Jaguars defense puts focus on Brady

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Few teams have been as disruptive as the Jacksonville Jaguars during pass plays this season. They rank third with 47 sacks and seventh in pass defense, allowing 184 yards per game.

They might need to be even better against New England and quarterback Tom Brady on Saturday night.

Brady has thrown 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions in nine playoff games, is unbeaten in the postseason and has three Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVP trophies.

"That's a big key to this game. We've got to get after Brady and try to rattle him a little bit," Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson said.

The Jaguars believe pressuring Brady and forcing him into some bad plays would give them the best shot at an upset.

"We need to find a way to get him out of his comfort zone," coach Jack Del Rio said. "He's arguably the best postseason quarterback that's ever played, and we certainly don't want him back there too comfortable all day."

It starts up front for the Jaguars.

Defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson have commanded constant double teams, which create one-on-one matchups for ends Reggie Hayward, Paul Spicer, Rob Meier and Bobby McCray.

"They have good players. Not just (Stroud and Henderson), but certainly they're a big focus of it and they're right in the middle," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "You have to deal with them every play. There is no play where you can run that you don't have to block them."

Stroud and Henderson get most of the accolades, but the four ends have made most of the big plays this season. The foursome combined for 27 sacks, 103 quarterback pressures and six forced fumbles.

They will need to play well vs. Brady, who led the NFL with a career-high 4,110 yards passing and ranked third with 26 touchdown passes.

Brady is revered for staying composed in the pocket, buying extra time and finding open receivers.

"He'll pick up on your mistakes so fast," Jags rookie safety Gerald Sensabaugh said. "If you have one little glitch in your defense, he's going to see it and make that throw. We're going to have to be on top of our game."

Jacksonville was the league's top team against the pass early. But the Jags slipped late.

"We've given up some plays, but we're going to put it behind us and move on," Sensabaugh said.