Wildcard Round Rematch
by Juice2245 | 4 years ago | 0 Comments
It seems like it was just days ago when the Patriots & Jaguars squared off in the AFC Wildcard Round. The results shook the SFL, as New England’s “slow & aging” offense put up over 50 points on their way to a decisive victory. Even a mid-game Power Outage wasn’t enough to stop the red-hot Patriots that day. While the win leaves one to imagine how Jacksonville could be competitive so soon after such a wide margin of victory in favour of their opponents, many things have changed since then - these are not the same Franchises.
When looking at Jacksonville’s roster, the most obvious difference maker is that they will have their starting QB back for the rematch. While some would point to the Head Coach & GM and criticize his inability to establish depth at such a crucial position, most understand what a difference maker this would have been. Minshew’s return is expected to be felt right away. His presence will not only boost their incredibly speedy WR group (keep an eye out for the blazing rookie, Tutu Atwell), but he will assuredly lift the play of the offense as a whole.
To go along with what looks to be an explosive passing attack, the Jags made a dramatic improvement in their offensive backfield in drafting Gainwell out of Memphis. The rookie looks to have the makings of an all-time great. Coach Aranda will have his hands full when it comes to trying to figure out how to neutralize him with such little game tape available.
On the defensive side of the ball.. Jacksonville made a pair of key additions to address their secondary. The highlight of these moves was the acquisition of FS Marcus Williams. Paid handsomely, the Jags expect big things right away. Having Williams on the field will surely go a long way in limiting the explosiveness of the Patriots’ passing attack.
With the flurry of roster improvements listed above, the Wildcard Round chip on the shoulder, and the fear of starting the 2021 Campaign 0-2.. The Jaguars have every reason to put a very different looking team on the field this Sunday. It would be an understatement to say that there wasn’t sufficient bulletin board material leading into this one. While only in week 2, it is very possible that this early matchup could play a factor in playoff positioning when looking back at the end of the season. At the very least, a loss hear could be disastrous for the confidence & ego of Jacksonville’s ‘Bench Boss’.
Get your popcorn ready folks, this one promises to deliver some fireworks!!
- Willie McGinest, NFL Network