For the seventh straight year, and the twelfth time in sixteen seasons, the New England Patriots are heading to the AFC Championship Game. As they prepare for Sunday’s showdown in Foxboro, Full Press Patriots provides a look at their opponents, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Scouting Report:
Offense Rank: 5th in points per game (26.1 per game); 6th in yards per game (365.9 per game);
1st in rush yards per game (141.4 per game); 17th in pass yards per game (224.6 per game)
Defense Rank: 2nd in points allowed (16.8 per game); 2nd in yards allowed (286.1 yards per game);
21st in rush defense (116.2 per game); 1st in pass yards per game (169.9 per game)
Key Offensive Players: Blake Bortles QB, Leonard Fournette RB, Marquise Lee WR, Dede Westbrook WR, Keelan Cole WR, Marcedes Lewis TE
Key Defensive Players: Malik Jackson DT, Calais Campbell DE, Yannick Ngakoue DE, Jalen Ramsey CB, A.J. Bouye CB, Telvin Smith LB
Why this is a good matchup for the Patriots:
The Patriots and Jaguars did not play in the 2017 regular season, but there is some reason to believe this could be a favorable matchup for the Patriots. New England is slowly getting healthier. With Rex Burkhead and Alan Branch returning to practice, that means Mike Gillislee is the only injured player who didn’t practice.
The Patriots also have a diverse set of weapons that should be able to take advantage of matchups that favor them. Obviously, it is not ideal to challenge A.J. Bouye or Jalen Ramsey if you do not have an obvious window, but Rob Gronkowski over the middle of the field, as well as isolating James White, Dion Lewis, and Rex Burkhead on linebackers should give the Patriots enough room to move the ball.

And although the passing game is normally the Patriots bread and butter, the key to beating the Jaguars may be in the rushing attack. The Jaguars have by the far number one passing defense in the NFL allowing about 22 yards less per game than the second place Vikings, but they rank just 21st in the NFL in rush defense. Conversely, the Patriots rush offense is 10th in the NFL, led by outstanding run blockers in Nate Solder and Shaq Mason.
This is just another example of how diverse and multiple the Patriots offense is and how they can take advantage of any small advantage. Another note is that Jaguars usually explosive returner Jordan Mickens has had trouble making clean catches on returns, something you can bet special teams coordinator Joe Judge and veteran Matthew Slater have noted in film sessions.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Why this is a bad matchup for the Patriots:
This one is simple. The Jaguars do everything that has given the Patriots fit over the years. They have a strong man-to-man corner play on the outside that allows them to leave the corners one on one without help, they can get pressure with four-man and even some three-man rushes, they have a fast, athletic linebacker crew, and on offense, they control the ball with a power run game.
If the prognosticators are correct, it will most likely be a low scoring game. There would be a tremendous amount of pressure put on the Patriots defense that has given up yards but has tightened up in the red zone. However, the Jaguars have one of the strongest red zone offenses in the NFL, ranking second in the NFL by scoring touchdowns on 64.7 percent of the drives in the red zone.
The Patriots have a tough matchup on their hands as the Jaguars head up to Foxboro. For a team that has had trouble separating on the outside, there is a good chance this offense may struggle to move the ball.
Key Matchup: Patriots offensive line vs Jaguars defensive line
Although this section is usually reserved for a specific in-game matchup, the battle in the trenches is the one that will most likely tip the scales against the Patriots or for the Patriots. The Patriots offensive line has been solid against the run but is the worst ranked team in the playoff field as far as offensive pass blocking efficiency, while the Jaguars are 2nd in sacks with 55 sacks. Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue both represent challenging matchups for an offensive line that will need to gives the receivers as much time as possible considering the skill and physicality of the Jaguars cornerbacks.

In the run game, the Patriots getting to the second level and attacking linebackers and corners will be critical to controlling the ball and moving the ball. If they can do that, the play action pass should be available over the middle of the field.
Favorability scale (1 being ‘stay away’ / 5 being ‘neutral’ / 10 being ‘Mr. Kraft should fly them here himself’
4– The Jaguars as stated above possess all the traits of teams that have had the number of the Patriots over the years. The cornerback play, pass rush and a potential ability to control the clock with the run game represent a dangerous matchup for a team that has had trouble getting their receivers to separate from man to man coverage over the course of the season.
However, one can’t help but feel the Patriots defense that finished fifth in points allowed per game at 18.5 points per game, would be more than able to hold their own against a quarterback in Blake Bortles who has committed 16 turnovers this year. In this scenario look for the Patriots to make the Jaguars put the ball in Bortles’ hands and make him read the defense and make some throws in tight windows.
Belichick and Patricia have a lot of pressure to come up with a solid game plan. However, they are at home. The Patriots should be able to put up enough points to make the Jaguars uncomfortable and have to put the ball in Bortles’ hands.
–David Albiani is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @david_albiani
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of actor Ray Liotta, the Warriors Game 5 […]
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Ian and John react to the tragic school shooting in Texas. In addition, […]
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they […]
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the […]
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 184 "Sasha and Naomi"by Boot 2 The Face on May 26, 2022 at 1:01 am
Marty and Rucker are back talking about the hottest topic in wrestling, […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
Battle of Alberta Comes To An End; Goal or No Goal... History Repeats itself for Calgary?by Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 5:25 pm
-
Ep 132: Packers Fan Series with Jamie NoLastNameby Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 8:08 pm
-
Which Professional Athlete Would You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 3:00 pm
-
Ep. 254: The Mo Showby Full Press Coverage on May 26, 2022 at 2:57 am
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
-
Mavericks Avoid Elimination; Celtics Head To Miamiby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 8:26 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am