San Diego Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 keys
By Justin Moore
2. Rush the passer
Nov 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jared Odrick (right) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (left) in the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars did a solid job of pressuring the quarterback in last weeks matchup against Tennessee and they will get a lot of chances to improve on that performance in today’s game. The Chargers enter this contest averaging 310.6 passing yards per game which is the third highest in the NFL. San Diego has to be looking at the Jaguars pass defense as a favorable matchup, Jacksonville currently gives up the eight most passing yards per game at 262.8. If the Jaguars want to contain Phillip Rivers and this dangerous passing offense then they will need to pressure him early and often.
The injury of Sen’Derrick Marks certainly hurts Jacksonville in the pass rushing department but there are still plenty of players who could potentially make plays for the Jags. Jared Odrick, Ryan Davis, Andre Branch, and Aaron Colvin were the Jaguars who brought down Mariota in last weeks contest and if the Jags want to slow down Rivers then they will need to have a performance similar to last week. Look for the Jaguars to get after the quarterback with many different players in an effort to catch Phillip Rivers off guard because if they don’t then they could be exposed through the passing attack.
Next: Force Turnovers