On The Beat: 5 questions with Jacksonville writer Ryan O'Halloran

Welcome back to “5 Questions,” where we chat with a writer who covers the other team to get a better feel for the Patriots’ opponent. For Jacksonville, we check in with Ryan O’Halloran, who covers the Jaguars for the Florida Times-Union. Check him out on Twitter here.

1. Is this Jaguars’ team capable of coming into Gillette and pulling off the upset?

The Jaguars are certainly capable, because league history shows that great defense and a running game can be successful against any opponent and in any stadium. It sounds like a broken record, but if the Jaguars’ second-ranked pass rush (55 sacks during the regular season) can get in the face of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, an upset can happen. The same if rookie tailback Leonard Fournette rushes for more than 100 yards.

2. Is there an under-the radar guy on the Jacksonville were not talking about right now who could have a major impact on Sunday?

Nickel cornerback Aaron Colvin is a free agent after the season and he should have a number of suitors because he can play inside and outside. If the Jaguars decide to play Jalen Ramsey in the slot against Danny Amendola or even Rob Gronkowski, Colvin becomes a key player outside. If the Jaguars stick their usual alignment, Colvin will be responsible for keeping Amendola in check. Colvin’s first NFL interception came in the wild card win against Buffalo.

3. Is there an area of the Jacksonville defense the Patriots should try and exploit?

Despite moving from last to 21st over the second half of the season and adding a space-eater in nose tackle Marcell Dareus at the trade deadline, the Jaguars’ rush defense can still be exposed. This is particularly true in the interior. The Patriots should run away from strong-side end Calais Campbell and at Dareus, Abry Jones and Malik Jackson, who rotate inside.

4. Is there an area of the Jags’ offense that could be vulnerable?

Even though he has played turnover-free in his first two playoff games, Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles still has a hold-your-breath quality when he throws to the middle of the field. It will be interesting to see what the Patriots’ defensive game plan is coverage-wise and which receiver they think is the one they need to prioritize. If Bad Blake shows up (multiple turnovers), the Patriots will roll.

5. Jacksonville wins Sunday if….

...the Jaguars can get 17 points on offense and 14 points off turnovers. They were the league’s most opportunistic defense in the regular season/playoffs, scoring 151 points off takeaways this year. (Baltimore is next with 121 points in 16 games). They need a minimum 30 points to have a chance Sunday.

Ryan's Pick: Patriots 27, Jaguars 23. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Jaguars won. I would be surprised if New England rolled as easily as some people think. But the Patriots have Brady -- he will be the difference.