New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | 2024 Week 7 Game Preview

Summary

In an intense NFL matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars face the New England Patriots, both looking to improve their struggling seasons. Rookie quarterback Drake May impresses with three touchdown passes, showcasing resilience against pressure. The Jaguars' defense, notably weak in pass coverage, has allowed significant gains, particularly to tight ends and emerging receiver DeMario Douglas. Despite quarterback Trevor Lawrence's strong performance with two touchdowns, the Jaguars' running game falters. Historically, Jacksonville has struggled against New England, winning only twice in their last 14 encounters, adding pressure to both teams as they seek a pivotal victory.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Jacksonville Jaguars aim to improve their performance after a disappointing first London game.
• 🏈 Rookie quarterback Drake May showcased his potential with three touchdowns and over 240 yards in his debut start.
• 💪 Despite facing pressure, May completed impressive throws, indicating resilience under difficult conditions.
• 🔒 The Jaguars' secondary has struggled, allowing high completion rates and several touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks.
• 📉 Jacksonville's pass rush is among the lowest in the league, which may benefit New England's offensive game plan.
• 🧱 The Jaguars' run defense has shown solid performance, although they struggled against some key players in previous matchups.
• 🔄 Jacksonville's run game has been ineffective lately, impacting their overall offensive productivity.
• 🤝 Trevor Lawrence's connection with tight end Evan Ingram is crucial, especially after Ingram's recent successful performance.
• 👀 New England's defense, led by cornerback Christian Gonzalez, will challenge Jacksonville's passing attack.
• ⚔️ Historically, the Jaguars have struggled against the Patriots, winning only twice in 14 encounters, highlighting the challenge ahead.

Q & A

What were the Jacksonville Jaguars hoping to achieve in their second London game?

The Jacksonville Jaguars were hoping to perform better in their second London game compared to their first.

How did Drake May perform in his first career start?

Drake May completed three touchdowns and over 240 yards with a healthy 7.4 yards per attempt, despite facing pressure and taking four sacks.

What challenges did the Jaguars' defense face against the Patriots?

The Jaguars' defense struggled against the Patriots, particularly in their secondary, allowing high rates of touchdowns to both wide receivers and tight ends.

Which player stood out as a top pass-catching threat for the Patriots?

DeMario Douglas was the top pass-catching threat for the Patriots, having been the most targeted player by Drake May in week six.

How did the Jaguars' run defense perform against opposing running backs?

The Jaguars' run defense held opposing running backs to 3.9 yards per carry, though they struggled against specific players like DeAndre Swift.

What was Trevor Lawrence's performance in the previous game against the Bears?

Trevor Lawrence had a respectable outing against the Bears, throwing for over 230 yards and two touchdowns.

What issues did the Jaguars face regarding their receivers?

The Jaguars' receivers had significant drop issues, resulting in less than 21 points in five of their six games.

Who are the notable players mentioned from the Jaguars' defense?

Notable players from the Jaguars' defense include Trayvon Walker and Josh Allen, although they did not perform well in the previous game.

How did the New England Patriots' secondary perform against other teams?

The Patriots' secondary has allowed three touchdowns to other quarterbacks but managed to keep them under 200 yards and a 100 rating.

What historical context is provided about the Jaguars' matchups with the Patriots?

Historically, the Jaguars have only beaten the Patriots twice in 14 matchups, with notable games including a playoff loss in 1996.