Make no mistake...I love watching Jaguars football.  But this is my first time watching them with glasses.  It took some getting used to.  UGH!  Anyway, this is what I saw-a little more clearly than before....

1.  One of the main reasons football fans hate preseason is the risk of injury-especially catastrophic injury-to top players in games that do not count.  We were pretty lucky last year and the first two games this preseason.  Tonight?  Not so much.  Lee went down with what looks like a torn ACL.  Dareus took himself out of the game with a pectoral injury.   Finally, a DB had a scary injury, but fortunately he was not paralyzed.  He walked off on his own power, and is likely concussed.  I am not holding out much hope for Lee at this point, but I wish all three of these players speedy recoveries.

2.  Sometimes I think the criticism Bortles gets from observers around the country is gratuitous and undeserved.  But then we see performances like the one he had tonight where he threw two INTs, and I am left dumbfounded and dismayed.  I don't know exactly how the receivers were supposed to run their routes (although Moncrief seemed to take criticism from FT and Marrone for not clearing out properly on the 2nd INT), but in the absence of any other informed opinion showing otherwise, I'm left to wonder what the heck happned on that INT in Minnesota, and the first INT tonight.  If the Jaguars are to reach the Super Bowl, plays like these cannot continue.  Plays like this will not silence the Bridgewater talk.  Bortles may be able to brush it off, but it's aggravating for me to hear people want to impose mediocre QBs on us all the time.  Furthermore, it can be demoralizing to think we could have two Super Bowl caliber defenses (2006 and 2018) wasted due to bad QB play (yes I know we are in preseason and not all is as bleak as it appears).  The second half of last season and the post season showed that Bortles can play at a high enough level for us to be able to play with anyone.  He needs to get back to that level of play.

3.  I know the Falcons did not play Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, but man I love our defense!  After a shaky start, the defense clamped down, recording three sacks on Ryan and missing out on one more.Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell, Dareus, Jack, Telvin Smith, JR20, and Patmon all showed up big time.  The only completion Ramsey allowed was on a perfectly thrown back shoulder fade the receiver had to one hand while falling out of bounds.  When the Falcons got into our territory, we shut em down.  Good job, guys!

4.  When most people post on message boards about offensive coordinators, they are usually complaining about playcalling, wanting him to be fired, or talking about prospects to replace the guy we have either as HC or off. coord.  This is not one of those posts.  I don't know if this is borne more out of necessity here or what, but Hackett is an imaginative play designer-caller.  He had some nifty plays to get Grant out in the open field, continuing the play calling that kept the Steelers off balance all game long, and had the Patriots down in the first half.  Yes, he and Marrone can take some heat for going conservative in the AFCCG, but overall, I'm glad we have him here.  That combo is capable of keeping an opposing defense off balance more than most.

5.  there were a couple of interesting plays by Fournette that either indicates a change in running style, or an exhibition of skills that some felt he did not possess.  There was a run to the left (or maybe it was a catch in the flat) where LF was one on one with a DB.  I think last year, Fournette might have lowered his head and run over him.  But now, perhaps due to the new rules, Fournette tried running through him without lowering his head.  The other play was his TD, that featured him making cuts completely against the grain to weave his way into the end zone.  His performance tonight gives me hope for a big year from him.  While I am on the subject of RBs, Yeldon and Grant gave us some quality runs tonight.  If that continues, not only will it save some wear and tear on LF, but it will help to keep opposing defenses off balance.

6.  Weird to see Lambo actually miss a FG when he bounced one off the upright.  Similarly, it was comforting to see him nail one later.

7.  Rookie Watch:

• Taven Bryan-This is the first real extended look at him in a game.  His strengths and weaknesses were on display.  He showed excellent hustle in pursuit on plays run away from him, and got a couple of solid hits on some ball carriers.  There were a couple of plays where, while he was not in on the tackle, was disruptive enough by collapsing the side of the OL to ruin the play.  The personal foul called against him was complete horse [BLEEP].  He was blocked into the guy.  On the down side, there were some plays where he seemed slow off the snap, and there were other plays where his strength and pad level enabled him to get under a guy's pads and get him off balance, but whether through the lack of leg drive or for some other unknown reason, he was unable to exploit the advantage.  I see why he was considered a first rounder, I see why it made sense for the team to take him, and I see why people said he is a project.  He may or may not rank with the Jaguars all time great DLs by the time all is said and done, but I already like him better than guys like Alualu and Renaldo Wynn.
  
•  DJ Chark-was quieter today than he was in the first two games.  He had a decent kickoff return.  There were passing plays where he was open.  On the first, Blake was inaccurate with his pass.  On the latter, in the red zone, Chark appeared open but for whatever reason Blake didn't get it to him.  If Lee's injury is as bad as feared, Chark will need to step up more quickly. 
  
• Ronnie Harrison-DNP
  
• Will Richardson-Played RT in the second half, and there didn't seem to be much chaos or pressure coming from that side.  As it stands now, he has not provided a wow moment to me, but seemed pretty stable tonight.
  
• Tanner Lee-DNP...thankfully
  
• Leon Jacobs-Started at SAM and played decently.  One play in particular stand out as particularly impressive.  Ryan and the Falcons faked a run to the left and bootlegged Ryan out to the right, with a full back flaring out to the right flat.  A less instinctive and disciplined player would have pursued the RB who didn't have the ball, leaving the FB wide open for a huge gain.  Although Jacobs did take a couple of false steps, he saw the play developing, had enough athleticism to change directions and cover the FB to the flat, and the play, IIRC resulted in a sack.   That play seems to encapsulate all of the praise for his smarts and overall ability that so many have given him.
  
• Logan Cook-had a pretty good game.  It seems since that first padded practice where it seems he produced bad wobbly punts, he has been on point, and appears to have been another quality pick.
  
• Tony Adams-This is the first really extended look I had of him.  He played C, and my overall impressions are that he played well, but just as I had formulated that thought, he gave up the sack by a guy who out quicked him and got under him,.  I don't know if he makes the final 53 or not.  His ability to play all three interior positions will help his cause, but given his circuitous route to get here, will that have set him back enough to make him more a PS candidate?
  

8.  Good to see Norwell in there.  By the time he left the game, I was impressed.  Counter to the guy we signed from Denver and went to SF, he actually seemed to provide some push in the running game.  There were runs where the POA moved from the LOS to a few yards forward.  On passes, IIRC, he gave up a sack late in a play, but generally he did a very good job keeping his guy away from Blake.  He had a great pull to the right and laid a block that enabled Fournette to score.  I am excited to see what he brings to the team.

9.  I have a hard time seeing Jarrod Wilson not making this team.  As deep and as talented as this defense is, anything's possible, but he seems to make plays when he gets in the game, and he did the same tonight.  He had that PBU in the end zone late in the first half. 

10.  Good to see Fowler back, though he didn't seem to have too much impact in the game.  The off sides against him was bogus.  Also nice to see Moncrief and ASJ finally make some impact in the passing game.  We will need more of that from them.

11.  Still not sure who the 5th/6th WR/PR will be.  I still think it may be Mickens, but I'm left to wonder how Lee's injury will change the dynamic.  Would there now be room for two out of the three of Mickens, Greene and Wynn?

12.  Bottom line:  Even though the injury to Lee sucks, I think as long as Dareus' pectoral injury does not linger on throughout the season (or worse is a season ending one), we are in decent shape from an injury perspective.  Not to throw Jones under the bus, but it seems when we have been gashed in the running game this preseason, it's been when Jones was the DT, just like the pre Dareus part of last year.   Now, we have to get as healthy as possible, figure out the bottom of our roster, figure out how to eliminate the QB INTs, and prepare to stomp the Giants in week one.

---

 

Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

My biggest impression was that 12 and 21 personnel suck, unless that 21 personnel is two RBs who are threats and not a fullback. It was refreshing to see Fournette and Grant in the backfield at the same time. If we're going to have a dink and dunk passing game it's good to give defenses a variety of threats to defend.

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Make no mistake...I love watching Jaguars football.  But this is my first time watching them with glasses.  It took some getting used to.  UGH!  Anyway, this is what I saw-a little more clearly than before....

1.  One of the main reasons football fans hate preseason is the risk of injury-especially catastrophic injury-to top players in games that do not count.  We were pretty lucky last year and the first two games this preseason.  Tonight?  Not so much.  Lee went down with what looks like a torn ACL.  Dareus took himself out of the game with a pectoral injury.   Finally, a DB had a scary injury, but fortunately he was not paralyzed.  He walked off on his own power, and is likely concussed.  I am not holding out much hope for Lee at this point, but I wish all three of these players speedy recoveries.

