Miami Dolphins vs Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 keys to the game

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Sep 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) brings down Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the second half at EverBank Field. The Panthers defeat the Jaguars 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

3. The offensive line must protect Blake Bortles

The Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line did a decent job of giving Blake Bortles time to throw during the first half of last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers and if they plan on winning they will need to do a lot more of that.

Jaguars offensive lineman Luke Joeckel suffered an injury in the second half of the game versus Carolina and that was a big reason why the offensive line struggled in the second half. Offensive lineman Sam Young played in the place of Luke Joeckel and he struggled to perform well. The pocket quickly collapsed on Bortles several times in the second half and it didn’t allow him to fully make his reads and get the ball out quickly.

When facing a defensive line that includes both Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh it’s a no brainer that if the offensive line does not perform well then the Jaguars won’t have a good chance to come out victorious. One thing that the Jaguars have struggled with in the past, is putting themselves in situations where they have to pass. When the Jaguars are forced to pass it makes the offense very predictable and it allows the defensive to take more risks at blitzing the quarterback.

The Jaguars will have their work cut out for them this Sunday when they host the Dolphins but if they are able to run the ball effectively, get pressure on Ryan Tannehill and protect Blake Bortles from pressure then I see no reason why they can’t get their first win of the season.

Next: Marqise Lee returning could help the Jaguars offense?

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