Running Backs are Key to Victory in Week 2

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) goes after Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field.The Green Bay Packers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) goes after Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field.The Green Bay Packers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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The passing offense stood out in week 1 ending the day with a total of 320 passing yards. However the running game didn’t get off to such a stellar start. With the team headed into San Diego this week the running backs will be the key to the first win of the season.

Recent history against the San Diego Chargers hasn’t exactly fared well for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since 2003 Jacksonville is 2-6 against the team; including a recent 4 game losing streak. Will this be the week the jags turn it around?

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Led by

Darius Philon

,

Brandon Mebane

and

Corey Liuget

the chargers run defense that gave up 83 yards to the chiefs last week. The Chargers run defense have talented linebackers in

Melvin Ingram

and Jeremiah Attaochu behind the big men up front to fill the gaps. It’s a tall task but if the jags can establish the run game it should ware down the chargers pass rush.

T.J. Yeldon carried the workload during week 1.  He ran the ball 26 times for an average of 1.9 and a total of 48 yards also scoring once. Yes the team is missing Chris Ivory and I wish him a speedy recovery. However Yeldon is more than able to carry the workload. Speedy backs Denard Robinson and Cory Grant are the other active running backs on the roster. Robinson and Yeldon have a combined total of 84 yards against the Chargers. The tandem will have to do better this time around in order to keep the chargers defense off balance.

Another factor in the slow start with the running game was the Jags offensive line. The line will need to play better in order to open up gaps for the backs. Look for Luke Joeckel and Kelvin Beachum to solidify the left side of the line as their chemistry grows.

Getting the running game going will be an important factor in this game. It keeps the defense honest and will not only open up the passing game but also to keep Philip Rivers off the field. If the Jaguars want to get a win on the west coast it will start with the running game.