The New England Patriots defeated the Tennessee Titans on Saturday by a score of 35-14. The win advances them to the AFC Championship Game next weekend.
Well, we made it. We finally made it to the point in the season where there are no sure things. Up until this point, the New England Patriots have been steamrolling teams, leaving no doubt that they’d be playing for their 7th consecutive AFC Championship Game.
Because the playoffs are totally different than the regular season, I’ve decided to switch things up a little. It’s time to refine our focus and look forward. Not too far forward though, just to this coming week’s contest.
I’ll still be making my observations, but I’ll be tailoring them to the upcoming game. By doing that, we can all focus on the task at hand. No more focusing on the past. We’re all in on the immediate future. It’s a complete effort here in New England, so we’re gonna need all hands on deck, folks.
This week, the New England Patriots will be taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s all about learning from your past performances, so we’ll see what we can take away from the win against the Titans. We’re on to Jacksonville.
Sacks on Sacks on Sacks
Many people are calling the Jacksonville Jaguars “Sacksonville”, because of their strong defensive line. It makes sense, but is pretty played out if you ask me.
I mean, the New England Patriots don’t go around calling themselves the “Pressurates” or the “New Takedown Patriots”. That’s just silly.
The Jaguars defense has performed well all season and their front seven is not to be underestimated. But are the Patriots far behind? Matt Patricia’s defense recorded 8 sacks on Saturday. The Jaguars had 2 vs. the Steelers.
I’m no mathematician, but 2 doesn’t seem like too many sacks for an entire game. Especially for a team whose nickname is predicated on the word “sack”.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t think their defensive line is as good as everyone’s making it out to be. It’s good, but so is ours. We showed that this week against the mobile Marcus Mariota, and we’ll show it again against the mobile Blake Bortles.
Sacksonville… give me a break.
The TB12 Method
In the English language we have special terms for those who believe Tom Brady is a mortal being who’s yet to find the fountain of youth. Flat earther, mouth breather, and birdbrain are just a few of them.
On Saturday, Brady threw for 337 yards and 3 TDs. What the stats don’t show, though, are the incredible plays he made as a result of his pocket presence.
One play in particular comes to mind. Brady was flushed out of the pocket and forced to run forward and to his right. It looked like we were about to witness a rare Brady scramble, but instead he pivoted and did his best Derek Jeter impersonation. He fired the ball across the field and hit Danny Amendola for a first down. It was, to put it eloquently, ridiculous.
Really can't stop watching this TB12 pass... 👏👏👏 #NFLPlayoffs https://t.co/03rpEsiqW4
— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2018
So for those who believe the Jaguars are too fast and too strong for Brady, think again. If he wanted to age like a normal person, he would ingest forms of sodium other than Himalayan Pink Salt. He would eat nightshades and heirlooms too. What is this, amateur hour?
Next weekend, Brady will do what he always does. He’ll control the game and adjust when things aren’t going well. That’s the true TB12 Method.
Sizing Up the Opponent
As I said earlier, the Jaguars defense is no joke. There’s a reason they allowed the second fewest yards per game in the NFL this season. They also allowed the second fewest points per game and the fewest yards per play. Average defenses don’t do that.
With that said, there have been some weeks where they’ve looked very vulnerable. The game that stands out the most? Week 16 vs. the San Francisco 49ers. Guess who was quarterback for the niners in that game? That’s right, none other than our beloved Jimmy Garoppolo.
Jimmy G and the 49ers picked apart the fabled Jaguars defense to the tune of 44 points. You know where he learned the skills necessary to beat a defense of that caliber? New England.
If there’s a coaching duo who can dissect a defense and find the chink in their armour, it’s Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels. With a week to prepare, these two will exploit everything there is to exploit about the Jaguars D.
Dola!
Danny Amendola was huge in Saturday’s win over the Titans. He led the Patriots in receiving with 11 receptions for 112 yards. It seemed like every time Brady was in trouble he found Amendola for a solid gain.
Against the Jaguars pass rush, Amendola will be a huge factor. Check down passes and short/quick routes will be crucial to the Patriots attack, as Brady might not have much time in the pocket.
Related Story: Danny Amendola an ‘uncoverable’ force when healthy
Luckily for us, no one utilizes running backs and slot receivers better than the New Engand Patriots. When all hope seems lost on a play, someone always finds a way to get open and give Tom Brady an easy out. Kind of speaks volumes to the resiliency of the Patriots, huh?
It might not be Dola this week, but it very well could be. I know that sounds cowardly and like I don’t want to make a prediction, but that’s not what it is. All I’m saying is that someone is going to step up in this role.
Whether it’s Amendola or not remains to be seen.
Knocking them down a peg
Let’s take a closer look at who we’re playing this coming Sunday, shall we? No, not about what plays they run. Not about how they set their linebackers or disguise blitzes. Let’s talk about their personalities.
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These guys are arrogant as the day is long. I mean, seriously. They taunt their opponents before, during, and after the games. They vocalize how much better they are and then they physically taunt when they’re winning.
There’s no question in my mind though, that’s part of why they’re so good. When they’re playing well, they only fire themselves up more.
That’s why it’s absolutely paramount that the New Engand Patriots get off to a good start early. If Brady validates their abilities, they will rally around their confidence.
If we knock them down a peg on our first drive, they’ll crumble. We need to go out there and show them who the real world beaters are. But give them a step and they’ll take a mile.
The first quarter and the beginning for the 3rd quarter are critical to beating this team. More so mentally than physically.
Get your minds right
Get your war paint out, folks. Order some smelling salts. Maybe crush up some kola nut and eat a teaspoon of it before the game. It tastes like dirt, but it will get you going. That much I can promise you.
We know we’re better than this team, and we know we can win this game. Should win this game. Now, it’s time to execute.
As fans, all we can do is support the cause. Go get your muskets ready, the militia has to be in full force for this one. This is the biggest challenge of the season so far, and we have to seize the moment. Carpe Diem, my good friends.
Next: AFC Championship Game: How Patriots stack up against Jacksonville
It’s good to get the juices flowing. The Titans game didn’t quite do it, but I have a feeling this game will. I’ll see you all next week, when we’re hopefully preparing for the Super Bowl. For now though, we’re just focused on Jacksonville.