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It certainly has become en vogue to pick Jacksonville against the New England Patriots this weekend, what with their ability to get to the quarterback and run the ball well. But people seem to be forgetting a thing or sixteen when making those bold predictions, such as the fact that the Patriots have been an undefeated team with an offensive juggernaut in place that nobody can seem to solve.

The Giants and others have proven that where New England is most vulnerable on defense is against the run, and it just so happens that running the ball is Jacksonville' forte.  Maurice Jones-Drew, who makes his money by getting outside, and the vastly underrated Fred Taylor, who is a workhorse up the middle, should both be able to wear down the Patriots aging linebacker corps. Linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau will have to be alert and active as they attack Jacksonville's physical offensive line, and safety Rodeny Harrison will have to cheat up to make some big hits and keep the Jags from picking up first downs and eating clock.

But the only way the Jaguars will be able to play clock management and try and ram the ball down the Patriots throats is if they are in a tied game or have the lead. In case you hadn't noticed, the Patriots generally take the lead early in their contests and tend to stay on top. If the Patriots strike early (see: Brady to Moss), the Jaguars may have to abandon their run-heavy offense and try and beat the Patriots with the unproven David Garrard. 

Although short on playoff experience, Garrard has proven to be an excellent reader of defenses, resulting in a terrific touchdowns-to-interception ratio. While the Jags may lack the big name receivers of the Pats, they do have big physical receivers who could give the Patriots smaller DBs fits. And with Jones-Drew coming out of the backfield for screens, the Patriots are going to have to be careful not to overpursue, lest Garrard check down and beat them with quick hits.

If the Jags can keep Brady, Moss, Welker and Co. off of the field and not turn the ball over, they will be able to remain competitive. But should the game get away from them early, it will be curtains from the much ballyhooed underdogs, as the Patriots pick up win 17 and eye a rematch with Indy.