Thanks to Covid, we had no pro days, the draft was held at the Commisioner's house, there was no minicamps, no open training camps, just a weird start to the season.  But despite all of the problems and issues, the regular season made it to a football starved fan base.  Would the results be as weird as the offseason a nd preseason were? 


1.  One of the things at stake for the franchise is the future of the QB position, as many observers believe that the team will be the worst in the league and is promed to draft QB Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick.  However, Minshew produced what...19-20 3 TDs and 0 INTs, and made a strong statement that the Jaguars should pin their immediate and future hopes to him.  Not much to complain about with a performance like that.

2.  I don't think this was a dominant performance by the defense, but it certainly was scrappy.  The Colts seemed destined to be unstoppable, yet the Jaguars came up with big stop after big stop in the game, whether it was the short yardage inside the ten, CJ's INT early, or Wingard's INT late. 

3.  I am uncertain what Gruden is like as a playcaller after seeing him just this game for the Jaguars.  But based upon what I've seen, he has to get a ton of credit fot the Jaguars' win today.  On two of Minshew's TDs, WRs were running WIDE open.  I would like to see how those plays were designed, but that was key.

4.  The offense allowed 3 sacks, but without going back, I am unsure how to apportion blame.  I know Taylor's guy got inside of hi on that first sack, but I seem to recall the TE releasing inside of him.  I don't know if Taylor stepped extra wide outside to accommodate the TE's release or what, but that did not look good.  Cam Robinson gave up a sack to Justin Houston, but you could make the argument that had Minshew been able to step up in the pocket on that play, Robinson would have had him blocked.  Nevertheless, I still don't feel overly comfortable with the OL today.

5.  The scariest part of the game was Josh Allen staying down with the injury.  Fortunately, the report was that he had cramps and he returned to the game later.  But our pass rush was diminished going into this game with the trades of Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell.  I would hate to see Allen gone long terms due to injury.  I'm releived beyond measure he is okay.

6.  I was mildly shocked that Westbrook was a healthy scratch.  Conversely, it seems Cole has won the confidence of the coaches again.

7.  Rookie Watch

     I.  C.J. Henderson-I had my apprehensions about the pick when it was made.  Getting those reports from camo about him being beaten by Cole did not help my confidence in the pick.  But if his performance today is any indicia of what's to come from him, I feel a ton better.  He had his first career INT, a key drive killing play that kept the Jaguars in the game early.  He tackled very well, including stopping a receiver one yard short of a first down.  His performance in this area addressed the biggest critique of his game during the pre-draft process.  He overcame a possible concussion, returning to the game for the game clinching pass breakup.  Outstanding job by the rookie.

     II.  K'Lavon Chaisson-another guy I was not thrilled to see us draft.  He performed about up to my expectations, not doing too much.  I saw plays where he was completely locked down by Castonzo once the LT got his hands on him.  Chaisson DID make one play-the INT that was negated by a ticky tack at best penalty.  Unlike Henderson, Chaisson will has to improve

     III.  LaViska Shenault-Seemingly all of Jag nation was eager to see Shenault, and his first game performance was solid.  Much of the speculation about him is that the Jaguars would use him any number of ways.  Indeed, the Jaguars lined him up at QB in a wildcat formation, out wide, and in the slot.  He caught his first TD on a slant.  Did not have any big time plays or yardage, but made an impact, which is what you want.

     IV.  Devon Hamilton-I did not see him get too much action, but one play stuck out to me.  In the second half, the Colts ran to the left.  Hamilton maintained his gap and he strung the run out wide and finally made the tackle short of the first down.  He showed good hustle and enthusiasm on the play.  His pursuit made me smile.

     V.  Ben Bartch-Saw him on the bench but did not see him play.

     VI.  Josiah Scot-I did not notice him much at all.

     VII.  Collin Johnson-had a nice 3r d down catch across the middle for a first down.  Liked the backflip he did when we were in victory formation., though I do not want to see him do that again until we reach the Super Bowl.

     VIII.  Daniel Thomas-did not notice him much

     IX.  Jake Luton-Did not see him play.  Do not think he was active.  Glennon was the backup.

     X.  Tyler Davis-I think he was inactive due to a knee injury

     XI.  Chris Claybrooks-Wearing Rashean's and Fournette's #27, he had a couple of returns and a nice coverage on a couple of plays.

     XII.  James Robinson-in many ways, he was the most anticipated rookie, since Leonard Fournette was cut.  As far as first impressions go, it was quite a favorable one.  What little we heard about him, we were told he had great vision.  Not only was that true, we also saw that he had the lateral quickness to exploit that vision and hit holes LF might not have reached.  Though he was shut down in the second half, he had a jaw dropping catch and run where he leaped over/between two Colts defenders for a first down and another 10-15 yards.  I think our running game is in good hands with him.

8.  Phenomenal that Lambo has been so automatic for us!

9.  Despite that, kick coverage could stand some improvement.

10.  Bottom line:  I was wrong about this game and I am glad.  Good to beat the Colts in week one, and good that Rivers didn't carve us up like normal.  On to the tacks.

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