2.  Sometimes I think the criticism Bortles gets from observers around the country is gratuitous and undeserved.  But then we see performances like the one he had tonight where he threw two INTs, and I am left dumbfounded and dismayed.  I don't know exactly how the receivers were supposed to run their routes (although Moncrief seemed to take criticism from FT and Marrone for not clearing out properly on the 2nd INT), but in the absence of any other informed opinion showing otherwise, I'm left to wonder what the heck happned on that INT in Minnesota, and the first INT tonight.  If the Jaguars are to reach the Super Bowl, plays like these cannot continue.  Plays like this will not silence the Bridgewater talk.  Bortles may be able to brush it off, but it's aggravating for me to hear people want to impose mediocre QBs on us all the time.  Furthermore, it can be demoralizing to think we could have two Super Bowl caliber defenses (2006 and 2018) wasted due to bad QB play (yes I know we are in preseason and not all is as bleak as it appears).  The second half of last season and the post season showed that Bortles can play at a high enough level for us to be able to play with anyone.  He needs to get back to that level of play.

3.  I know the Falcons did not play Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, but man I love our defense!  After a shaky start, the defense clamped down, recording three sacks on Ryan and missing out on one more.Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell, Dareus, Jack, Telvin Smith, JR20, and Patmon all showed up big time.  The only completion Ramsey allowed was on a perfectly thrown back shoulder fade the receiver had to one hand while falling out of bounds.  When the Falcons got into our territory, we shut em down.  Good job, guys!

4.  When most people post on message boards about offensive coordinators, they are usually complaining about playcalling, wanting him to be fired, or talking about prospects to replace the guy we have either as HC or off. coord.  This is not one of those posts.  I don't know if this is borne more out of necessity here or what, but Hackett is an imaginative play designer-caller.  He had some nifty plays to get Grant out in the open field, continuing the play calling that kept the Steelers off balance all game long, and had the Patriots down in the first half.  Yes, he and Marrone can take some heat for going conservative in the AFCCG, but overall, I'm glad we have him here.  That combo is capable of keeping an opposing defense off balance more than most.

5.  there were a couple of interesting plays by Fournette that either indicates a change in running style, or an exhibition of skills that some felt he did not possess.  There was a run to the left (or maybe it was a catch in the flat) where LF was one on one with a DB.  I think last year, Fournette might have lowered his head and run over him.  But now, perhaps due to the new rules, Fournette tried running through him without lowering his head.  The other play was his TD, that featured him making cuts completely against the grain to weave his way into the end zone.  His performance tonight gives me hope for a big year from him.  While I am on the subject of RBs, Yeldon and Grant gave us some quality runs tonight.  If that continues, not only will it save some wear and tear on LF, but it will help to keep opposing defenses off balance.

6.  Weird to see Lambo actually miss a FG when he bounced one off the upright.  Similarly, it was comforting to see him nail one later.

7.  Rookie Watch:

• Taven Bryan-This is the first real extended look at him in a game.  His strengths and weaknesses were on display.  He showed excellent hustle in pursuit on plays run away from him, and got a couple of solid hits on some ball carriers.  There were a couple of plays where, while he was not in on the tackle, was disruptive enough by collapsing the side of the OL to ruin the play.  The personal foul called against him was complete horse [BLEEP].  He was blocked into the guy.  On the down side, there were some plays where he seemed slow off the snap, and there were other plays where his strength and pad level enabled him to get under a guy's pads and get him off balance, but whether through the lack of leg drive or for some other unknown reason, he was unable to exploit the advantage.  I see why he was considered a first rounder, I see why it made sense for the team to take him, and I see why people said he is a project.  He may or may not rank with the Jaguars all time great DLs by the time all is said and done, but I already like him better than guys like Alualu and Renaldo Wynn.
  
•  DJ Chark-was quieter today than he was in the first two games.  He had a decent kickoff return.  There were passing plays where he was open.  On the first, Blake was inaccurate with his pass.  On the latter, in the red zone, Chark appeared open but for whatever reason Blake didn't get it to him.  If Lee's injury is as bad as feared, Chark will need to step up more quickly. 
  
• Ronnie Harrison-DNP
  
• Will Richardson-Played RT in the second half, and there didn't seem to be much chaos or pressure coming from that side.  As it stands now, he has not provided a wow moment to me, but seemed pretty stable tonight.
  
• Tanner Lee-DNP...thankfully
  
• Leon Jacobs-Started at SAM and played decently.  One play in particular stand out as particularly impressive.  Ryan and the Falcons faked a run to the left and bootlegged Ryan out to the right, with a full back flaring out to the right flat.  A less instinctive and disciplined player would have pursued the RB who didn't have the ball, leaving the FB wide open for a huge gain.  Although Jacobs did take a couple of false steps, he saw the play developing, had enough athleticism to change directions and cover the FB to the flat, and the play, IIRC resulted in a sack.   That play seems to encapsulate all of the praise for his smarts and overall ability that so many have given him.
  
• Logan Cook-had a pretty good game.  It seems since that first padded practice where it seems he produced bad wobbly punts, he has been on point, and appears to have been another quality pick.
  
• Tony Adams-This is the first really extended look I had of him.  He played C, and my overall impressions are that he played well, but just as I had formulated that thought, he gave up the sack by a guy who out quicked him and got under him,.  I don't know if he makes the final 53 or not.  His ability to play all three interior positions will help his cause, but given his circuitous route to get here, will that have set him back enough to make him more a PS candidate?
  

8.  Good to see Norwell in there.  By the time he left the game, I was impressed.  Counter to the guy we signed from Denver and went to SF, he actually seemed to provide some push in the running game.  There were runs where the POA moved from the LOS to a few yards forward.  On passes, IIRC, he gave up a sack late in a play, but generally he did a very good job keeping his guy away from Blake.  He had a great pull to the right and laid a block that enabled Fournette to score.  I am excited to see what he brings to the team.

9.  I have a hard time seeing Jarrod Wilson not making this team.  As deep and as talented as this defense is, anything's possible, but he seems to make plays when he gets in the game, and he did the same tonight.  He had that PBU in the end zone late in the first half. 

10.  Good to see Fowler back, though he didn't seem to have too much impact in the game.  The off sides against him was bogus.  Also nice to see Moncrief and ASJ finally make some impact in the passing game.  We will need more of that from them.

11.  Still not sure who the 5th/6th WR/PR will be.  I still think it may be Mickens, but I'm left to wonder how Lee's injury will change the dynamic.  Would there now be room for two out of the three of Mickens, Greene and Wynn?

12.  Bottom line:  Even though the injury to Lee sucks, I think as long as Dareus' pectoral injury does not linger on throughout the season (or worse is a season ending one), we are in decent shape from an injury perspective.  Not to throw Jones under the bus, but it seems when we have been gashed in the running game this preseason, it's been when Jones was the DT, just like the pre Dareus part of last year.   Now, we have to get as healthy as possible, figure out the bottom of our roster, figure out how to eliminate the QB INTs, and prepare to stomp the Giants in week one.

I watched Richardson closely in this game and although he didn't stand out, he was solid. I was a little disappointed they only played him at RT, considering our struggles at backup LT though. Maybe he'll get a look as a swing tackle next week. I can only hope. Tony Adams looked o.k. He had moments where he looked pretty good and others (the sack), where he looked very shaky. Considering this was his first game, I need to see more. I will be watching him closely next week. Considering the only other two interior backups who look remotely competant are Reed and Shatley and taking into account Adams can play all three interior positions, I believe he has a good chance at making the team. Especially if he plays well next week.  

Norwell's presence definitely helped the run game. His pass protection was a bit uneven, but overall, he looks like a very good signing. 

Jarrod Wilson is a lock to make the team, IMO. 

Moncrief had a very good game. Probably the most impressive receiver out there tonight. We're going to need him now that Lee may be done for the season. ASJ was a great signing. We appear to be in very good shape at the TE position. 

If Lee goes on I.R., I see our WR rotation looking like this, Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, D.J. Chark, Donte Moncrief, Jaydon Mickens and Rashad Greene. Shayne Wynn has totally disappeared since looking impressive in game one of the preseason. 

Agreed about the injuries. We need Dareus, but we should still be o.k. at the WR spot. Bortles has to play better though.

---

Moncrief just doesn’t possess that break away speed or he would have scored 1 or 2 times tonight.

