Jacksonville's defense was horrendous in the second half. The announcers did not emphasize it enough. Strategy was brutal and tackling was worse than brutal. On Pittsburgh's second to last drive it was imperative for the Jaguars to at least delay the touchdown until beyond the two minute warning. They didn't even seem to understand that basic concept. They missed countless tackles and allowed Steelers to scamper out of bounds. Once the score was with 2:18 remaining it essentially gave Pittsburgh another time out, and many more permutations toward escape.
The announcers also failed to point out Pittsburgh's only chance on that kickoff with 1 second remaining. Jacksonville stupidly played everyone forward except one player back toward the 15 or 20 yard line. That was playing smack into the Steelers' hands. It was still a monumental long shot but you had to kickoff into the end zone and hope the one deep man for the Jaguars slipped while turning to retrieve the ball. If that happens then there can be a wave of Steelers chasing it for the miracle touchdown. It's a live ball.
Instead the Steeler kickoff guy merely placed the ball down to the 15 or 20 yard line, exactly where that Jaguar player was stationed. Unbelievable.
Anyway, I'm glad it was not Steelers vs. Patriots again. We've seen that surrender too many times. Pittsburgh is intimidated and simply not as well prepared. They give a decent effort but are steadily worn down, to a semi lopsided defeat.
The Jaguars might get beat far worse -- like the Colts at New England a few years ago -- but at least there's a chance they could use their handful of great players and expose the Patriots in certain areas.
Bortles is the problem. He can look fine in certain situations, like today when leading and allowed to roll out. Hard to believe New England doesn't confine him to the pocket and confuse him into key mistakes.
