The Jacksonville Jaguars are playing the New England Patriots at home in Week 3. With both teams 1-1 and presumed playoff contenders, both teams will be anxious to start the season with a winning record.
The Patriots easily defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, but struggled against the Seattle Seahawks
in Week 1. The Jaguars won decisively over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, but then lost in a fourth-quarter collapse to the Denver Broncos in Week 2.Both teams need a win. Here are five key matchups to watch.
Jaguars offensive line vs. Patriots defensive front
New England has had six sacks in its two games, with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore inside and young rushers Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder making plays. Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence was dramatically better from a clean pocket against
Denver than when he was under pressure, so the offensive line keeping him upright is likely the most important matchup of the game.
Jaguars WRs vs. Patriots CBs
New England has allowed just 166 passing yards per game, fifth-best in the NFL through the first two weeks, and while Jacksonville WR Parker Washington has been on fire, the rest of the receiving corps has been noticeably less so. Christian Gonzalez in particular is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and he will likely be going against Brian Thomas Jr., who has had a slow start to the season.
Jaguars pass rush vs. Patriots offensive line
Despite registering multiple sacks against Cleveland, Jacksonville had none against Denver, even with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker being among the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. New England, meanwhile, has struggled with its offensive line, and those struggles may only get worse with Mike Onwenu having suffered an ankle injury against Pittsburgh. The Jaguars' pass rush should be able to rebound with a better performance against the Patriots, but if not, it will raise some serious questions.
Jaguars linebackers/safeties vs. TE Hunter Henry
Henry has been one of Drake Maye's favorite targets, and containing him will be another test for the Jacksonville defense. The Jaguars' linebackers and safeties had some trouble defending the middle against Denver, so it will be on Foye Oluokun, Ventrell Miller, and Antonio Johnson to keep Maye from being able to get to Henry.
Bhayshul Tuten vs. Patriots run defense
Though Jacksonville had spoken of a committee-style approach in the running back room, Tuten has emerged as a clear RB1. It's already being suggested that the Jaguars lean on him even more against New England and utilize him as a true lead back, as they did with Travis Etienne. And while the Patriots have a strong defense overall, they are better against the pass than the run. If Jacksonville can establish Tuten and avoid putting Lawrence in obvious passing situations against the secondary and the pass rush, it could help neutralize one of the Patriots’ biggest strengths.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 5 key matchups to watch in Jaguars vs. Patriots in Week 3
