The Patriots and Jaguars are set to do battle in Sunday's AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium with a berth in Super Bowl LII on the line.
Jacksonville brings the second-ranked defense in football to Foxborough, and ESPN.com says the style on that side of the ball should remind New England of what they've seen in the past with Seattle. The Boston Herald takes a look at the Jaguars run-heavy approach on offense.
The Attleboro Sun Chronicle has Nate Solder preparing for “Sacksonville’s” dangerous defensive front. The Patriot Ledger says the Patriots believe Jacksonville’s defense is the best they've faced. MassLive.com believes Jacksonville running back Leonard Fournette's ankle injury could have a major impact on Sunday's game. Meanwhile, the Patriots could get Rex Burkhead back and NBC Sports Boston thinks that could be a huge plus for the offense. WEEI.com says old friend Jimmy Garoppolo showed the Patriots exactly how to carve up the Jaguars vaunted defense.
In terms of hype, don't expect the Patriots to get too excited by Jags corner Jalen Ramsey's Super Bowl prediction. The Boston Globe certainly isn’t buying any of the hype as they are dismissing the overmatched Jaguars from the start. Tom Coughlin's presence with the Jags brings back some bad memories for the Patriots, according to the Providence Journal. NESN.com says the Patriots learned back in the summer when the Jags were in Foxborough for joint practices that Jacksonville was for real.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had some strong praise for Danny Amendola. Speaking of McDaniels, the Boston Globe says he and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia had strong games against the Titans. The Boston Herald declared the divisional round test too easy in its report card. Reports indicate McDaniels will be leaving to take the head coaching job with the Colts. NBC Sports Boston believes the imminent departure of both coordinators doubles the possibility of a potential distraction.
ESPN.com looks at Dion Lewis and how the running back is back to enjoying life with the Patriots after years of injuries cost him much of the early part of his career. Tom Brady and the Patriots are represented in ESPN.com's AFC East awards. NBC Sports Boston talks about rookies Deatrich Wise and Adam Butler avoiding the rookie wall and remaining productive late in the season.
In Jacksonville there's plenty of buzz about the Jags unlikely presence in the conference championship game. Jacksonville.com says it’s time to give coach Doug Marrone his due. They remember the Jags trip to Foxborough in the summer as well, and take a look back at those steamy days five months ago.
