3 Jaguars X-factors for Week 1 game vs. Browns

Heading into a Week 1 regular-season matchup with the Cleveland Browns, who are the Jacksonville Jaguars’ X-factors for this game?

We know that for the Jaguars to win games, their star players like Trevor Lawrence, Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., and others must consistently play at high levels.

But the X-factor, who may not be of the same caliber as the players mentioned, can still have a major impact on the outcome, depending on how they play.

Pregnon is expected to get the start at left guard, where he will face a very tough test out of the gate. While Myles Garrett’s play last season understandably garnered attention, the Browns’ interior defensive line unit was quite disruptive as well. Mason Graham and Maliek Collins both showcased their abilities to get after the quarterback. This Week 1 game will provide Pregnon with a good test right away.

While Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen will lead the way at defensive end for the Jaguars, for much of the offseason, the depth of the Jaguars’ pass rush unit has been in question. That said, Green’s performance throughout training camp helped quell some of those concerns. At a heavily rotated position, Green’s ability to carry that momentum into the regular season will be important to help maintain some pass rush consistency this season.

How productive can this unit be? That answer will go a long way in determining how well the Jaguars’ offense as a whole performs. If Tuten and Rodriguez can provide Jacksonville with a steady run game to lean on, that in turn will keep the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations. When operating from manageable down-and-distances, that can open up the playbook for Liam Coen and opportunities through the air for Lawrence.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 3 Jaguars X-factors for Week 1 game vs. Browns