Saints vs. Jaguars: 4 Halftime Adjustments Jacksonville Must Make

The Jags knew a win today would be tough to come by. They're trotting out a rookie quarterback against one of the best teams in the league.

But as we have seen so far this season, nothing is ever determined before it starts. Jacksonville may be down right now, but they are far from out of this thing.

Here are four adjustments they need to make at half to give themselves a chance to win this game.

Run the Ball

You have a rookie quarterback starting, and as a team you have started the season with 100-yard rushing games in three straight games for the first time, but you don't run the ball even once for your first possession? Really?

The Jags need to give the ball to MJD and let him do his thing. Use Gabbert more sparingly for effect.

Contain the RBs

You're probably not going to have much success stopping Drew Brees, so at the very least, you need to stop the run.

And even if you keep them from running the ball, you've got to watch the RBs in the passing game.

So far in the first half, Sproles has had some big gains and is killing them on short screens. If he has a great game as well, you can kiss a chance at an upset goodbye.

Limit Your Mistakes

On MJD's first rushing attempt, the Jags botched the handoff. I know Gabbert hasn't gotten a lot of run so far and that mistakes will happen, but those will add up.

Jacksonville was also fortunate to recover their own fumble driving at the end of the first quarter, but they killed themselves with a holding penalty a play later that eventually led to a punt.

You have to limit your mistakes if you want to upset the Saints.

Get More Stops on Third Down

The Saints have only had four third downs so far, but they have converted three of them. You have to make these guys punt when you have the chance. At least the Jags got a big stop late in the first quarter when New Orleans was driving once again which led to a missed FG.

So, first things first, get them into more third downs and then get a stop when it matters.