He just doesn’t seem polished. I really hope Westbrook and Chark take off in the regular season.

Moncrief could make a nice slot receiver with his size.

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Good points as usual Bullseye!

Some observations from me as well:

-Good luck to Lee. That was a really bad injury. While his drops when they occur are really bad  (and that's why it always seems he has had more drops than it actually was the case)I think he is a valuable player in this offense, especially on 3rd down and running game. Wish him the best

-After seeing our performances during last preseason I'm not worried when some things don't work, I'm sure Marrone will have this team prepared for week 1 and players legs will be less tired and heavy after this training camp. Offensively they are not really opening up the playbook, rightly so. I'm sure they'll come up with a good plan as soon as the regular season start, Hackett has been very good with the first scripted drives and that's what I expect this season as well.

Defensively I think Wash is calling a few more blitzes than usual, I wonder if it's just to test players like Hayden, Patmon in doing so or if he will be take a more aggressive approach with blitzes during regular season too. What I noticed last season is that we blitzed the most on the season opener against the Texans and then blitzed less and less as the season went on. Against Steelers and Patriots in the playoff we almost didn't blitz and I think that at times our rushing packages suffered a bit of predictability in those games. We'll see if Wash will be more aggressive with it later in the season, way too early to know now but it's just something I noticed.

-Talking about new players: Norwell did very well in the run game while he could have played better in pass protection. Overall pleased with his debut. ASJ had a really nice catch and seems like he's focusing a lot on his blocking, I think that we'll see much more involved once gameplanning week to week starts. Moncrief was fine.  

-I'm not too worried about Bortles ints (although the first one was particularly bad, again) but he can't make decisions like the weird throw/toss to Yeldon while he was being pressured by Dlinemen: that was a stupid move and if Yeldon doesn't play DB we are facing another INT that may go for a pick 6.
The key time for Bortles will be during the season when teams will start challenging him on 3rd down with almost goal line formations. Titans, Rams, Jets and others did it last year and he will have to show he can change the play and beat that. There was another exemple of it last week against the Vikings but since it was preseason Bortles didn't change the play and we were stopped short of a first down but this will be a crucial point for our offense success.
And hopefully he gets more consistent in throwing in front of the receiver, yesterday he threw behind Chark (who could have gone for a long gain with his speed) like he did often other times last season. He came back and executed better on the next play for the big Moncrief gain, but again...need to hit those plays in stride.

-Those 2 RBs formation are excellent and hopefully they'll help opening up other options too. Fournette, Yeldon and Grant are all running well and catching the ball well, I'm not concerned about our RBs.

-I'm still not sold on our run defense, I wonder if we will see some heavier packages against certain teams.

-Malik Jackson is perhaps in the best form of his career here. He looks explosive and extra focused. While Campbell had a quieter camp, Malik has been a force.

-While I'm not clamoring for Kessler to compete for the starting job it's  good to see we have a capable backup. I just wish he was playing behind a better offensive line, with the starters the guy would look really reliable. That would have also helped the other wr's skill players like Wynn, Lazard, Mickens, Greene...sometimes the protection wasn't even there to let them have an opportunity as Kessler was being mugged. (not talking just about yesterday, in general during preseason).
I would sit Kessler next week by the way, no need to risk an injury to him. Let Lee play the entire game.

-Special mention: AJ Cann looks really improved thourghout the preseason, the man has clearly worked hard.

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[quote pid='1140261' dateline='1535259252']
BullseyeMake no mistake...I love watching Jaguars football.  But this is my first time watching them with glasses.  It took some getting used to.  UGH!  Anyway, this is what I saw-a little more clearly than before....

1.  One of the main reasons football fans hate preseason is the risk of injury-especially catastrophic injury-to top players in games that do not count.  We were pretty lucky last year and the first two games this preseason.  Tonight?  Not so much.  Lee went down with what looks like a torn ACL.  Dareus took himself out of the game with a pectoral injury.   Finally, a DB had a scary injury, but fortunately he was not paralyzed.  He walked off on his own power, and is likely concussed.  I am not holding out much hope for Lee at this point, but I wish all three of these players speedy recoveries.

2.  Sometimes I think the criticism Bortles gets from observers around the country is gratuitous and undeserved.  But then we see performances like the one he had tonight where he threw two INTs, and I am left dumbfounded and dismayed.  I don't know exactly how the receivers were supposed to run their routes (although Moncrief seemed to take criticism from FT and Marrone for not clearing out properly on the 2nd INT), but in the absence of any other informed opinion showing otherwise, I'm left to wonder what the heck happned on that INT in Minnesota, and the first INT tonight.  If the Jaguars are to reach the Super Bowl, plays like these cannot continue.  Plays like this will not silence the Bridgewater talk.  Bortles may be able to brush it off, but it's aggravating for me to hear people want to impose mediocre QBs on us all the time.  Furthermore, it can be demoralizing to think we could have two Super Bowl caliber defenses (2006 and 2018) wasted due to bad QB play (yes I know we are in preseason and not all is as bleak as it appears).  The second half of last season and the post season showed that Bortles can play at a high enough level for us to be able to play with anyone.  He needs to get back to that level of play.

3.  I know the Falcons did not play Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, but man I love our defense!  After a shaky start, the defense clamped down, recording three sacks on Ryan and missing out on one more.Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell, Dareus, Jack, Telvin Smith, JR20, and Patmon all showed up big time.  The only completion Ramsey allowed was on a perfectly thrown back shoulder fade the receiver had to one hand while falling out of bounds.  When the Falcons got into our territory, we shut em down.  Good job, guys!

4.  When most people post on message boards about offensive coordinators, they are usually complaining about playcalling, wanting him to be fired, or talking about prospects to replace the guy we have either as HC or off. coord.  This is not one of those posts.  I don't know if this is borne more out of necessity here or what, but Hackett is an imaginative play designer-caller.  He had some nifty plays to get Grant out in the open field, continuing the play calling that kept the Steelers off balance all game long, and had the Patriots down in the first half.  Yes, he and Marrone can take some heat for going conservative in the AFCCG, but overall, I'm glad we have him here.  That combo is capable of keeping an opposing defense off balance more than most.

5.  there were a couple of interesting plays by Fournette that either indicates a change in running style, or an exhibition of skills that some felt he did not possess.  There was a run to the left (or maybe it was a catch in the flat) where LF was one on one with a DB.  I think last year, Fournette might have lowered his head and run over him.  But now, perhaps due to the new rules, Fournette tried running through him without lowering his head.  The other play was his TD, that featured him making cuts completely against the grain to weave his way into the end zone.  His performance tonight gives me hope for a big year from him.  While I am on the subject of RBs, Yeldon and Grant gave us some quality runs tonight.  If that continues, not only will it save some wear and tear on LF, but it will help to keep opposing defenses off balance.

6.  Weird to see Lambo actually miss a FG when he bounced one off the upright.  Similarly, it was comforting to see him nail one later.

7.  Rookie Watch:

• Taven Bryan-This is the first real extended look at him in a game.  His strengths and weaknesses were on display.  He showed excellent hustle in pursuit on plays run away from him, and got a couple of solid hits on some ball carriers.  There were a couple of plays where, while he was not in on the tackle, was disruptive enough by collapsing the side of the OL to ruin the play.  The personal foul called against him was complete horse [BLEEP].  He was blocked into the guy.  On the down side, there were some plays where he seemed slow off the snap, and there were other plays where his strength and pad level enabled him to get under a guy's pads and get him off balance, but whether through the lack of leg drive or for some other unknown reason, he was unable to exploit the advantage.  I see why he was considered a first rounder, I see why it made sense for the team to take him, and I see why people said he is a project.  He may or may not rank with the Jaguars all time great DLs by the time all is said and done, but I already like him better than guys like Alualu and Renaldo Wynn.
  
•  DJ Chark-was quieter today than he was in the first two games.  He had a decent kickoff return.  There were passing plays where he was open.  On the first, Blake was inaccurate with his pass.  On the latter, in the red zone, Chark appeared open but for whatever reason Blake didn't get it to him.  If Lee's injury is as bad as feared, Chark will need to step up more quickly. 
  
• Ronnie Harrison-DNP
  
• Will Richardson-Played RT in the second half, and there didn't seem to be much chaos or pressure coming from that side.  As it stands now, he has not provided a wow moment to me, but seemed pretty stable tonight.
  
