Run-first Jets looking for ‘identity game’ against Jags

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — New York Jets left tackle Kelvin Beachum calls Sunday’s visit to Jacksonville an “identity game.”

“We have to be able to run the ball,” Beachum said. “They know that and we know that.”

The Jaguars (2-1) actually welcome it after what happened in the fourth quarter last week.

“We want them to try it,” Jacksonville linebacker Telvin Smith said. “Try that. Try to come out and hit in us in the mouth. Try to come out and run it down our throats. … Try whatever you want to do against us.”

The Titans pretty much did, at least late. Bruising running back Derrick Henry gained 45 of his 57 yards behind “heavy personnel” in the fourth quarter. Tennessee took advantage of sweltering heat and humidity and essentially beat the Jags at their own game and in their own backyard.

Jacksonville’s defense will try to redeem itself against the Jets (1-2), who have one of the top rushing tandems in the league. Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell have combined for 310 yards and four touchdowns in three games.

“Those backs together are a deadly combination,” Jaguars defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “They are special. I’m a big fan of football, and I think Crowell and Powell are two of the most underrated players. People don’t talk about them, but they’re great running backs.”

The Jets also torched Jacksonville on the ground in last season’s Week 4 matchup, which New York won 23-20 in overtime.

Powell rushed for a career-high 163 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown in which the Jaguars failed to touch him down, and rookie Elijah McGuire added a 69-yard scoring run. New York finished with 256 yards rushing.

“It’s definitely going to be a good challenge for us up front,” Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson said.