Tom Brady's hand continues to dominate conversation around Sunday's AFC Championship Game featuring the Patriots and visiting Jacksonville Jaguars.
ESPN.com offers a report on his day at practice on Thursday, which included a glove on his injured throwing hand but no participation in the workout. The Boston Globe takes the temperature of the region and found some uneasiness among fans regarding Brady's health. MassLive.com says Brady’s participation in Friday’s practice will be an important sign for the weekend. In Jacksonville, Malik Jackson is not exactly buying the notion that Brady is injured.
Assuming Brady is healthy, the Jaguars are a team he has traditionally feasted on. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer is ready to go if Brady is unable to fight through the pain.
Blake Bortles may not be the passing equal of Brady but his ability to make plays with his feet has the attention of the Patriots defense. The Jags defense may have a blueprint to give Brady some trouble according to ESPN.com. The Boston Globe says the Patriots defense is aware of the Jaguars penchant for going for it on fourth down. If Jacksonville is to pull off the upset, the defense will likely have to score some points, which is something the Jags have done all season.
The Boston Herald looks at one of the key matchups for Sunday: the Patriots tackles against the talented defensive ends for the Jaguars. Despite being heavy favorites in the game, the Herald somehow finds a lack of respect for the offensive line in this matchup.
James White is eager to add to his already impressive list of postseason accomplishments. Marquis Flowers has been injected with a dose of confidence, and it shows. The Patriot Ledger says the Patriots defense is bracing for Leonard Fournette. The Worcester Telegram points toward several small plays that can make a big difference, especially in the playoffs. MassLive.com offers 12 crazy Brady facts that put his dominance in perspective.
The Patriots aren't the only team dealing with injuries as starting safety Tashaun Gipson missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury. NBC Sports Boston wonders how the Jaguars will deal with Rob Gronkowski in light of that news. Boston Sports Journal looks at Danny Amendola’s ability to perform in the playoffs.
ESPN.com offers some predictions to the weekend’s championship games as well as some scouting reports. The Boston Herald offers a scouting report as well.
The Florida Times-Union says the Jags would be wise to lean on Tom Coughlin, the Patriots killer, on Sunday. The Jags secondary preparing to face Brady after allowing 462 passing yards in Pittsburgh last week. Malik Jackson, who faced the Patriots in the playoffs as a member of the Denver Broncos, is doing his best to pass along his experience.