• Tanner Lee-DNP...thankfully
  
• Leon Jacobs-Started at SAM and played decently.  One play in particular stand out as particularly impressive.  Ryan and the Falcons faked a run to the left and bootlegged Ryan out to the right, with a full back flaring out to the right flat.  A less instinctive and disciplined player would have pursued the RB who didn't have the ball, leaving the FB wide open for a huge gain.  Although Jacobs did take a couple of false steps, he saw the play developing, had enough athleticism to change directions and cover the FB to the flat, and the play, IIRC resulted in a sack.   That play seems to encapsulate all of the praise for his smarts and overall ability that so many have given him.
  
• Logan Cook-had a pretty good game.  It seems since that first padded practice where it seems he produced bad wobbly punts, he has been on point, and appears to have been another quality pick.
  
• Tony Adams-This is the first really extended look I had of him.  He played C, and my overall impressions are that he played well, but just as I had formulated that thought, he gave up the sack by a guy who out quicked him and got under him,.  I don't know if he makes the final 53 or not.  His ability to play all three interior positions will help his cause, but given his circuitous route to get here, will that have set him back enough to make him more a PS candidate?
  

8.  Good to see Norwell in there.  By the time he left the game, I was impressed.  Counter to the guy we signed from Denver and went to SF, he actually seemed to provide some push in the running game.  There were runs where the POA moved from the LOS to a few yards forward.  On passes, IIRC, he gave up a sack late in a play, but generally he did a very good job keeping his guy away from Blake.  He had a great pull to the right and laid a block that enabled Fournette to score.  I am excited to see what he brings to the team.

9.  I have a hard time seeing Jarrod Wilson not making this team.  As deep and as talented as this defense is, anything's possible, but he seems to make plays when he gets in the game, and he did the same tonight.  He had that PBU in the end zone late in the first half. 

10.  Good to see Fowler back, though he didn't seem to have too much impact in the game.  The off sides against him was bogus.  Also nice to see Moncrief and ASJ finally make some impact in the passing game.  We will need more of that from them.

11.  Still not sure who the 5th/6th WR/PR will be.  I still think it may be Mickens, but I'm left to wonder how Lee's injury will change the dynamic.  Would there now be room for two out of the three of Mickens, Greene and Wynn?

12.  Bottom line:  Even though the injury to Lee sucks, I think as long as Dareus' pectoral injury does not linger on throughout the season (or worse is a season ending one), we are in decent shape from an injury perspective.  Not to throw Jones under the bus, but it seems when we have been gashed in the running game this preseason, it's been when Jones was the DT, just like the pre Dareus part of last year.   Now, we have to get as healthy as possible, figure out the bottom of our roster, figure out how to eliminate the QB INTs, and prepare to stomp the Giants in week one.

I watched Richardson closely in this game and although he didn't stand out, he was solid. I was a little disappointed they only played him at RT, considering our struggles at backup LT though. Maybe he'll get a look as a swing tackle next week. I can only hope. Tony Adams looked o.k. He had moments where he looked pretty good and others (the sack), where he looked very shaky. Considering this was his first game, I need to see more. I will be watching him closely next week. Considering the only other two interior backups who look remotely competant are Reed and Shatley and taking into account Adams can play all three interior positions, I believe he has a good chance at making the team. Especially if he plays well next week.  

Norwell's presence definitely helped the run game. His pass protection was a bit uneven, but overall, he looks like a very good signing. 

Jarrod Wilson is a lock to make the team, IMO. 

Moncrief had a very good game. Probably the most impressive receiver out there tonight. We're going to need him now that Lee may be done for the season. ASJ was a great signing. We appear to be in very good shape at the TE position. 

If Lee goes on I.R., I see our WR rotation looking like this, Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, D.J. Chark, Donte Moncrief, Jaydon Mickens and Rashad Greene. Shayne Wynn has totally disappeared since looking impressive in game one of the preseason. 

Agreed about the injuries. We need Dareus, but we should still be o.k. at the WR spot. Bortles has to play better though.

[/quote]

Perhaps they have identified Richardson as a pure RT before last night. Granted, I understand he was going against backups and guys who may not be in the league after next week, but he looked better in pass protection than Parnell did last night.   Parnell had his hands full.  But the sense I get from Richardson is he hasn't looked as good as I had hoped he would, and he likely needs a year to develop.  Hopefully he has shown enough to make the roster, because despite Wells playing surprisingly well in place of Robinson last year, I am uncomfortable with our T depth.

If Wilson makes the team, what about Davis?  I like what I have seen of him, but is there enough space on the roster for him?  I don't know if I could see us keeping five safeties.  If we keep ten defensive backs...maybe.

Now that Lee may be gone, we definitely need ASJ to at least be that chain moving safety blanket between the hash marks, if not the deep seam splitting TE.  I'm not yet sold on him as a "great" signing based upon the preseason games, because he has clearly caught more passes in practice than in games.

Wynn has vanished the last two games.  I should hope that Moncrief and Chark have earned BBs and McCardell's and Marrone's confidence, because with Lee gone, we need their size in the lineup.  Not that Lee was a huge WR, but with him being the most experienced in our offense by a long shot, BB knew where he would be on those 3rd down passes and depended on him.  I think having a bigger WR in the game will help offset that.  At this point, I don't see Lazard making the roster.

---

Moncrief just doesn’t possess that break away speed or he would have scored 1 or 2 times tonight.

He just doesn’t seem polished. I really hope Westbrook and Chark take off in the regular season.

Moncrief could make a nice slot receiver with his size.

I disagree with your assessment on Moncrief's speed.

On the slant, the S had the angle and forced him outside.  If the S did not have that angle or was otherwise blocked, Moncrief is gone.

Whether he is polished or not...I don't know.

---

 

Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

Good points as usual Bullseye!

Some observations from me as well:

-Good luck to Lee. That was a really bad injury. While his drops when they occur are really bad  (and that's why it always seems he has had more drops than it actually was the case)I think he is a valuable player in this offense, especially on 3rd down and running game. Wish him the best

-After seeing our performances during last preseason I'm not worried when some things don't work, I'm sure Marrone will have this team prepared for week 1 and players legs will be less tired and heavy after this training camp. Offensively they are not really opening up the playbook, rightly so. I'm sure they'll come up with a good plan as soon as the regular season start, Hackett has been very good with the first scripted drives and that's what I expect this season as well.

Defensively I think Wash is calling a few more blitzes than usual, I wonder if it's just to test players like Hayden, Patmon in doing so or if he will be take a more aggressive approach with blitzes during regular season too. What I noticed last season is that we blitzed the most on the season opener against the Texans and then blitzed less and less as the season went on. Against Steelers and Patriots in the playoff we almost didn't blitz and I think that at times our rushing packages suffered a bit of predictability in those games. We'll see if Wash will be more aggressive with it later in the season, way too early to know now but it's just something I noticed.

-Talking about new players: Norwell did very well in the run game while he could have played better in pass protection. Overall pleased with his debut. ASJ had a really nice catch and seems like he's focusing a lot on his blocking, I think that we'll see much more involved once gameplanning week to week starts. Moncrief was fine.  

-I'm not too worried about Bortles ints (although the first one was particularly bad, again) but he can't make decisions like the weird throw/toss to Yeldon while he was being pressured by Dlinemen: that was a stupid move and if Yeldon doesn't play DB we are facing another INT that may go for a pick 6.
The key time for Bortles will be during the season when teams will start challenging him on 3rd down with almost goal line formations. Titans, Rams, Jets and others did it last year and he will have to show he can change the play and beat that. There was another exemple of it last week against the Vikings but since it was preseason Bortles didn't change the play and we were stopped short of a first down but this will be a crucial point for our offense success.
And hopefully he gets more consistent in throwing in front of the receiver, yesterday he threw behind Chark (who could have gone for a long gain with his speed) like he did often other times last season. He came back and executed better on the next play for the big Moncrief gain, but again...need to hit those plays in stride.

-Those 2 RBs formation are excellent and hopefully they'll help opening up other options too. Fournette, Yeldon and Grant are all running well and catching the ball well, I'm not concerned about our RBs.

-I'm still not sold on our run defense, I wonder if we will see some heavier packages against certain teams.

-Malik Jackson is perhaps in the best form of his career here. He looks explosive and extra focused. While Campbell had a quieter camp, Malik has been a force.

