QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. QB Blake Bortles
Many scouts and analysts compared Jaguars rookie QB Blake Bortles to Ben Roethlisberger in the evaluation process prior to the draft. Bortles (6-5, 232 lbs.) possesses a stature similar to Roethlisberger (6-5, 241 lbs.) as well as the ability to extend plays. Roethlisberger recorded his 30th career 300-yard passing game last week against Tampa Bay as he completed 29-of-40 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns. Bortles registered his first career start last week against San Diego and finished 29-of-37 passing for 253 yards with one touchdown. His 78.4 completion percentage was the highest by a rookie quarterback in NFL history with a minimum of 30 pass attempts.
* *
WR Antonio Brown vs. WR Allen Hurns
Brown ranks in the top-five in many league categories including receiving touchdowns (five, tied-first), receptions (29, tied-third) and receiving yards (427, fourth). He is coming off of his most productive game of the season as he caught seven passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns against the Buccaneers. Hurns has been a pleasant surprise for the Jaguars as the undrafted rookie leads the team with 254 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Hurns' 21.2 yards per reception ranks second in the league and his 254 receiving yards are good for second among rookies.
* *
LB Lawrence Timmons vs. LB Paul Posluszny
Today's game features two of the most consistent players at the linebacker position. Timmons has finished with at least 90 tackles in each of the last four seasons. In the past two seasons he has led the team in tackles with 126 in 2013 and 106 in 2012. Posluszny earned his first career Pro Bowl honor in 2013 as he led the Jaguars in tackles (161) for the third consecutive season. He has registered 100-plus tackles in six of his seven years in the NFL. Timmons (39) and Posluszny (41) each lead their teams in tackles this season and will look to wreak havoc on the offenses today.
