Bill Belichick says Patriots have been preparing for Jaguars since April

The Jacksonville Jaguars are usually a team at the bottom of the NFL totem pole. The opposite can be said for the Patriots.

Despite that, the Patriots almost never take an opponent lightly. According to head coach Bill Belichick, they've been preparing for Jacksonville since April.

NESN:

“Yeah, absolutely, we spent a lot of time on Jacksonville,” Belichick told reporters. “I’ve seen probably well over half their season from last year, from 2014. Now they’re changing offensive coordinators, so that’s obviously effected it some, but we’ve put a lot of time in trying get to know the players on the team from last year, what changes they’ve made this year, how they’re using those players the same or differently.”

The Patriots haven't seen Jacksonville since December 2012 and lead the all-time series 9-1. The Jaguars really don't seem to be a lot better than they were the last time the teams met, but given that head coach Gus Bradley brings a Seattle Seahawks style to this Jags team, they might not be the doormat they've been in the past.

Belichick seems to be especially wary of quarterback Blake Bortles.

“I though he played very well against Miami. He got them 20 points there at the half, but then when they had to have it at the end of the game, which was really impressive, when they really had to have it, that’s when they came through and had a great drive there and set up the winning field goal. … I’ve been very impressed watching him, and he’s a very talented player, and he’s been a very productive player.”

“I think Bortles looks pretty fast, kind of like (Tyrod) Taylor,” Belichick said. “He’s got a couple 30-yard gains and that kind of thing. He’s pretty dangerous to just take off and run and can get a lot of yardage. His athleticism can buy time in the pocket. He’s a good passer. But I’d say he’s probably a little bit more of a threat to run with the ball than (Ben) Roethlisberger.”

Still, expect the Patriots to win.

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