Jaguars vs. Steelers: 4 Halftime Adjustments for Jacksonville

Well, that was ugly.

After being thoroughly outplayed in the first half, the Jags should consider themselves lucky to be down by just two scores, trailing by a 17-3 margin. They can thank Shuan Suisham's shaky leg for that.

Jacksonville isn't out of this game by any means, but it's going to take some serious changes to win this ballgame. Here's four ways they can get back in this one.

1. Keep Feeding MJD

The only way Jacksonville is going to win this game is by pounding the run. Fact of the matter is, MJD’s yards per carry really don’t matter, as long as they’re positive.  Gabbert’s just not going to dominate this game through the air. MJD has to do something on the ground to buy Gabbert a little more

2. More Pressure on Big Ben

Jacksonville just can’t afford to let Ben get comfortable in the pocket. Usually, Ben thrives making plays on the run. But with his injured foot not near 100 percent, he just can’t make the plays he usually can. Getting Roethlisberger out of the pocket is the only way to slow him and the Steelers down.

3. Take Shots Downfield

Unless MJD starts churning out yards, the Jags are going to continue having a lot of trouble sustaining drives. They really haven’t gotten into any kind of rhythm on offense. When all else fails, you’ve got to take a shot downfield. Who knows, it could be a quick 7 points for Jacksonville.

4. Stop the Big Play

Pittsburgh has had way too many big gains in this game. Mike Wallace has receptions of 48 and 28 yards, Hines Ward has a 19-yard catch, and Mendenhall broke a huge 68-yard run that set up a touchdown. If the Jags have any chance of pulling this one off, these types of plays just can’t happen in the second half.