Location: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Time/Watch: 4:25 PM/CBS
Matchup to watch: Rob Gronkowski vs. Jaguars defense
It feels like it wasn’t that long ago that we were all talking about this matchup in the AFC Championship. To be specific, many were talking about Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey matching up against Gronk.
This matchup seemed to be won by Ramsey and the rest of the secondary. The matchup, however, prematurely ended when Gronkowski took a brutal hit from Jaguars safety Barry Church, forcing Gronk to be taken out of the game.
Before the injury, Gronkowksi failed to make an impact as he only managed to have 1 reception for 21 yards.
Watch for this matchup to be showcased once again. Especially after the comments made last month by Jalen Ramsey:
“I don’t think Gronk’s good.. Let me say, I don’t think Gronk is as great as people think he is. Any time Gronk has been matched up with a corner, he’s had a very bad game, and that corner has had a very good game”
On Wednesday, Rob Gronkowski finally responded to Ramsey’s comments just on time and said the following:
“If that’s how he feels, that’s how he feels.. it’s a big game this Sunday. I’m sure I’m going to have opportunities to go versus him. I’m sure he’s going to have opportunities to go versus me. I’m just preparing like I always prepare. I just got to do my job out on the field and just worry about that.”
We are in for another good one.
Sleeper player to watch: T.J. Yeldon
Yeldon shouldn’t be a sleeper at this point. He played plenty in the season opener against the New York Giants due to Fournette’s hamstring injury. Additionally, for now, he is also responsible for the only offensive touchdown this season for the Jaguars.
However, with Fournette coming back, many can expect Yeldon to go back to being the change of pace back he is supposed to be in this offense. But, despite Fournette coming back, expect Yeldon to still see a good amount of touches against the Patriots.
Doug Marrone will probably avoid over-using Fournette for the next couple weeks in order to assure that Fournette’s injury does not worsen. Yeldon could easily start the season with two straight games with touchdowns.
Prediction: Have a feeling that this one will go down to the wire again. The Jaguars have never defeated Tom Brady in the history of their franchise. They finally do here.
Jaguars 23 Patriots 17 (OT)
