Game Preview
Mike Krueger
Predicted Score: Jaguars 20, Chargers 17
Jacksonville: The Jaguars are coming off an impressive win at Tennessee last week and expect to have quarterback David Garrard in the starting lineup this week against San Diego. Garrard has missed the last three games with a sprained ankle. Maurice Jones-Drew once again was more productive than Fred Taylor rushing for 101 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown while Taylor piled up 45 yards on 16 carries for an eye-popping 2.8 average. Garrard is a marginal play here as he routinely throws for 1 score and can gain yards with his feet but keep all receivers on your bench… Dennis Northcutt leads the team with 327 receiving yards.
- Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars D/ST
- Consider: QB David Garrard, RB Fred Taylor
- Sit: WR Dennis Northcutt, WR Ernest Wilford, TE Marcedes Lewis WR Matt Jones, K Josh Scobee (inj.)
San Diego: Last week, the Chargers won a game they shouldn't have getting outgained by a 2-1 margin and by dodging a last-second field goal attempt by Adam Vinatieri. But, 6 picks of Peyton Manning and two kick return TDs from Darren Sproles were enough to put the Chargers in first place in the AFC West. "We may have stole one but I think our players feel they earned that game," said coach Norv Turner. They'll have to earn this victory against Jacksonville who's coming off a 28-13 at victory at Tennessee and should David Garrard back under center. The Jaguars and Chargers have split their two previous meetings with the home team winning each game however they haven't faced each other since October of 2004. Phillip Rives' last 200-yd+ passing game was week 5 against Denver.
- Start: RB LaDainian Tomlinson, TE Antonio Gates
- Consider: N/A
- Sit: QB Philip Rivers WR Vincent Jackson WR Craig Davis, WR Chris Chambers, Chargers D/ST