Bucs-Jags scouting report

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published October 28, 2007

The basics

Old-school football. That's what the Jaguars are about.

They run a balanced offense, with nearly even play selection between passes and runs. And on defense, they love a good smashmouth game, the kind in which their mammoth defensive linemen thrive.

So, this is what the Bucs face, with one exception: Quarterback David Garrard is out with an ankle injury that could sideline him for weeks, so backup Quinn Gray makes his first career start.

It will play into the hands of the Bucs at least a little because the Jaguars might not throw as often with a new starter at quarterback. The Jaguars have thrown the ball 46 percent of the time. If the game is close today, it's likely the number of passes could be limited.

But the Jaguars have that luxury because of their running game. With veteran Fred Taylor and second-year man Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars have one of the most feared running tandems in the league. Their average output of 148.5 yards per game ranks third in the NFL. And they run efficiently, too, with their 4.8 yards per carry, tied for fourth in the league.

"We have to stop their running attack," Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks said. "Obviously, what Fred Taylor and Maurice have done so far this year has really made the offense and given the quarterback position a lot of balance. They've been able to run the ball, get into some play-action situations and hit teams with big plays."

Just as the Jaguars are willing to grind it out on offense, they hope to force opponents to play the same way with a defense that is as big as it is physical.

The Jaguars have proven one of the toughest teams to score against, with a stingy defense that allows just 14.5 points per game, second in the NFL. Until the Colts run up 29 points against them Monday night, the Jaguars were allowing just 11.6 points per game.

Tackles John Henderson and Marcus Stroud are perhaps the best pair of interior defensive linemen in the game. Together, they will tax the Bucs' interior offensive linemen, who have been struggling in recent games. Throw in ends Reggie Hayward and Bobby McCray as well as middle linebacker Mike Peterson, and the defense is even more intimidating.

The one area the Jaguars appear at least a little vulnerable is against the pass. They are allowing 214.2 passing yards per game. More telling is their opponents' 19 completions of 20 yards or longer, compared with just 10 for Tampa Bay.

Injuries

Bucs: RB Michael Pittman (ankle) is out. WR Michael Clayton (ankle) and TE Alex Smith (ankle) are doubtful. DE Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) and CB Brian Kelly (groin) are questionable.

Jaguars: DE Reggie Hayward (hamstring), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee), DT Tony McDaniel (wrist), DT Marcus Stroud (ankle) and CB Brian Williams (hamstring) are questionable. LB Daryl Smith (hip) and TE George Wrighster (head) are probable.

Keep in mind

The Jaguars have been stellar in nonconference games, recording a 6-1 mark in their past seven contests against NFC teams. The only loss during that stretch: in overtime to the Redskins in October 2006. Going back to 2004, they are 10-3 against NFL opponents.

Key matchup

Jaguars DE Paul Spicer vs. Bucs RT Jeremy Trueblood

The Jaguars typically play with starting ends Bobby McCray and Reggie Hayward, but Spicer has suddenly emerged, leading the team with five sacks. Trueblood is trying to rebound after a tough outing in Detroit, which he played with a stomach virus. Spicer will be a challenge. "They've got McCray on one side and Hayward on the other, but this No. 95, Spicer, is having a great year," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He's a mean guy, a tough player."

[Last modified October 27, 2007, 17:21:25]