Doug Pederson Highlights Bleak Reality Of Patriots Matchup

The Patriots and Jaguars will face off in London, and it will be another example of the NFL not sending its best.

Sunday’s matchup marked the second straight game across the pond for Jacksonville after getting crushed by the Chicago Bears last week. New England and the Jaguars enter Week 7 with 1-5 records. Each side also enters the matchup averaging less than 20 points per game. It could be an ugly affair in the United Kingdom, which was something head coach Doug Pederson was prepared for.

“I think we’re scoring 18-19 points offensively, so we’re looking at it the same way. First one to 20 might win the game, right?” Pederson told reporters Wednesday, per team-provided video. “That’s the reality of it. It is important defensively to go out and play well and minimize the scoring, and then offensively, that’s our goal. It’s a two-headed monster, but we’re up for the challenge.”

While New England entered Week 7 below average in points allowed, Jacksonville gave up the second-most points per game in the league. Something has to give, and the Patriots might have an advantage as Drake Maye helped them score over 20 points for the first time this season.

Fans should still be cautious to expect a shootout, though.