Kickoff: The Patriots are in London this morning to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both teams are off to bad starts but the Patriots were expected to struggle. The Jaguars on the other hand were expected to compete but have been a big disappointment thus far. Both teams are desperate need of a win so look for a tightly contested game.

Here are four keys to today’s game for the Patriots.

1. Get off to a good start offensively: The Patriots have a golden opportunity to win today but they need to get off to a good start offensively in order for that to happen. Scoring early is important against this Jacksonville team. The Jaguars have fallen behind in games and they have struggled to come from behind.

2. Stevenson must be a big part of the plan: Rhamondre Stevenson is back so look for the Patriots to run the ball early and get him touches in a variety of ways. Stevenson is the Patriots best skill player and he could take pressure off of Drake Maye and the passing game. Establishing the running game early to set up the play-action passing game is important.

3. Cannot give up big plays: Jacksonville is 29th in the NFL in total offense but 15th in yards per play. They have big play capability, especially rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas. The Patriots have to limit the big plays defensively because if Jacksonville hits them consistently, the Patriots are in trouble. Keeping everything in front of them and rallying to the ball is paramount. Nothing can consistently get behind the secondary.

4. Maye should have a big game: The Jaguars have the worst pass defense in the NFL, giving up 276.7 yards per game through the air. They have allowed 14 passing touchdowns. Maye is set up to have a big game. Alex Van Pelt needs to get him into a rhythm early and cut him loose. If the Patriots can blend things up with a strong running game, they will have their best offensive game of the season.

Extra Points: The Patriots will play an international game for the fifth time overall and for the second-straight season when they face Jacksonville at Wembley Stadium in London. It will be the Patriots third game in London. The Patriots beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 35-7, on Oct. 25, 2009 and the St. Louis Rams, 45-7, on Oct. 28, 2012 at Wembley Stadium. In 2017, the Patriots beat the Oakland Raiders, 33-8, on Nov. 19, 2017, in Mexico City in Estadio Azteca. Last season, the Patriots hosted the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt, Germany on Nov. 11, 2023, and lost, 10-6.

Final Drive: Today’s game against the Jaguars is winnable but the Patriots need to get off to a fast start offensively, score early, control the line of scrimmage and limit big plays. If they do those four things, they will leave London winners. I expect the Patriots to get it done today. Jacksonville is the perfect team to turn the season around against. This game comes at a much needed time in the schedule.