It’s a battle of David and Goliath as the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Foxborough to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
For the Jaguars, former Cameron Yoe and Oklahoma star Dede Westbrook looks to take on a bigger role in the offense led by Blake Bortles. Defensively, one of the strongest defensive backfields in the league will face their toughest yet in Tom Brady. Questions have been swirling all around the state of Brady’s hand, but former Dallas Kimball star Tashaun Gipson and company may have their hands full.
Can New England make a return trip to the Super Bowl? Or will the Jaguars break through and make their first trip to the biggest stage in the NFL?
Players To Watch
Tashaun Gipson, S, Jaguars
Photo: Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports
Gipson plays a key part in the stout Jacksonville secondary, but there is some question as to how healthy he’ll actually be. He left last week’s AFC Divisional Game at Pittsburgh with a foot injury and he’ll be tasked to face New England’s plethora of talented receivers.
Danny Amendola, WR, Patriots
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/ USA TODAY Sports
Amendola had one of his best games of the season last week with 11 catches in the Divisional Round Game against the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars defense will have their eyes set on Rob Gronkowski and containing him but with Brady’s ability to spread out the ball, it could open the door for The Woodlands star to have another big game.
Matchups To Watch
Blake Bortles vs. New England’s Defense
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports
Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has been one of the most scrutinized players in the NFL this season. When the spotlight was on him last Sunday in Pittsburgh, he came through in a big way with 214 yards and a touchdown pass. More importantly, he did not turn the ball over.
He’ll have his hands full with the New England defense, who have a strong Texas contingent in each level. Defensive tackle Malcom Brown (Brenham), linebacker Elandon Roberts (Port Arthur Memorial) and defensive back Eric Rowe (Klein) have each had their moments to shine this season.
Can one of them emerge to shut down Leonard Fournette and the Jaguars physical offense?
Jacksonville Run Defense vs. New England Ground Game
Photo: Stew Milne/USA Today Sports
As good as the Jaguars secondary has been, the run game has presented an opportunity for teams to take advantage. Jacksonville entered the postseason 21st in the league in rushing yards allowed and it could be a benefit to New England’s multi-faceted rushing attack.
Former Plano star Rex Burkhead did not play last week in the divisional round, but is active for Sunday’s game. He, along with James White and Dion Lewis, each present their own unique challenges of speed and strength.
With no idea how Brady’s hand injury will affect the passing game, New England may be more inclined to run the ball more.
Prediction
The Jacksonville Jaguars enter Sunday’s game with nothing to lose after taking down the Steelers. No one expected them to be here, yet the Jags are 60 minutes away from the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance.
That said, the Patriots are making their seventh straight AFC Championship Game appearance and at home, they are tough to bet against. The Jacksonville defense can hold the offense in check, but New England is the more complete team and they’ll make fewer mistakes as they get a chance to defend their Super Bowl title.
New England Patriots 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 14
Tony Venegas is an assistant editor with TexasHSFootball, covering prep football in the El Paso region and collegiate and professional football throughout the state. Follow him on Twitter,@advenegas, and read more of his content here.
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