-While I'm not clamoring for Kessler to compete for the starting job it's  good to see we have a capable backup. I just wish he was playing behind a better offensive line, with the starters the guy would look really reliable. That would have also helped the other wr's skill players like Wynn, Lazard, Mickens, Greene...sometimes the protection wasn't even there to let them have an opportunity as Kessler was being mugged. (not talking just about yesterday, in general during preseason).
I would sit Kessler next week by the way, no need to risk an injury to him. Let Lee play the entire game.

-Special mention: AJ Cann looks really improved thourghout the preseason, the man has clearly worked hard.

Thank you, sir.

I agree with your observations here as a whole.

I understand about the playcalling and performance improving once the regular season starts.  Let's face it, there aren't likely to be any clear weather, 5-0 final scores in the regular season.  Still, there are some things that concerns me as an outsider looking in.  Don't know how I forgot the stupid pass by Bortles to Yeldon.  I was enraged by that one!  I understand he wanted to make a play or at least avoid a sack, but worst case scenario he should have eaten the ball and taken the loss, or more ideally, he would have gotten rid of the ball a split second earlier and thrown it away.

Regarding our run defense, I reiterate I believe our problems with the run defense lie with Abry Jones.  While he is a good rotational player, run defense is not his strength.  This is why it is crucial Dareus is healthy.  Maybe we keep Silga now that Smoot may go to IR.  Would anyone be more than mildly surprised if Smoot were cut?  Malik Jackson has been awesome so far, and has been everything I had hoped for.

If Tanner Lee plays the entire game next week, that is an incentive not to watch the game at all.  I've never felt like this about any Jaguars QB before.  Egads!  But you are right.  No need to play Bortles or Kessler.

Cann has shown improvement in both run blocking and pass protection.  That is a good thing.  Teams like New England, the Giants, and the Texans will be tough to run on with their big DTs/NTs inside.  We will need our interior three to move guys off the ball in the running game.

---

 

Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

What's everyone's thoughts on Andrew Motuapuaka (LB #45)?

To me, he has performed well in every preseason game. Understanding how the numbers game works, it's possible he won't make the team, but to me, that would be one of the most painful cuts of camp if he is, released. I am hoping they can somehow find a way to keep him without some guy being injured and put on IR.

---

 

Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

What's everyone's thoughts on Andrew Motuapuaka (LB #45)?

To me, he has performed well in every preseason game.  Understanding how the numbers game works, it's possible he won't make the team, but to me, that would be one of the most painful cuts of camp if he is, released.  I am hoping they can somehow find a way to keep him without some guy being injured and put on IR.

I thought he and Payne both missed some run fits against the vikings that turned into big gains on the ground for the opponent. 

Outside of that, he does look good. He gets sideline to sideline quickly and has good speed. It will be interesting to see how they choose between Brown, Payne and Matuapuaka.

---

Regarding your original post  - numbers 4 and 5 resonate with me as I've advocated the same sentiment about Hackett's creativity and bemoaned the moments when it has disappeared. 

Same with #5 - I have been critical of Fournette's vision and took note last night when he made some impressive cutbacks to find a crease and gain yardage. Here's hoping he goes on to make a fool of me this season.

---

Good points as usual Bullseye!

Some observations from me as well:

-Good luck to Lee. That was a really bad injury. While his drops when they occur are really bad  (and that's why it always seems he has had more drops than it actually was the case)I think he is a valuable player in this offense, especially on 3rd down and running game. Wish him the best

-After seeing our performances during last preseason I'm not worried when some things don't work, I'm sure Marrone will have this team prepared for week 1 and players legs will be less tired and heavy after this training camp. Offensively they are not really opening up the playbook, rightly so. I'm sure they'll come up with a good plan as soon as the regular season start, Hackett has been very good with the first scripted drives and that's what I expect this season as well.

Defensively I think Wash is calling a few more blitzes than usual, I wonder if it's just to test players like Hayden, Patmon in doing so or if he will be take a more aggressive approach with blitzes during regular season too. What I noticed last season is that we blitzed the most on the season opener against the Texans and then blitzed less and less as the season went on. Against Steelers and Patriots in the playoff we almost didn't blitz and I think that at times our rushing packages suffered a bit of predictability in those games. We'll see if Wash will be more aggressive with it later in the season, way too early to know now but it's just something I noticed.

-Talking about new players: Norwell did very well in the run game while he could have played better in pass protection. Overall pleased with his debut. ASJ had a really nice catch and seems like he's focusing a lot on his blocking, I think that we'll see much more involved once gameplanning week to week starts. Moncrief was fine.  

-I'm not too worried about Bortles ints (although the first one was particularly bad, again) but he can't make decisions like the weird throw/toss to Yeldon while he was being pressured by Dlinemen: that was a stupid move and if Yeldon doesn't play DB we are facing another INT that may go for a pick 6.
The key time for Bortles will be during the season when teams will start challenging him on 3rd down with almost goal line formations. Titans, Rams, Jets and others did it last year and he will have to show he can change the play and beat that. There was another exemple of it last week against the Vikings but since it was preseason Bortles didn't change the play and we were stopped short of a first down but this will be a crucial point for our offense success.
And hopefully he gets more consistent in throwing in front of the receiver, yesterday he threw behind Chark (who could have gone for a long gain with his speed) like he did often other times last season. He came back and executed better on the next play for the big Moncrief gain, but again...need to hit those plays in stride.

-Those 2 RBs formation are excellent and hopefully they'll help opening up other options too. Fournette, Yeldon and Grant are all running well and catching the ball well, I'm not concerned about our RBs.

-I'm still not sold on our run defense, I wonder if we will see some heavier packages against certain teams.

-Malik Jackson is perhaps in the best form of his career here. He looks explosive and extra focused. While Campbell had a quieter camp, Malik has been a force.

-While I'm not clamoring for Kessler to compete for the starting job it's  good to see we have a capable backup. I just wish he was playing behind a better offensive line, with the starters the guy would look really reliable. That would have also helped the other wr's skill players like Wynn, Lazard, Mickens, Greene...sometimes the protection wasn't even there to let them have an opportunity as Kessler was being mugged. (not talking just about yesterday, in general during preseason).
I would sit Kessler next week by the way, no need to risk an injury to him. Let Lee play the entire game.

-Special mention: AJ Cann looks really improved thourghout the preseason, the man has clearly worked hard.

I couldn't agree more. We finally have a solid backup QB. No need to risk an injury. I might even sign some "Joe Schmo" off the street, just for this coming game to be an emergency QB, in case Tanner Lee gets injured. None of our starters should even sniff the field.

---

You have to be encouraged by the overall accuracy of Bortles as well as the mental toughness to come back from a bad throw here and there, and it not carrying over mentally to the next play. Also thrilled about having a backup who can get the job done.

Thrilled about that. THRilled about the running game overall.

Thrilled about the D and the depth we have in key areas. Thrilled our rookie punter has potential and seems up to the task.

Not thrilled with injuries.

I think they showcases that 56 is healthy and are looking to trade him.

---

Looking at the big picture, I really like what I see. Bortles played fine for the most part. He still needs to build chemistry with the receivers, and losing Lee does not help. But he looks comfortable in the system. Run game looks strong and a lot more diverse than last year. Special teams looks improved. Defense might be even better than last year. It's hard to tell right now with so many moving parts. But this team plays good complimentary football and plays with confidence and patience. They will be tough to beat.

---

Make no mistake...I love watching Jaguars football.  But this is my first time watching them with glasses.  It took some getting used to.  UGH!  Anyway, this is what I saw-a little more clearly than before....

1.  One of the main reasons football fans hate preseason is the risk of injury-especially catastrophic injury-to top players in games that do not count.  We were pretty lucky last year and the first two games this preseason.  Tonight?  Not so much.  Lee went down with what looks like a torn ACL.  Dareus took himself out of the game with a pectoral injury.   Finally, a DB had a scary injury, but fortunately he was not paralyzed.  He walked off on his own power, and is likely concussed.  I am not holding out much hope for Lee at this point, but I wish all three of these players speedy recoveries.

2.  Sometimes I think the criticism Bortles gets from observers around the country is gratuitous and undeserved.  But then we see performances like the one he had tonight where he threw two INTs, and I am left dumbfounded and dismayed.  I don't know exactly how the receivers were supposed to run their routes (although Moncrief seemed to take criticism from FT and Marrone for not clearing out properly on the 2nd INT), but in the absence of any other informed opinion showing otherwise, I'm left to wonder what the heck happned on that INT in Minnesota, and the first INT tonight.  If the Jaguars are to reach the Super Bowl, plays like these cannot continue.  Plays like this will not silence the Bridgewater talk.  Bortles may be able to brush it off, but it's aggravating for me to hear people want to impose mediocre QBs on us all the time.  Furthermore, it can be demoralizing to think we could have two Super Bowl caliber defenses (2006 and 2018) wasted due to bad QB play (yes I know we are in preseason and not all is as bleak as it appears).  The second half of last season and the post season showed that Bortles can play at a high enough level for us to be able to play with anyone.  He needs to get back to that level of play.

