Week 3 matchup

By War Room Scouts

Physically, these two players aren't what they used to be. But whatever they've lost in speed, they more than make up for with intelligence, experience and savvy.

It's no secret the Jaguars' offense runs through Fred Taylor, and opponents regularly stack the box in an effort to shut him down and make Byron Leftwich throw. When teams play the run first, Smith sometimes gets single coverage, giving him the chance for game-breaking plays. Smith (6-1, 208) runs excellent routes and has the hands, size and strength to go over the middle and make tough catches. He isn't the vertical threat he once was, but he still can get downfield on deep routes.

Law gets physical with receivers at the line and provides solid one-on-one coverage. A playmaker who sometimes takes risks, he hasn't recovered fully from a foot injury he suffered in 2004, and that might hamper his aggressiveness and recovery ability. The Jets need Law to cover Smith on his own because they often move their safeties up in run support. The Jets also will have to account for Matt Jones in the slot when the Jaguars use three-receiver sets.

Expect Law to jam Smith hard at the line to keep him from running free and turning the matchup into a track meet. Smith can play the physical game, though, and has a height advantage over Law (5-11, 200). He'll use plenty of double moves to test Law's ankle and flexibility. This will be a great matchup until late in the game, when the Jags start throwing the ball around. Smith will gain the edge as Law wears down. Advantage: Smith.

More matchups: warroom.sportingnews.com

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