5 keys for the Patriots to take down the Jaguars on Sunday

In what could turn into a defensive battle, the Patriots offense may be key to a New England victory with a trip to Super Bowl LII on the line.

The New England Patriots are playing in their 7th straight AFC Championship Game. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this is just their 3rd in team history. Tom Brady, the offense, and the New England defense will all have to be at their very best on Sunday to take down the Jags.

The winner will advance to Super Bowl LII in Minnesota, and if it’s going to be the Patriots, these 5 keys will be crucial to their victory.

5. Control the tempo

The New England Patriots will want to control the tempo of this game. They can, at times, slow things down to keep the Jaguars offense on the sidelines and their defense in the game. Then, the Patriots can sprinkle in some up-tempo hurry-up offense, which would keep the same Jacksonville defenders on the field since they wouldn’t be able to sun in and out. They can wear the Jaguars down by blending these two methods and controlling the pace of the game entirely.

Jacksonville has a great defense, but if they can’t sub and are on the field a ton, they will eventually fall apart. Tom Brady will find the slight openings that they give, and he will be able to take advantage. The tempo is key to this game, for both teams.