News
Week 15 Preview: Jaguars at Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore – TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Tim McCarthy, Adam Archuleta, Allie LaForce
*Keys to the game: The Jaguars have been competitive for stretches during most games this season but have struggled to put together four solid quarters, which has been especially true over the past three weeks. The inconsistency starts with rookie QB Blake Bortles, who has flashed at times but also struggles with his footwork and mechanics. He has a young supporting cast and lost RB Denard Robinson to a season-ending foot sprain, so it will be incumbent upon Bortles to make plays against the league’s 31st-ranked pass defense.
Former Jaguars RB Justin Forsett will lead the Ravens attack against the league’s 28th-ranked run defense, which allows 132.5 yards per game on the ground and 4.2 yards per carry. Baltimore’s biggest threat in this game is the turnover battle. As long as Forsett is setting up manageable third downs and the Ravens keep the chains moving, they can steadily wear down a Jaguars defense that spends far too much time on the field.
*Matchup to watch – Jaguars RT Sam Young vs. Ravens OLB Elvis Dumervil: Young was elevated to the starting lineup when Austin Pasztor was placed on IR. The fifth-year journeyman will have his hands full with Dumervil, who is tied for the NFL lead with 16 sacks.
*Player spotlight – Jaguars RB Storm Johnson: The rookie has been inactive the past six games, but along with Jordan Todman is expected to share reps behind Toby Gerhart, who is battling an ankle injury.
*Fast facts: Jaguars WR Allen Hurns has set a franchise rookie record with six TD catches. … The Ravens start three former Jaguars – Forsett, LB Daryl Smith and LT Eugene Monroe.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Ravens have won their past 28 home games in which they have been double-digit favorites. The Jaguars are still playing hard and may put up a fight for a half, but minus a ground game Bortles eventually will succumb to the rookie mistakes that have plagued much of his season.
*Our pick: Ravens 27-17
News
Buccaneers admit mistake, boot Aguayo
Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk
Powered by WPeMatico
News
Did Bucs put too much pressure on Aguayo?
Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk
Powered by WPeMatico
News
Broncos holding their breath on Derek Wolfe
Source: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk
Powered by WPeMatico