Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at New York Giants (6-4), 1:00 p.m. Sunday at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 11/28/10
What happened last week?
The Jaguars hosted the streaking Cleveland Browns last week and escaped with their second consecutive two-minute warning finish. Jacksonville trailed the Browns three times during the game and twice in the fourth quarter. A late 75-yard run by Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew led to a 1 yard score with one minute to go that finished the Browns by a score of 24-20. Jones-Drew totaled 133 yards rushing and 87 yards receiving on the day. The Jaguars overcame six offensive turnovers, including 3 picks and 1 fumble by quarterback David Garrard, who is quietly putting together his second best season as a starter. On defense, Jacksonville stuffed bruising back Peyton Hillis to 48 yards on 21 carries and sacked rookie quarterback Colt McCoy six times. Overall, Jacksonville ranks 19th in total offense and 27th in total defense.
What to expect from the Jaguars:
For the first time in his career, Maurice Jones-Drew has recorded 100 yards rushing in three consecutive games. Not surprisingly, all three games resulted in victories for the Jaguars, who currently sit atop the AFC South. David Garrard is having a great season, ranking sixth in the NFL in passer rating. Jacksonville’s three game win streak came against Dallas, Houston and Cleveland. In each game the Jaguars outrushed the opponent and played all sixty minutes; Jacksonville amazingly has scored in all four two-minute warnings of their past two games.
What to expect from the Giants:
New York is depleted on offense at wide receiver and offensive line due to several key injuries. Eli Manning’s top two targets, Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks, are both out with injuries, and will be replaced in the lineup by Mario Manningham and the recently acquired Derek Hagan. The offense is too beat up to be dependable, and it shows in Eli Manning’s touchdown to interception ratio (21:16). Three of the Giants’ final six games are against divisional opponents, but the G-Men cannot afford to take this game lightly even though Jacksonville is a non-conference opponent. New York needs to keep pace with the suddenly hot Eagles, and also need to remain in contention for the Wild Card race. New York is currently behind three teams in the Wild Card race: the 7-3 Packers, 8-3 Saints and the 7-3 Buccaneers. The Giants defense will need to carry the team for the next six weeks as offensive units and starters are shuffled around due to injury and personnel.
Prediction:
Jacksonville has averaged 30 points per game during its three game win streak. New York will need to cut Jacksonville’s total in half to overcome their offensive deficiencies. The Giants have surrendered 29 or more points four times this season and won only once, winning 41-35 against Dallas in week seven. In the Giants’ two game losing streak, New York surrendered 60 points and scored only 37. The Giants should total close to 20 points on offense against Jacksonville, and it will be up to the defense to keep the game close and in check for sixty minutes. Expect a nail-biting victory in the final seconds for the Giants, who are suddenly feeling the pressure after falling from the grace of a 6-2 start. Giants hold on, 21-17.
Last week prediction: 46-37 Giants (17-27 actual) (What was I thinking?!)
Season prediction record: 7-3
What’s YOUR score?
