Two Florida-based football teams square off for the first time in a long time Sunday when the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Jaguars lost to Indianapolis 29-7 as a 3-point underdog in last week's Monday night game, but the Jags lost more than just the game. Injuries hit Jacksonville hard in the loss, as starting quarterback David Garrard and running back Maurice Jones-Drew both went down. (NFL injury report)
Garrard completed 8-of-12 passes for 72 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions before an ankle injury ended his night early. Backup QB Quinn Gray took over, but was ineffective while completing 9-of-24 passes for 56 yards with two interceptions. Gray will get the start this weekend, as Garrard is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.
The news is much better for Jones-Drew, who rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries before suffering a sprained knee on Monday. Jones-Drew was able to practice earlier in the week and should be able to play on Sunday. If Jones-Drew suffers a setback and is forced out on Sunday, Fred Taylor would get the bulk of the carries. Last week Taylor rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries versus the Colts.The Buccaneers are coming off a 23-16 loss to Detroit as a 2.5-point underdog despite outgaining the Lions 422 to 278 yards. The difference maker for the Bucs was turnovers. Quarterback Jeff Garcia was excellent through the air, completing 37-of-45 passes for 316 yards with two touchdowns. However, Garcia also lost two costly fumbles, including one on the goal line. The Lions were able to capitalize on both turnovers and put points on the board.
In the loss, running back Earnest Graham had a breakout game, as he rushed for 92 yards on 19 carries and led all players with 13 receptions for 99 yards. Wide receiver Ike Hilliard also had a strong game, with nine catches for 92 yards and a touchdown.
The Jaguars and Buccaneers haven't met up since way back in 2003 when Jacksonville defeated Tampa Bay 17-10 as a 3.5-point favorite. The Bucs are a 4-point betting favorite in Sunday's game.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trends:
+ Jacksonville is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
+ Jacksonville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
+ Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
+ Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
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