3.  I know the Falcons did not play Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, but man I love our defense!  After a shaky start, the defense clamped down, recording three sacks on Ryan and missing out on one more.Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell, Dareus, Jack, Telvin Smith, JR20, and Patmon all showed up big time.  The only completion Ramsey allowed was on a perfectly thrown back shoulder fade the receiver had to one hand while falling out of bounds.  When the Falcons got into our territory, we shut em down.  Good job, guys!

4.  When most people post on message boards about offensive coordinators, they are usually complaining about playcalling, wanting him to be fired, or talking about prospects to replace the guy we have either as HC or off. coord.  This is not one of those posts.  I don't know if this is borne more out of necessity here or what, but Hackett is an imaginative play designer-caller.  He had some nifty plays to get Grant out in the open field, continuing the play calling that kept the Steelers off balance all game long, and had the Patriots down in the first half.  Yes, he and Marrone can take some heat for going conservative in the AFCCG, but overall, I'm glad we have him here.  That combo is capable of keeping an opposing defense off balance more than most.

5.  there were a couple of interesting plays by Fournette that either indicates a change in running style, or an exhibition of skills that some felt he did not possess.  There was a run to the left (or maybe it was a catch in the flat) where LF was one on one with a DB.  I think last year, Fournette might have lowered his head and run over him.  But now, perhaps due to the new rules, Fournette tried running through him without lowering his head.  The other play was his TD, that featured him making cuts completely against the grain to weave his way into the end zone.  His performance tonight gives me hope for a big year from him.  While I am on the subject of RBs, Yeldon and Grant gave us some quality runs tonight.  If that continues, not only will it save some wear and tear on LF, but it will help to keep opposing defenses off balance.

6.  Weird to see Lambo actually miss a FG when he bounced one off the upright.  Similarly, it was comforting to see him nail one later.

7.  Rookie Watch:

• Taven Bryan-This is the first real extended look at him in a game.  His strengths and weaknesses were on display.  He showed excellent hustle in pursuit on plays run away from him, and got a couple of solid hits on some ball carriers.  There were a couple of plays where, while he was not in on the tackle, was disruptive enough by collapsing the side of the OL to ruin the play.  The personal foul called against him was complete horse [BLEEP].  He was blocked into the guy.  On the down side, there were some plays where he seemed slow off the snap, and there were other plays where his strength and pad level enabled him to get under a guy's pads and get him off balance, but whether through the lack of leg drive or for some other unknown reason, he was unable to exploit the advantage.  I see why he was considered a first rounder, I see why it made sense for the team to take him, and I see why people said he is a project.  He may or may not rank with the Jaguars all time great DLs by the time all is said and done, but I already like him better than guys like Alualu and Renaldo Wynn.
  
•  DJ Chark-was quieter today than he was in the first two games.  He had a decent kickoff return.  There were passing plays where he was open.  On the first, Blake was inaccurate with his pass.  On the latter, in the red zone, Chark appeared open but for whatever reason Blake didn't get it to him.  If Lee's injury is as bad as feared, Chark will need to step up more quickly. 
  
• Ronnie Harrison-DNP
  
• Will Richardson-Played RT in the second half, and there didn't seem to be much chaos or pressure coming from that side.  As it stands now, he has not provided a wow moment to me, but seemed pretty stable tonight.
  
• Tanner Lee-DNP...thankfully
  
• Leon Jacobs-Started at SAM and played decently.  One play in particular stand out as particularly impressive.  Ryan and the Falcons faked a run to the left and bootlegged Ryan out to the right, with a full back flaring out to the right flat.  A less instinctive and disciplined player would have pursued the RB who didn't have the ball, leaving the FB wide open for a huge gain.  Although Jacobs did take a couple of false steps, he saw the play developing, had enough athleticism to change directions and cover the FB to the flat, and the play, IIRC resulted in a sack.   That play seems to encapsulate all of the praise for his smarts and overall ability that so many have given him.
  
• Logan Cook-had a pretty good game.  It seems since that first padded practice where it seems he produced bad wobbly punts, he has been on point, and appears to have been another quality pick.
  
• Tony Adams-This is the first really extended look I had of him.  He played C, and my overall impressions are that he played well, but just as I had formulated that thought, he gave up the sack by a guy who out quicked him and got under him,.  I don't know if he makes the final 53 or not.  His ability to play all three interior positions will help his cause, but given his circuitous route to get here, will that have set him back enough to make him more a PS candidate?
  

8.  Good to see Norwell in there.  By the time he left the game, I was impressed.  Counter to the guy we signed from Denver and went to SF, he actually seemed to provide some push in the running game.  There were runs where the POA moved from the LOS to a few yards forward.  On passes, IIRC, he gave up a sack late in a play, but generally he did a very good job keeping his guy away from Blake.  He had a great pull to the right and laid a block that enabled Fournette to score.  I am excited to see what he brings to the team.

9.  I have a hard time seeing Jarrod Wilson not making this team.  As deep and as talented as this defense is, anything's possible, but he seems to make plays when he gets in the game, and he did the same tonight.  He had that PBU in the end zone late in the first half. 

10.  Good to see Fowler back, though he didn't seem to have too much impact in the game.  The off sides against him was bogus.  Also nice to see Moncrief and ASJ finally make some impact in the passing game.  We will need more of that from them.

11.  Still not sure who the 5th/6th WR/PR will be.  I still think it may be Mickens, but I'm left to wonder how Lee's injury will change the dynamic.  Would there now be room for two out of the three of Mickens, Greene and Wynn?

12.  Bottom line:  Even though the injury to Lee sucks, I think as long as Dareus' pectoral injury does not linger on throughout the season (or worse is a season ending one), we are in decent shape from an injury perspective.  Not to throw Jones under the bus, but it seems when we have been gashed in the running game this preseason, it's been when Jones was the DT, just like the pre Dareus part of last year.   Now, we have to get as healthy as possible, figure out the bottom of our roster, figure out how to eliminate the QB INTs, and prepare to stomp the Giants in week one.

Prior to this game I kind of figured it would be Mickens with a "hard to let go of" Greene.  With the injury to Lee I believe that the odd man out is going to be Wynn.

---

There are 10 kinds of people in this world.  Those who understand binary and those who don't.

Thank you, sir.

I agree with your observations here as a whole.

I understand about the playcalling and performance improving once the regular season starts.  Let's face it, there aren't likely to be any clear weather, 5-0 final scores in the regular season.  Still, there are some things that concerns me as an outsider looking in.  Don't know how I forgot the stupid pass by Bortles to Yeldon.  I was enraged by that one!  I understand he wanted to make a play or at least avoid a sack, but worst case scenario he should have eaten the ball and taken the loss, or more ideally, he would have gotten rid of the ball a split second earlier and thrown it away.

Regarding our run defense, I reiterate I believe our problems with the run defense lie with Abry Jones.  While he is a good rotational player, run defense is not his strength.  This is why it is crucial Dareus is healthy.  Maybe we keep Silga now that Smoot may go to IR.  Would anyone be more than mildly surprised if Smoot were cut?  Malik Jackson has been awesome so far, and has been everything I had hoped for.

If Tanner Lee plays the entire game next week, that is an incentive not to watch the game at all.  I've never felt like this about any Jaguars QB before.  Egads!  But you are right.  No need to play Bortles or Kessler.

Cann has shown improvement in both run blocking and pass protection.  That is a good thing.  Teams like New England, the Giants, and the Texans will be tough to run on with their big DTs/NTs inside.  We will need our interior three to move guys off the ball in the running game.

Your point about Abry Jones is really interesting.
I think we were all a bit mislead when he stepped up after Roy Miller's injury and the run defense (the only thing that was good with that defense that year)didn't miss a beat. But last year he underperformed as a run stuffer and without Dareus it gets really bad.
I wonder about Silaga as well, he could be an option with even Ankou apparently out longtime. The Smoot situation is unfortunate, I was looking forward to seeing his development is year but I think he will end up on IR and we'll see him here again next season.

