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Depth along the defensive line should help Jaguars against Patriots

While the Jaguars will have their work cut out for them, having a lengthy defensive line rotation should keep the key members of the pass rush feeling fresh.

The Jaguars have a defensive line rotation like no other team in the NFL.

On Sunday, that rotation could make a major impact during the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

Quarterback Tom Brady is known for getting the ball out quickly. He has a plethora of weapons and can easily get out of a bind by tossing a short pass to a running back, tight end or slot receiver.

The Jaguars' pass rush will need to get to Brady quickly.

That won't be easy. In fact, it'll probably be an exhausting exercise.

While the Jaguars will have their work cut out for them, having a lengthy defensive line rotation should keep the key members of the pass rush feeling fresh.

“It is important," defensive coordinator Todd Wash said, regarding the Jaguars' pass rushing depth.

"I think you have to stay fresh. At this point in time, a lot of these games, just like last week, come down to the fourth quarter and you have to be able to pressure the quarterback in the fourth quarter."

The Jaguars have an impressive front four. Jacksonville finished second in the league with 55 regular-season sacks.

Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue highlight a defensive end rotation that also features Dante Fowler. That trio combined for 34.5 sacks during the regular season.

At defensive tackle, the trio of Malik Jackson, Abry Jones and Marcell Dareus has offered up big plays against opposing passing attacks.

Rookie defensive end Dawuane Smoot has also produced pressure when called upon.

"It’s important that we dress seven and all seven play," Wash said. "When it gets into the fourth quarter, you have to ride all of your horses and hopefully, they’re fresh for the stretch.”

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The Jaguars have several pass rushers to throw at the five-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

However, while the Jaguars have a lot of options up front, they know that getting to Brady won't be as simple as just overwhelming the quarterback.

The Patriots' offensive line only allowed 35 sacks this season.

“I think obviously we want to pressure Tom as much as we can but at the same time their offensive line does a really nice job of protecting him and he hasn’t been sacked a lot," Wash said.

"The ball comes out extremely quick so we’ll have to get as much push as we can and hopefully get some tips to get the ball in the air so we can go get it.”

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.

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