate the defense and make big plays. They've been the difference-makers in the front seven as of late, and along with safety Johnathan Cyprien, they'll be the plugs to seal up the Chargers offense.

The defense has a tall order, but it's not a complex one. Handling business where they should will allow them more chances to force turnovers and contain Rivers, which are the top two priorities on the day.

While the Jaguars are deserved favorites for this game, they will definitely need to prove that they can handle a quarterback like Rivers. Meanwhile, the offense has to overcome red-zone incompetence and general inconsistency.

It's officially time to win. The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts are starting to make their late-season pushes, and the Jaguars have to look at each remaining game with a "must-win" mentality. 

Continuing the win streak and gaining confidence is what this team needs to make a serious push for the AFC South title. San Diego won't be an easy opponent, but it's one the Jaguars need to defeat to move forward.

What do you think? Answer the poll and comment below!

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.