The Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots will kickoff off the NFL preseason schedule, as the two teams face off on Thursday night. The game will take place at Gillette Stadium as both teams are eager to get the season started. The NFL spread for this game has the Patriots as 3.5 point favorites as listed by sports betting online sites.
The last time the Jaguars took on the Patriots it was in 2004 when they played in Gillette Stadium. The Jags won that game 31-0, but that was the last game of the preseason and this is the first one and that is a big difference. The Patriots have made it clear that they like to win, even in the preseason.
The Patriots are 39-31 in the preseason since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994. Bill Belichick has compiled an overall record of 36-29 in the preseason, including a 25-20 mark as Patriots head coach. Belichick's teams have been .500 or above in 14 of his 16 previous preseason’s as a head coach in the NFL. The coach is also 8-4 in week one of the preseason. The Jaguars have a similar approach to the preseason.
Jack Del Rio is 20-12 in his tenure with the jaguars, but it is interesting to note that he is just 3-5 in week one. The Jags have plenty of questions and injuries entering this game. Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert will see plenty of time with David Garrard suffering from an injury that may cause him to miss the game completely.
The Patriots will welcome plenty of new players to their team starting with Chad Ochocinco. The smooth wide out will get a chance to show the fans New England Patriot fans that he can contribute right away. Albert Haynesworth is new to the team but he is banged up and will most likely miss this game. Tom Brady will see limited time at quarterback, but that could change depending on the message that Bill Belichick is trying to send to the team.
The Patriots will look to start off the preseason on a winning note, but will have to take on the upstart Jags in what should be a great game to start the season.