The key to the game for the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense in Week 3 against New England seems to hinge on the run game and Bhayshul Tuten.
Without a steady run game to lean on, the Jaguars' offense is going to find itself in some very difficult long down-and-distance scenarios.
It's in these situations that offenses can become pass-heavy and predictable, which is not going to be a recipe for success against a stingy New England defense.
In the middle of the Patriots' front are Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, one of the more disruptive interior pass-rush duos through two games this season. And last week, the Jaguars' interior offensive line unit struggled against a very good Denver front.
The England secondary, meanwhile, features Christian
Gonzalez and, as a collective unit, ranks fourth in yards per pass attempt allowed.
So to best avoid being in those disadvantageous situations, the Jaguars need the run game to get going. Doing so will keep the offense ahead of the sticks, which can open up the playbook for Liam Coen and the pass game for Trevor Lawrence.
Tuten has proven to be effective with the ball in his hands, but this may have to be a game where the Jaguars give him more opportunities.
Moving the ball on the ground still won't guarantee success overall against the Patriots defense, but it will give the Jaguars a better chance of moving the ball consistently and finding the end zone.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Key for Jaguars offense v. Patriots relies heavily on one player
