Jacksonville Jaguars At San Diego Chargers: Who Wins?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 21, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) scrambles for yardage against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 44-17. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Two teams going in opposite directions. The Jacksonville Jaguars hope to play spoiler to the hot San Diego Chargers.
Subplots
Blake Bortles era begins
It needed to happen and so it has. Jacksonville has officially ushered in the era of Blake Bortles. The #3 overall pick in 2014 draft played well in the preseason and threw a pair of touchdowns in his first action last week against the Colts. There will be hiccups for sure, as with any rookie, but his talent and poise are worth watching moving forward as Jacksonville looks to begin molding their young roster into a winner.
Key Matchup To Watch
Andre Branch against King Dunlap
The Chargers have struggled running the ball all season. A big part of that is injuries but also just poor blocking up front. That is why the team has relied so heavily on Philip Rivers to carry the load through the air. He has six touchdown passes to just one interception for 108.3 rating. If a team wants to beat San Diego, it will mean putting the veteran Pro Bowler on the ground. That will primarily be the job of defensive end Andre Branch. The 2012 second round pick has emerged as their best pass rusher this season with three sacks and will be tasked with going against Chargers left tackle King Dunlap. Branch has to win his share of battles in order for Jacksonville to have a chance.
Quick Stats of Interest
Both teams are averaging under 4.0 yards per carry
Jacksonville ranks 32nd in every single defensive category
San Diego ranks in the top 15 in every single defensive category
The Jaguars have allowed 17 sacks this season
The Chargers have allowed 3 sacks
Both teams have one combined interception in three games
Pick: JAX 17, SD 30
The San Diego Chargers are just rolling right now. They look like the team that made the playoffs last season and their defense is a big reason for that improvement. Unless the Jacksonville Jaguars can score some points or figure out the deal with their own defense, the Bolts should win this one comfortably.