Playoff Cheer: Pats Need To Seal Deal Vs. Jags

Overview:  It’s pretty easy for the Patriots, win and clinch the AFC East/playoff berth. However, this game will not be a cake walk by any means. The Jacksonville Jaguars are fighting for their playoff lives. This matchup will have a playoff atmosphere this weekend in Foxboro.

Last Week:  New England (9-5) finally won on the road with a 17-10 victory over division rival Buffalo. Tom Brady was off his game, throwing for only 115 yards but 70 of those yards were to Randy Moss. Moss also scored a highlight touchdown at the back of the end zone. Moss is back.

The running game led by Laurence Maroney and the defense made the tough plays at crucial times. Buffalo also shot themselves in the foot with 11 penalties. The Dolphins and Jets lost to give New England a two game lead in the AFC East.

Jacksonville (7-7) gave the undefeated Colts all they could handle on Thursday night. Maurice Jones Drew rushed for 110 yards (1 td) and David Garrard had a productive game throwing for 223 yard, 3 tds and one very costly interception.

The Jaguars defense couldn’t hold on at the end. Peyton Manning hit Reggie Wayne for the winning touchdown for a 35-31 win and stayed undefeated.

All-Time Series:  The Patriots and Jaguars will meet for the ninth time overall. Jacksonville has not won in Foxboro (0-6) and hasn’t beat New England since the 1999 playoffs.

Their last meeting was in the divisional round of the playoffs in January 2008. New England prevailed 31-20 on route to the team’s fourth Super Bowl appearance of the decade.

Key Questions:

New England:  Can Patriots close the deal?

The Patriots have their playoff fates in their own hands. Now they need to close the deal and secure the AFC East title. With a win on Sunday, New England can rest their battered starters next week against Houston.

Jacksonville: Can the Jaguars pull the upset?

The Jaguars gave the Colts all they could handle, but fell short. Jacksonville is in a must win situation. They need to play with desperation and playoff like tenacity.

They must get to Brady even though they have only recorded 14 sacks on the season.  On the offensive side of the ball, the Jags need to give the Patriots a heavy dose of Pocket Hercules (Maurice Jones-Drew).

Players To Watch:

New England Patriots: The Front Seven

The Patriots front seven will have their hands full with Maurice Jones Drew. The cannonball like runner will attempt to pound New England and add to his 15 rushing scores. The Patriots hope to have Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork back in the lineup this week. They need to clog up the running lanes for MJD.

The Patriots must shut down the Jacksonville running game and have David Garrard try to beat them. Be careful what you wish for, Garrard had a strong game last week.

Jacksonville Jaguars:  Maurice Jones Drew

Pocket Hercules needs to have a good game this week. He had a very strong first half against the Colts last week, but didn’t do much in the remainder of the game as Indy took control. He must stay consistent and keep the pressure on the Patriots front seven.  The Jaguars need to eat the clock and keep Brady off the field.

Predictions: Patriots by 20

New England still has something to prove. They must have a dominant performance at home against a desperate team. The Patriots must wrap up the AFC East this week. Beat up starters like Tom Brady needs rest leading up to the playoffs.

They don’t want to go to Houston next week against an explosive Texans team. A loss this week could spell doom for the Patriots playoff hopes.

Its time for the Pats to do their “job” and they will this week against Jacksonville.

Final Score: Patriots 30, Jaguars 10

Joe Gill is a featured blogger for Boston Sports Then and Now.