New York Giants @ Jacksonville Jaguars: Everything You Need To Know
The New York Giants have traveled to Jacksonville with hopes of ending a 6 game losing streak. The Jacksonville Jaguars are the bottom feeders in the AFC South, with only 1 win to their name. This may not be a clash of contenders but there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the 1pm kickoff. The Giants are looking for a flicker of hope as they continue to go through this rebuilding season. Rebuilding is a slow and often painstaking process and it starts in the dog days of a losing season.
The NFL is a what have you done for me lately kind of league. Both teams know that everyone in their respective locker rooms are fighting for their jobs. This kind of game is what being a die-hard fan is all about. Remember that this season may not be salvageable, but a Big Blue win can make for a great football Sunday.
The Jaguars are a very flawed football team. They struggle offensively, putting their defense in unfair and troubling situations. Knowing this season was set on slow torture mode, the Jaguars have put all their resources in the on the job training of their quarterback, Blake Bortles.
Nov 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) under center during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Bortles has shown signs of being a great quarterback. He is after all a huge quarterback with a rocket arm. Bortles has struggled though. He has thrown 15 interceptions and has been sacked 27 times. He rarely throws the ball away, he tries to extend plays and has an undying belief in his arm.
Bortles has drawn comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger in terms of his size and style of play, but as a rookie he lacks the Big Ben Magic.
The Jaguars score the fewest points per game, this could be a get-right game for the Giants struggling defense. The Giants have to do a great job in rush defense. The Jaguars have one of the worst rushing attacks in football. If the Giants can make their opponent one-dimensional, the Giants should be able to rush the rookie quarterback. This figures to be a huge game for Jason Pierre-Paul.
Pass rush is going to be a big factor for both teams. The Jaguars have a formidable pass rush with 33 sacks to their credit. Chris Clemons is arguably the Jaguars biggest playmaker on defense. The 11 year veteran uses a great combination of quickness and power and has 7 sacks this season.
This will be something to watch for as the Giants offensive line is inconsistent. When the line gives Eli Manning time to throw the football he can shred a secondary. Manning’s greatest strength is going through his progressions like a seasoned pro. If given time, Manning will have a good performance. Against Dallas the Giants started off hot because Eli had all day to throw. In the second half the Cowboys collapsed the pocket and the offensive attack deteriorated.
Prediction:
I think this could be a great game for the Giants. They will be able to get off the snide defensively against a quarterback who makes a lot of unforced errors. I think Manning will have his best performance of the season. Give me the Giants 28-17.