About your last point, I couldn't agree more. I feel actually good about the interior of our OL, especially with Linder back if Cann keeps his progress up the Norwell-Linder-Cann trio could really be a real area of strenght.
I can't wait for this season to start!

---

Make no mistake...I love watching Jaguars football.  But this is my first time watching them with glasses.  It took some getting used to.  UGH!  Anyway, this is what I saw-a little more clearly than before....

1.  One of the main reasons football fans hate preseason is the risk of injury-especially catastrophic injury-to top players in games that do not count.  We were pretty lucky last year and the first two games this preseason.  Tonight?  Not so much.  Lee went down with what looks like a torn ACL.  Dareus took himself out of the game with a pectoral injury.   Finally, a DB had a scary injury, but fortunately he was not paralyzed.  He walked off on his own power, and is likely concussed.  I am not holding out much hope for Lee at this point, but I wish all three of these players speedy recoveries.

2.  Sometimes I think the criticism Bortles gets from observers around the country is gratuitous and undeserved.  But then we see performances like the one he had tonight where he threw two INTs, and I am left dumbfounded and dismayed.  I don't know exactly how the receivers were supposed to run their routes (although Moncrief seemed to take criticism from FT and Marrone for not clearing out properly on the 2nd INT), but in the absence of any other informed opinion showing otherwise, I'm left to wonder what the heck happned on that INT in Minnesota, and the first INT tonight.  If the Jaguars are to reach the Super Bowl, plays like these cannot continue.  Plays like this will not silence the Bridgewater talk.  Bortles may be able to brush it off, but it's aggravating for me to hear people want to impose mediocre QBs on us all the time.  Furthermore, it can be demoralizing to think we could have two Super Bowl caliber defenses (2006 and 2018) wasted due to bad QB play (yes I know we are in preseason and not all is as bleak as it appears).  The second half of last season and the post season showed that Bortles can play at a high enough level for us to be able to play with anyone.  He needs to get back to that level of play.

3.  I know the Falcons did not play Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, but man I love our defense!  After a shaky start, the defense clamped down, recording three sacks on Ryan and missing out on one more.Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell, Dareus, Jack, Telvin Smith, JR20, and Patmon all showed up big time.  The only completion Ramsey allowed was on a perfectly thrown back shoulder fade the receiver had to one hand while falling out of bounds.  When the Falcons got into our territory, we shut em down.  Good job, guys!

4.  When most people post on message boards about offensive coordinators, they are usually complaining about playcalling, wanting him to be fired, or talking about prospects to replace the guy we have either as HC or off. coord.  This is not one of those posts.  I don't know if this is borne more out of necessity here or what, but Hackett is an imaginative play designer-caller.  He had some nifty plays to get Grant out in the open field, continuing the play calling that kept the Steelers off balance all game long, and had the Patriots down in the first half.  Yes, he and Marrone can take some heat for going conservative in the AFCCG, but overall, I'm glad we have him here.  That combo is capable of keeping an opposing defense off balance more than most.

5.  there were a couple of interesting plays by Fournette that either indicates a change in running style, or an exhibition of skills that some felt he did not possess.  There was a run to the left (or maybe it was a catch in the flat) where LF was one on one with a DB.  I think last year, Fournette might have lowered his head and run over him.  But now, perhaps due to the new rules, Fournette tried running through him without lowering his head.  The other play was his TD, that featured him making cuts completely against the grain to weave his way into the end zone.  His performance tonight gives me hope for a big year from him.  While I am on the subject of RBs, Yeldon and Grant gave us some quality runs tonight.  If that continues, not only will it save some wear and tear on LF, but it will help to keep opposing defenses off balance.

6.  Weird to see Lambo actually miss a FG when he bounced one off the upright.  Similarly, it was comforting to see him nail one later.

7.  Rookie Watch:

• Taven Bryan-This is the first real extended look at him in a game.  His strengths and weaknesses were on display.  He showed excellent hustle in pursuit on plays run away from him, and got a couple of solid hits on some ball carriers.  There were a couple of plays where, while he was not in on the tackle, was disruptive enough by collapsing the side of the OL to ruin the play.  The personal foul called against him was complete horse [BLEEP].  He was blocked into the guy.  On the down side, there were some plays where he seemed slow off the snap, and there were other plays where his strength and pad level enabled him to get under a guy's pads and get him off balance, but whether through the lack of leg drive or for some other unknown reason, he was unable to exploit the advantage.  I see why he was considered a first rounder, I see why it made sense for the team to take him, and I see why people said he is a project.  He may or may not rank with the Jaguars all time great DLs by the time all is said and done, but I already like him better than guys like Alualu and Renaldo Wynn.
  
•  DJ Chark-was quieter today than he was in the first two games.  He had a decent kickoff return.  There were passing plays where he was open.  On the first, Blake was inaccurate with his pass.  On the latter, in the red zone, Chark appeared open but for whatever reason Blake didn't get it to him.  If Lee's injury is as bad as feared, Chark will need to step up more quickly. 
  
• Ronnie Harrison-DNP
  
• Will Richardson-Played RT in the second half, and there didn't seem to be much chaos or pressure coming from that side.  As it stands now, he has not provided a wow moment to me, but seemed pretty stable tonight.
  
• Tanner Lee-DNP...thankfully
  
• Leon Jacobs-Started at SAM and played decently.  One play in particular stand out as particularly impressive.  Ryan and the Falcons faked a run to the left and bootlegged Ryan out to the right, with a full back flaring out to the right flat.  A less instinctive and disciplined player would have pursued the RB who didn't have the ball, leaving the FB wide open for a huge gain.  Although Jacobs did take a couple of false steps, he saw the play developing, had enough athleticism to change directions and cover the FB to the flat, and the play, IIRC resulted in a sack.   That play seems to encapsulate all of the praise for his smarts and overall ability that so many have given him.
  
• Logan Cook-had a pretty good game.  It seems since that first padded practice where it seems he produced bad wobbly punts, he has been on point, and appears to have been another quality pick.
  
• Tony Adams-This is the first really extended look I had of him.  He played C, and my overall impressions are that he played well, but just as I had formulated that thought, he gave up the sack by a guy who out quicked him and got under him,.  I don't know if he makes the final 53 or not.  His ability to play all three interior positions will help his cause, but given his circuitous route to get here, will that have set him back enough to make him more a PS candidate?
  

8.  Good to see Norwell in there.  By the time he left the game, I was impressed.  Counter to the guy we signed from Denver and went to SF, he actually seemed to provide some push in the running game.  There were runs where the POA moved from the LOS to a few yards forward.  On passes, IIRC, he gave up a sack late in a play, but generally he did a very good job keeping his guy away from Blake.  He had a great pull to the right and laid a block that enabled Fournette to score.  I am excited to see what he brings to the team.

9.  I have a hard time seeing Jarrod Wilson not making this team.  As deep and as talented as this defense is, anything's possible, but he seems to make plays when he gets in the game, and he did the same tonight.  He had that PBU in the end zone late in the first half. 

10.  Good to see Fowler back, though he didn't seem to have too much impact in the game.  The off sides against him was bogus.  Also nice to see Moncrief and ASJ finally make some impact in the passing game.  We will need more of that from them.

11.  Still not sure who the 5th/6th WR/PR will be.  I still think it may be Mickens, but I'm left to wonder how Lee's injury will change the dynamic.  Would there now be room for two out of the three of Mickens, Greene and Wynn?

12.  Bottom line:  Even though the injury to Lee sucks, I think as long as Dareus' pectoral injury does not linger on throughout the season (or worse is a season ending one), we are in decent shape from an injury perspective.  Not to throw Jones under the bus, but it seems when we have been gashed in the running game this preseason, it's been when Jones was the DT, just like the pre Dareus part of last year.   Now, we have to get as healthy as possible, figure out the bottom of our roster, figure out how to eliminate the QB INTs, and prepare to stomp the Giants in week one.

Prior to this game I kind of figured it would be Mickens with a "hard to let go of" Greene.  With the injury to Lee I believe that the odd man out is going to be Wynn.

That's pretty much how I see it.  I noticed there were guys who saw no PT last night, and Wynn was one of them.  I am betting he gets a ton of PT next week, along with many others.

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

Thank you, sir.

I agree with your observations here as a whole.

I understand about the playcalling and performance improving once the regular season starts.  Let's face it, there aren't likely to be any clear weather, 5-0 final scores in the regular season.  Still, there are some things that concerns me as an outsider looking in.  Don't know how I forgot the stupid pass by Bortles to Yeldon.  I was enraged by that one!  I understand he wanted to make a play or at least avoid a sack, but worst case scenario he should have eaten the ball and taken the loss, or more ideally, he would have gotten rid of the ball a split second earlier and thrown it away.

