FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Deficiencies on the defensive side of the football were a recurring theme for the Patriots during the 2017 season. An inconsistent pass rush and inability to get offenses off the field on third down were two areas New England sought to improve in the offseason. Following a 31-20 loss to Jacksonville in which both issues were again prevalent, there’s still some work for the Patriots to do. In last season’s AFC championship loss to New England, the Jaguars’ offense got conservative late and it contributed to Jacksonville surrendering a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead.