The Patriots shook up their starting lineup.
They changed their practice schedule.
They flew across the Atlantic Ocean overnight Friday.
Will that be enough to finally clinch a second win?
The Pats are slated as 6-point underdogs against the Jaguars, who are also mired at 1-5 thanks to problems on both sides of the ball. Jacksonville’s defense ranks in the bottom 10 of several metrics and could provide a nice springboard for Drake Maye after his impressive debut last weekend. Maye tossed three touchdowns against Houston, despite facing an early 14-0 deficit and constant pressure without any running game to support him.
If the Patriots can move on the Jaguars early, might Maye earn his first win?
Here’s what to watch for in London:
When the Patriots run
Last week, Antonio Gibson forced five misses tackles against Houston, but gained just 19 yards on 13 yards thanks to some shoddy run-blocking. The Patriots couldn’t run inside or outside, and got stumped on every scheme they tried.
Even though Gibson — and potentially Rhamondre Stevenson — should find holes more easily versus Jacksonville, an injured and inconsistent Pats offensive line can’t be expected to pave the way for a 100-yard game. That offensive line will be debuting its seventh different starting lineup in as many games. So, look for the coaching staff to perhaps involve Maye as a runner to pick up more yards in key situations.
Maye led the team in rushing last week with 38 yards on five scrambles.
When the Patriots pass
Bombs away.
The Patriots have kept most of their play-action package under wraps this season, wary of their own protection issues and inability to separate downfield. That should change with Maye, and a Jaguars defense that is extra vulnerable against play-action.
Jacksonville has allowed more completions and more passing yards off play-action than any other defense in the NFL. Maye went 4-for-4 last week after play fakes, plus a scramble. He has the arm strength and mobility to make these deep shots possible, even when on the run.
Out wide, Jerod Mayo said this week DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne and Kayshon Boutte have been the only receivers consistently making plays. It’s possible they could take some snaps from second-round rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, who has three drops in the last two games.
When the Jaguars run
Jacksonville running back Tank Bigsby is living up to his name this season, bowling over tacklers and averaging more yards after contact than any rusher in the league. The Patriots have largely tightened up their tackling issues, but they’re nonetheless weaker against the run than they’ve been in years. Mayo’s defense has allowed 190-plus yards in back-to-back games.
New personnel might make a difference. Backup inside linebacker Christian Elliss is in line for more playing time, following consecutive bad games from Raekwon McMillan. The Pats could also opt for changes along their defensive line. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux has been their only consistent stopper up front.
When the Jaguars pass
Back to the blitz?
Last week, the Patriots revived their pass rush by calling their highest blitz rate of the season against Houston. Keion White led the way with three pressures, though no one else consistently won their 1-on-1 matchups. If the Patriots affect Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence enough, they should short-circuit Jacksonville’s passing game.
Lawrence is 20-of-44 for 186 yards under pressure this season, per Pro Football Focus, with 15 sacks and two fumbles.
In the back end, Christian Gonzalez will face his stiffest test from rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The LSU product leads the Jaguars in all three major receiving categories with 25 catches, 424 yards and three touchdowns. Veteran wideouts Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis might also do damage downfield, with notable size advantages over the Pats’ next available cornerbacks: Joanthan Jones (5-foot-10) and Marcus Jones (5-foot-8).
Game pick
Patriots 24, Jaguars 23
