Jaguars keys to victory vs. Ravens

Jacksonville has lost 13 straight games on the road

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars enter Sunday's game with matching records of 2-6. Both teams have also been on the wrong side of close games this season. Baltimore's six losses have all come by one possession and Jacksonville has suffered that same fate three times this season. Here are five quick keys for a Jaguars win over the Ravens.

Break the streak:

The Jaguars haven't won a game on the road, London was a home game, since Dec. 1, 2013 against the Cleveland Browns. Their 13-game losing streak is the longest in franchise history and currently the worst in the NFL. The players have said all week long that they haven't been thinking about the streak. The next step for the Jaguars is wining close games. Their last three road losses have all come by seven points or less.

Win the turnover battle:

Last week the Jaguars lost this battle 4-0. On the season they've turned the ball over 14 times compared to just seven takeaways. That -7 difference is tied for 28th in the NFL. The good news for the Jaguars is that the Ravens haven't forced a turnover in their last five games.

Protect Bortles:

Overall the Jaguars offensive line has been much improved this season. They've allowed 25 sacks on the season, six coming last week against the Jets, and they'll be the first to tell you that number is still too high. Last season when the Jaguars faced Baltimore, Bortles was taken down eight times.

Get the ball to Julius Thomas:

Julius Thomas and Bortles haven't been on the same page since the tight end returned from his hand injury. Thomas had just three catches for 14 yards in last week's loss to the Jets. On the season he's only hauled in 13 receptions and one touchdown. As good as Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have been, the Jaguars offense could be even more explosive if they get Thomas more integrated into the offense. With the threat of the Allen's on the outside, Thomas should see a lot of single coverage in the middle of the field.

Shut down Justin Forsett:

The Jaguars stuffed Jets running back Chris Ivory for 26 yards on 23 carries last Sunday. While Ivory is more of a downhill runner, Ravens running back Justin Forsett is more shifty. Forsett is also dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield. If the Jaguars can stop Forsett that will force Joe Flacco and his inexperienced group of receivers to beat them.