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The Jags' D is a tough matchup because they do such a good job of generating pressure with 4. They have a solid group of LBs and they're really good in coverage. Our QB likes to go downfield and the Jags are built to neutralize our strengths.
However, I do think with the emergence of Juju and McDonald, we can create some matchup problems for them. I think our best bet is to run and pass out of 11 personnel. With Bell, Vance, Juju, AB, and MB on the field, I think we have the most flexibility. We can slide out Bell and McDonald and go 5 wide out of this grouping or Juju is physical enough, we can run with Vance and even Juju playing a TE role.
Ben has to be patient and take what the Jags give us. And I see the matchups being in the middle of the field to Bell, Vance, and Juju. We might have to go against the grain and take a little dink and dunk moving the ball down the field. A heavy mix of running has to be a staple of the offense. And we have to draw up some creative plays to take advantage of the Jags aggressive nature. Move the pocket to give Ben some time. Heavy on the play action. Some misdirections. And I'd like to see us go up tempo in a no huddle to start the game to tire out the front 4. One of the only ways I see us slowing down these guys up front is to increase the tempo. And let's run a few screens and draws to Bell to keep them honest and slow them down a bit. Our Oline has their work cut out for them and it's time for those guys to earn their Pro Bowl nods.
Defensively, I don't see the need to change much from the first meeting. Bortles didn't have 100 yards passing against us. He didn't have a 100 last week. The only thing we need to be concerned about is making tackles, stopping the run, and keeping Bortles in the pocket and not letting him beat us with his feet. We gave up a lot of yards in the running game last time, but I think if we make tackles we can be fine. It's just a couple plays here and there that were the difference.
Would be nice to generate a turnover or 2 of our own. We need to come out fast because the Jags aren't built to play from behind. If we can force them to play catchup and can run the ball to speed up the game, this can quickly turn into a blow out if we get an early lead.
The game that gives me hope is the game Ben recently put up 500 yards passing against the Ravens. Their pass D is no slouch. Not quite Jax, but one of the better Ds in the league. And this offense is night and day different from the beginning of the season. I'm with Bell in thinking no one can really stop us. Ben has too many weapons. Too many options. And the Oline is playing the best it has in ages.
The only thing that worries me is we start slow because of the rust of 3 weeks off. But this is the playoffs. I think everyone on this team has something to prove, especially Ben. And the Steelers are hungry. This is the time we're not overlooking anyone. We have something to prove. This team has a chip on it's shoulders. Our time is now.
However, I do think with the emergence of Juju and McDonald, we can create some matchup problems for them. I think our best bet is to run and pass out of 11 personnel. With Bell, Vance, Juju, AB, and MB on the field, I think we have the most flexibility. We can slide out Bell and McDonald and go 5 wide out of this grouping or Juju is physical enough, we can run with Vance and even Juju playing a TE role.
Ben has to be patient and take what the Jags give us. And I see the matchups being in the middle of the field to Bell, Vance, and Juju. We might have to go against the grain and take a little dink and dunk moving the ball down the field. A heavy mix of running has to be a staple of the offense. And we have to draw up some creative plays to take advantage of the Jags aggressive nature. Move the pocket to give Ben some time. Heavy on the play action. Some misdirections. And I'd like to see us go up tempo in a no huddle to start the game to tire out the front 4. One of the only ways I see us slowing down these guys up front is to increase the tempo. And let's run a few screens and draws to Bell to keep them honest and slow them down a bit. Our Oline has their work cut out for them and it's time for those guys to earn their Pro Bowl nods.
Defensively, I don't see the need to change much from the first meeting. Bortles didn't have 100 yards passing against us. He didn't have a 100 last week. The only thing we need to be concerned about is making tackles, stopping the run, and keeping Bortles in the pocket and not letting him beat us with his feet. We gave up a lot of yards in the running game last time, but I think if we make tackles we can be fine. It's just a couple plays here and there that were the difference.
Would be nice to generate a turnover or 2 of our own. We need to come out fast because the Jags aren't built to play from behind. If we can force them to play catchup and can run the ball to speed up the game, this can quickly turn into a blow out if we get an early lead.
The game that gives me hope is the game Ben recently put up 500 yards passing against the Ravens. Their pass D is no slouch. Not quite Jax, but one of the better Ds in the league. And this offense is night and day different from the beginning of the season. I'm with Bell in thinking no one can really stop us. Ben has too many weapons. Too many options. And the Oline is playing the best it has in ages.
The only thing that worries me is we start slow because of the rust of 3 weeks off. But this is the playoffs. I think everyone on this team has something to prove, especially Ben. And the Steelers are hungry. This is the time we're not overlooking anyone. We have something to prove. This team has a chip on it's shoulders. Our time is now.
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