Jacksonville Jaguars: Three Keys to a Victory Over the New York Jets

If the Jacksonville Jaguars hope to beat the New York Jets this Sunday from TIAA Bank Field, these three things must happen.

If history is any indication of how the Jacksonville Jaguars will play on Sunday, then things are looking brighter at TIAA Bank Field.

"According to the team’s public relations department, “In games played immediately following a loss under Head Coach Doug Marrone (since Dec. 19, 2016), the Jaguars are 7-1 with a +128-point differential (including the postseason).“The Jaguars are 3-0 in home games played following a loss during Marrone’s tenure. In 2017, Jacksonville responded with a 44-7 win against Baltimore in Week 3 after its first loss of the season.”"

The Jaguars were on the losing end of a 23-20 game in overtime last season against these New York Jets. Plenty has changed in the past year, with a rookie quarterback now under center in the Big Apple and New York’s starting tight end last season now wearing black and teal. There are still things the Jaguars must be aware of, looking to win the final game of the first quarter of the 2018 season.

If Jacksonville does beat the Jets in the last of three straight home games, it would mark the first time the Jaguars had won three games in September for the first time since 2004 and begin the season 3-1 for the first time since 2007. Those are lofty goals, but none that cannot be conquered.

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If the Jaguars are to win on Sunday, these three things must happen.

Improve the Anemic Offense

Many of the issues for the Jaguars can be cured with a consistent running game. That means Leonard Fournette or T.J. Yeldon or both must play on Sunday. Corey Grant is a nice change of pace back. Jacksonville must find ways to once again let the running game set up the pass.

The Jaguars had 305 yards of offense in Week 1 against the New York Giants then busted out for 481 yards of offense against the New England Patriots. Last week, the Jaguars could only muster 232 yards of offense in the loss to Tennessee.

This weekend, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett must find a balance between Week 1 and 2 for this team to win.

Also, this team must develop amnesia and not allow last week’s struggles cloud their play. Everyone appears to be on the same page, preaching it’s time to move forward.

Words are great, but actions are even better.

Stop the Run

Tennessee’s running game racked up 150 yards rushing last week. Last year, the Jets ran over the Jaguars, with 256 yards on the ground. That cannot happen again this game.

Jacksonville has Marcell Dareus this time, a player who was acquired during the Bye Week last season. Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire are back for another crack at this defense. The Jets racked up 471 yards in total offense last season.

Malik Jackson has played some of the best football of his career this season. Yannick Ngakoue looked strong in run coverage last week.

This is a better run defense than last season, but the unit must play better with rookie Sam Darnold playing, the run game will be important to establish the Jets offense.

Let Blake Bortles throw the football

A local sports radio talk show host said two weeks ago he wanted to see “Playoff” Blake Bortles in the game against the New England Patriots. He got his wish. The difference between Bortles play from Week 2 to Week 3 is night and day.

Hackett must once again find a way to allow his quarterback to sling the football around the yard to open running lanes for the running backs.

The Jets gave up 323 yards of offense last week to the Cleveland Browns while managing to gain 268 on their own. Jacksonville should manage the clock but once again open the playbook for Bortles and his cast of wide receivers.