Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Divisional Round preview
By Billy Long
The Jaguars will win if…
…they get a game-changing play by the defense or special teams
The story of the first meeting this season between the teams was interceptions, specifically two that were returned for touchdowns by Telvin Smith and Barry Church, respectively. Before the back-to-back pick-six’s happened, the Jaguars were down 9-7 in the third quarter. But after the scores, Jacksonville completely took the game over, continuing to stifle Pittsburgh and putting up ten more points on offense in the 30-9 rout. The picks were the pendulum that shifted the game in favor of the Jaguars, and Jacksonville never looked back.
On Sunday, the Jaguars are going to need that kind of takeover play by the defense or special teams. Something that flips the game and turns all the momentum in Jacksonville’s advantage. A crucial turnover, a big return, a special teams fake, etc. Just a clutch play that gives the Jaguars an extra possession or points on the board.
Jacksonville has been opportunists all season long. From defensive scores to fake punts for large chunks of yardage, the Jaguars have thrived on game-changing plays. Against the Steelers, in what should be a tight game all the way through, making another momentum-shifting play could very well be the spark that steals the upset win for Jacksonville.