Keys to Sunday

I threw what I thought to be some keys to the Seahawks game up last week (I was actually pretty close with all of them), I'm going to give it another shot for Jacksonville:

-Pressure Garrard.  I said we really needed to get after Hasslebeck last week, and we saw great success with that.  I see the same situation this week.  Garrard is a lot less comfortable, like any QB, with consistent pressure in his face.  With the weak interior of their OL, I think we can really bother him all game up the middle.

-Slow the run game. Taylor and Jones-Drew are a formidable duo, even with the weakened OL.  I expect Jacksonville to try a number of outside runs and screen passes to these guys, so it'll be a huge weak for the LB's, and maybe Keith Ellison especially.  Also, Schobel and Kelsay really need to be conscious of holding down their side of the fort.

-Run the ball well.  I think we'll actually be able to throw on Jacksonville because I'm not impressed with their pass rush.  They have a good secondary though, but the underneath game should be there.  On the other hand, I think running could be tough.  With Big John Henderson leading the way and an active LB trio, it could be tough for us to consistently pick up yards here.  We struggled last week, at times, running it, so I'm not sure I see that changing this week.  I would like to see more runs off tackle and outside.

-Avoid turnovers.  Last year, our game at Jacksonville was pretty much determined by turnovers.  We can't give it away like that again.  If Trent can avoid a costly turnover or two, we should be in good shape.  Of course, we also need the D to step up and get us the ball a few times.  That'd be nice...

-Win the field position battle.  I expect a somewhat low scoring game, with yards and points being a struggle for both teams to pick up.  If Moorman can be effective again and put Jax's O deep in their own territory, our D will have it much easier.  A handful of 3 and outs would be nice as well, getting Roscoe some returns with some open space.

-Beat the heat.  With the forecast calling for temperatures in the low 90's, it's important that we have a quality rotation along the lines.  I expect Peters to start Sunday, but I also expect to see Chambers getting snaps as well.  On the other side, I expect McCargo to be active and part of the DT rotation. It'll be a lot harder for Stroud and co. to remain fresh in this heat against a team that will be trying to run it often.  McCargo will need to step up when given the chance.  This could also be the week we see McKelvin get a shot returning a kick or two, if our D allows a sustained drive.

-Remain PROactive. We've talked about this a lot, but it is going to remain extremely important that Jauron doesn't resort to his 100% conservative nature.  I loved coming out in shotgun and throwing the ball against Seattle, I loved the fake FG, I love all the blitzing.  Jauron allowed the coordinators to do their thing, let's hope he does the same thing again this week.  A close game in the 4th quarter will leave me extremely nervous, as I wonder how Jauron will choose to handle it this year.

-Get Evans the ball early, again. It took a little while against Seattle before we saw Evans involved, but once we did, it really helped open up the O for us.  I want this to be a key each game as it's important for this O and Trent to have a rhythm with Evans going early. 

-Play big. This mostly goes out to our CB's, but I'll make it more generic.  Last year, we were pushed around a bit by the Jags.  I don't want to see that again and with the matchups heading into the game, there's no reason it should happen either.  We should be able to control the interior of their OL, and with Peters back there's no reason our OL shouldn't be able to move the ball.  I do worry about McGee and Greer against Jones, Williams and Porter.  They will need to play physical again and really fight for position in situations where a jump ball may come into play.  If they get beat off the line, it'll likely be a completion each time.

Let's go Bills.  Starting 2-0 would be HUGE for this team, especially going into a supposed easier portion of the schedule.  If we can go down to N. Florida and pull out a victory over one of the AFC contenders, it'll really set the table for a successful season, as well as give us an edge over the Jags (a "3 game" lead on them) in case we're both fighting for a wild card down the stretch.  If there's a game I really think could haunt us down the stretch, it would be this one if we lose.  I really hope we can pull it out.