Opposite Sideline: Jaguars bring new look
The lowdown on the Green Bay Packers’ next opponent from a beat writer who covers that team.
The Green Bay Packers head down to Jacksonville on Sunday to take on a Jaguars team that likely is unfamiliar to most Packers fans. That's not surprising as the Packers and Jaguars are pretty unfamiliar with each other as well, having faced off only six times, the last meeting happening in 2012.
What can the Packers expect when they take the field on what is being projected to be a 90-plus degree day at EverBank Field? We asked Mike Kaye of First Coast News, who covers the Jaguars on a daily basis, to answer a few questions.
Check out our conversation in the video above. We also got a few bonus questions in below.
How much will Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack play Sunday, and do they figure to make an impact?
"Ramsey will play early and often. The coaching staff has asked him to play on the outside and inside at cornerback. He will likely play more nickel back than boundary due to the presence of Prince Amukamara. Ramsey and Davon House will likely play outside in base. Amukamara has played well though, so he may cut into snaps for both Ramsey and House.
"Ramsey has been very good against the run, which helps against a big back like Eddie Lacy. He is also a very physical corner who can knock guys off their routes with ease. I expect him to make a few plays in coverage on Sunday.
"Jack is another animal. He will likely have a role in nickel coverage on the weak side and will play mostly special teams. I wouldn't expect to see him nearly as much as Ramsey."
Will the Jaguars be able to run the ball?
"The Jacksonville duo — Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon — averaged six yards per touch in the first two preseason games as the Jaguars were able to get large gains by switching them out frequently.
"There is a sense that the run game has actually made the passing game that much better. Ivory has handled the ground-and-pound, while Yeldon has been more of the 'Mr. Everything' on the ground.
"The threat of Ivory-Yeldon forced defenses to respect the play-fake by Blake Bortles in the preseason."
How much will the 90-plus degree heat factor into Sunday's game?
"I'm not sure it will matter much for either team. It's football and half of the talent in these games came from the Southeast. It may take some getting used to for the Packers, but I doubt it will be a major disadvantage."