AFC FIRST LOOK: THE SECOND ROUND

SUNDAY

Jacksonville (12-5) at N.Y. Jets (12-4)

Time: 9:30 a.m.

TV: Channel 2

* How they got here: Jacksonville won the AFC Central and won a first-round playoff game, defeating New England, 25-10; New York won the AFC East.

* 1998 meetings: None. The Jaguars and Jets last played in 1996, a game the Jaguars won, 21-17. Overall, the series is tied, 1-1.

* About Jacksonville: Returning from a sprained ankle, quarterback Mark Brunell never really got into a groove, completing 14 of 34 passes for 161 yards. “It was a little difficult,” Brunell said. “I was able to move a little bit, and as the game went on it started feeling all right.” Now he gets another week to shake off the rust.

* About New York: Coach Bill Parcells and quarterback Vinny Testaverde have brought the Jets this far. Now, the defense needs to step up if the Jets want to make the Super Bowl. Maybe the Jets should arrange for an inspirational speech from Joe Namath.

HOW THEY COMPARE

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CATEGORY JAC NYJ Points scored 24.5 26.0 Points allowed 21.1 16.6 Rushing offense 131.4 117.4 Passing offense 194.5 239.8 Total offense 325.9 357.2 Rushing defense 125.0 103.7 Passing defense 222.4 190.0 Total defense 347.4 293.7

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