Fear the Jaguars

I must say I'm a little nervous about the Patriots-Jaguars game at the Big Razor (Gillette Stadium) in Foxboro Saturday night.

Because if there's a game the Patriots have a chance to lose this glorious season, it's against the Jags.

I said this four weeks ago. If there is a team out there that matches up well with New England, it's Jacksonville. If there's a team that could spoil history, it's the Jaguars.

Here's why:

1. Underrated and Hyphenated. Yes, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Jacksonville's one-two punch at running back. Taylor is the most overlooked star of his generation. Despite the fact that he is 17^th all-time in yards rushing with over 10,000 in his career, Taylor never has been voted onto the Pro Bowl team (the only player in the top 49 rushing all-time never to make it). And Jones-Drew, the "Pocket Rocket", is a threat to bust open a big play any time, just as he did last week against Pittsburgh in the Jaguars' wild 31-29 victory. New England's fourth-ranked run defense will be sorely tested by this duo.
   
2. Lack of respect. The Patriots boast eight Pro Bowlers. Jacksonville, despite going 11-5 in the toughest division in football, the AFC South, has none. (OK, one, after Taylor was added to the roster as an injury replacement.) Coach Jack Del Rio might mention that to his team before the game. They might be fired up.
   
3. Mistake-free football. Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard threw just three interceptions all season. The Jaguars protect the ball. They don't beat themselves.
   
4. Mike Tice. If any coach in the league knows Randy Moss, it's Tice, who coached him for years in Minnesota. Tice just might have a few suggestions on how to slow down the Freak.
   
5. An inevitable letdown. It might be very slight, but there's just got to be a little slippage with the Patriots after completing a 16-0 (whew!) season. I just don't see a letdown happening after this week (in the AFC Championship or the Super Bowl).
   
6. Nothing to lose. The Jaguars can be the team to cost the Patriots their legacy as "the greatest team ever" which they will be considered should they hoist the Lombardi Trophy at 19-0.
   

Now I'm not saying the Patriots are going to lose. It's just the first game all season I've been a little nervous about. In the end though, Tom Brady's coolness under fire keeps the Patriots perfect.

New England 31, Jacksonville 28

On to the other games:

LaDainian Tomlinson runs wild. Peyton Manning throws a crucial interception late.

San Diego 27, Indianapolis 24

T.O. ain't healthy. It doesn't matter. Tony Romo outplays Eli Manning.

Dallas 34, New York 23

Brett Favre and Matt Hasselback will be slinging. The old fella survives.

Green Bay 24, Seattle 20

But as past experience shows, don't listen to me. Just watch the games.