Jaguars defense poses problems for Patriots

DEDHAM — The New England Patriots offense is going to have to break through a stout Jacksonville Jaguars defense in order to claim a third AFC title in four seasons. 
 
The Jaguars stymied much of their opposition on the defensive side of the ball, ranking second in average points allowed (16.8) and average yards surrendered (286.1) per game. 
 
The Jacksonville defense features an electric front four, spearheaded by defensive ends Calais Campbell, a 2017 Pro Bowler, and Yannick Ngakoue. The duo wrought havoc on opposing quarterbacks, combining for 26.5 sacks, the most by a pair of starting defensive ends. At defensive tackle, Malik Jackson, a 2017 Pro Bowler, forced four fumbles and tallied eight sacks. 
 
Jacksonville's second level is headlined by linebacker Telvin Smith, who has a knack for making plays. He finished the regular season with 102 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble. 
 
The lifeblood of the Jacksonville defense certainly seems to reside in its secondary, where 2017 Pro Bowlers A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey roam. Bouye hadn't allowed a touchdown all season until Antonio Brown hauled one in over him last week in the AFC Divisional round, a game the Jaguars won 45-42.Ramsey has tamed the likes of Keenan Allen, T.Y. Hilton, Larry Fitzgerald, A.J. Green and DeAndre Hopkins this season. 
 
However, the Jaguars can be exposed on the defensive side of the ball as was shown last Sunday when Ben Roethlisberger torched them for a Steelers franchise-record 469 yards and five touchdowns.

Nate Rollins is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports department

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