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5 Storylines to Watch: Steelers vs. Jaguars

By Lorenzino Estrada

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 11: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 11: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars face the Pittsburgh Steelers for the third time in a little over a year at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday.

In what seems to be a long time ago — but was actually in the calendar year 2018 — the Jacksonville Jaguars rolled their way to the AFC Championship after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 45-42, their second time beating the team in the 2017-2018 season.

Ten months later, the Jaguars are a shell of their 2017-selves, standing at 3-6 and in sole place of last in the AFC South. Meanwhile, after a slow start, the Steelers are 6-2-1 and rolling.

Flexed from Sunday Night Football, the Jaguars and Steelers are set for a long-awaited rematch. Fans of Black and Teal should be mindful of these storylines.

Can The B.O.A.T. Do It Again? – As much as fans might be used to it, QB Blake Bortles can’t be blamed for last Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The consistently-inconsistent Bortles actually showed up, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns with a passer rating of 111.7.

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Bortles will be looking for a repeat effort against the Steelers, who are giving up a bottom-half 245.3 yards per game. Now if only those receivers can hang onto the ball. If you haven’t already, check out why I believe the Jaguars should draft ASU’s, N’Keal Harry.

Protect the B.O.A.T. – The 2018 season hasn’t been kind to the Jaguars’ offensive line, as both LT Cam Robinson and C Brandon Linder went down with season-ending injuries. The team is currently on its fourth left tackle, Ereck Flowers — who was on the Giants when the season started. Going into Sunday’s game the Jaguars will have only two healthy offensive linemen, LG Andrew Norwell, and RT Jermey Parnell.

The Jaguars’ beat up offensive line will also be going up against an unfavorable matchup against the Steelers’ pass rush led by Cameron Hayward and T.J. Watt. The Steelers are tied for the third most sacks in the NFL with 31. If the Jaguars can’t protect Bortles, it could be a long day.

All Aboard the Fournette Train – The Jaguars’ coaching staff showed no hesitation or concern with RB Leonard Fournette last week, as the Jaguars’ workhorse back toted the rock 24 times for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Fournette also caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. The former 2017 fourth overall pick played phenomenal in his two career games against the Steelers, combining for 290 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Jacksonville’s offense is a different beast with Fournette on the field and the team will look to control the game tempo with their bruiser in the backfield.

Stop James Conner – James Conner has made the entire Steelers organization forget about Le’Veon Bell in no time, potentially proving to be the Steelers’ bell cow for years to come. Conner is currently the third highest rusher in the league with 771 yards and also ninth in receiving yards among running backs with 387 yards.

Conner’s dual-threat ability will be troublesome for the Jaguars’ 19th ranked rushing defense, but stopping the Steelers running game will force Ben Roethlisberger into obvious passing situations, and fans of the Black and Teal know all too well what comes from that.

Can The Secondary Rebound? – The Jaguars’ defense is also having a tough year, due in part to offensive struggles and poor coaching. But, the secondary will finally have CB’s Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye and D.J. Hayden out on the field together, which should provide an immediate boost for a turnover-hungry team.

The Steelers have lit up the scoreboard recently, but Roethlisberger’s nightmares could still be centered around the Jaguars’ talented group of cornerbacks. Despite their struggles, the Jaguars’ biggest strength is their secondary, and forcing Roethlisberger into multiple passing attempts will be advantageous to the secondary.

Next. Jaguars vs. Steelers: Three bold predictions. dark

History shows that Jaguars cornerbacks have the advantage.

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