Regarding our run defense, I reiterate I believe our problems with the run defense lie with Abry Jones.  While he is a good rotational player, run defense is not his strength.  This is why it is crucial Dareus is healthy.  Maybe we keep Silga now that Smoot may go to IR.  Would anyone be more than mildly surprised if Smoot were cut?  Malik Jackson has been awesome so far, and has been everything I had hoped for.

If Tanner Lee plays the entire game next week, that is an incentive not to watch the game at all.  I've never felt like this about any Jaguars QB before.  Egads!  But you are right.  No need to play Bortles or Kessler.

Cann has shown improvement in both run blocking and pass protection.  That is a good thing.  Teams like New England, the Giants, and the Texans will be tough to run on with their big DTs/NTs inside.  We will need our interior three to move guys off the ball in the running game.

Your point about Abry Jones is really interesting.
I think we were all a bit mislead when he stepped up after Roy Miller's injury and the run defense (the only thing that was good with that defense that year)didn't miss a beat. But last year he underperformed as a run stuffer and without Dareus it gets really bad.
I wonder about Silaga as well, he could be an option with even Ankou apparently out longtime. The Smoot situation is unfortunate, I was looking forward to seeing his development is year but I think he will end up on IR and we'll see him here again next season.

About your last point, I couldn't agree more. I feel actually good about the interior of our OL, especially with Linder back if Cann keeps his progress up the Norwell-Linder-Cann trio could really be a real area of strenght.
I can't wait for this season to start!

The thing is, when Abry Jones first came aboard, I never saw him as a liability in the run game.  I thought we got a bargain with him.

I still like him as a player, but ever since Dareus came aboard, it just seems apparent all of the big runs come with Jones in the lineup.  I'm prepared to say, given proof, that he is not solely responsible for the failures in the run defense.  But I believe it starts with him.

Regarding the OL, it's strange how things have worked out.  By the end of last year and coming into the preseason, we felt pretty good about the tackles and not so good about the interior three.  Exiting the preseason, it seems the confidence of the fan base seems more into the interior three than it is to the tackles.  I do have faith whatever problems of the OL will be straightened out by week 1.

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

I'm as much in Bortles camp as anyone but that Favre like toss to Yeldon can't happen. The blame on the picks is debatable but he's looked careless in the preseason. For someone that wants to shake the bad play stigma he isn't doing himself any favors. Not very impressed with the receivers effort to go after balls that aren't well placed is concerning too. There's been several plays where they've just given up on balls and let the defender win. Offensive line play has been pretty weak too. Hopefully its just due to all the different lineups. They weren't very good last preseason but played well when it mattered.

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I LOVE the two back set options Hackett was calling. Such huge mismatches there, especially Fournette and Grant at the same time.

Blake was hitting crossing patterns in stride which is great for him, unfortunately one of the few times he's hit Lee in stride ever it leads to that injury. Obviously not saying its Blake's fault, just unfortunate.

I think the offense is in better shape than a lot believe.

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IT WAS ALWAYS THE JAGS

What's everyone's thoughts on Andrew Motuapuaka (LB #45)?

To me, he has performed well in every preseason game.  Understanding how the numbers game works, it's possible he won't make the team, but to me, that would be one of the most painful cuts of camp if he is, released.  I am hoping they can somehow find a way to keep him without some guy being injured and put on IR.

There is a play that stuck out to me yesterday with #45 where he looked terrible out in the open field. Other than that, he has played decent.

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Make no mistake...I love watching Jaguars football.  But this is my first time watching them with glasses.  It took some getting used to.  UGH!  Anyway, this is what I saw-a little more clearly than before....

1.  One of the main reasons football fans hate preseason is the risk of injury-especially catastrophic injury-to top players in games that do not count.  We were pretty lucky last year and the first two games this preseason.  Tonight?  Not so much.  Lee went down with what looks like a torn ACL.  Dareus took himself out of the game with a pectoral injury.   Finally, a DB had a scary injury, but fortunately he was not paralyzed.  He walked off on his own power, and is likely concussed.  I am not holding out much hope for Lee at this point, but I wish all three of these players speedy recoveries.

2.  Sometimes I think the criticism Bortles gets from observers around the country is gratuitous and undeserved.  But then we see performances like the one he had tonight where he threw two INTs, and I am left dumbfounded and dismayed.  I don't know exactly how the receivers were supposed to run their routes (although Moncrief seemed to take criticism from FT and Marrone for not clearing out properly on the 2nd INT), but in the absence of any other informed opinion showing otherwise, I'm left to wonder what the heck happned on that INT in Minnesota, and the first INT tonight.  If the Jaguars are to reach the Super Bowl, plays like these cannot continue.  Plays like this will not silence the Bridgewater talk.  Bortles may be able to brush it off, but it's aggravating for me to hear people want to impose mediocre QBs on us all the time.  Furthermore, it can be demoralizing to think we could have two Super Bowl caliber defenses (2006 and 2018) wasted due to bad QB play (yes I know we are in preseason and not all is as bleak as it appears).  The second half of last season and the post season showed that Bortles can play at a high enough level for us to be able to play with anyone.  He needs to get back to that level of play.

3.  I know the Falcons did not play Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, but man I love our defense!  After a shaky start, the defense clamped down, recording three sacks on Ryan and missing out on one more.Ngakoue, Malik Jackson, Calais Campbell, Dareus, Jack, Telvin Smith, JR20, and Patmon all showed up big time.  The only completion Ramsey allowed was on a perfectly thrown back shoulder fade the receiver had to one hand while falling out of bounds.  When the Falcons got into our territory, we shut em down.  Good job, guys!

4.  When most people post on message boards about offensive coordinators, they are usually complaining about playcalling, wanting him to be fired, or talking about prospects to replace the guy we have either as HC or off. coord.  This is not one of those posts.  I don't know if this is borne more out of necessity here or what, but Hackett is an imaginative play designer-caller.  He had some nifty plays to get Grant out in the open field, continuing the play calling that kept the Steelers off balance all game long, and had the Patriots down in the first half.  Yes, he and Marrone can take some heat for going conservative in the AFCCG, but overall, I'm glad we have him here.  That combo is capable of keeping an opposing defense off balance more than most.

5.  there were a couple of interesting plays by Fournette that either indicates a change in running style, or an exhibition of skills that some felt he did not possess.  There was a run to the left (or maybe it was a catch in the flat) where LF was one on one with a DB.  I think last year, Fournette might have lowered his head and run over him.  But now, perhaps due to the new rules, Fournette tried running through him without lowering his head.  The other play was his TD, that featured him making cuts completely against the grain to weave his way into the end zone.  His performance tonight gives me hope for a big year from him.  While I am on the subject of RBs, Yeldon and Grant gave us some quality runs tonight.  If that continues, not only will it save some wear and tear on LF, but it will help to keep opposing defenses off balance.

6.  Weird to see Lambo actually miss a FG when he bounced one off the upright.  Similarly, it was comforting to see him nail one later.

7.  Rookie Watch:

• Taven Bryan-This is the first real extended look at him in a game.  His strengths and weaknesses were on display.  He showed excellent hustle in pursuit on plays run away from him, and got a couple of solid hits on some ball carriers.  There were a couple of plays where, while he was not in on the tackle, was disruptive enough by collapsing the side of the OL to ruin the play.  The personal foul called against him was complete horse [BLEEP].  He was blocked into the guy.  On the down side, there were some plays where he seemed slow off the snap, and there were other plays where his strength and pad level enabled him to get under a guy's pads and get him off balance, but whether through the lack of leg drive or for some other unknown reason, he was unable to exploit the advantage.  I see why he was considered a first rounder, I see why it made sense for the team to take him, and I see why people said he is a project.  He may or may not rank with the Jaguars all time great DLs by the time all is said and done, but I already like him better than guys like Alualu and Renaldo Wynn.
  
•  DJ Chark-was quieter today than he was in the first two games.  He had a decent kickoff return.  There were passing plays where he was open.  On the first, Blake was inaccurate with his pass.  On the latter, in the red zone, Chark appeared open but for whatever reason Blake didn't get it to him.  If Lee's injury is as bad as feared, Chark will need to step up more quickly. 
  
• Ronnie Harrison-DNP
  
• Will Richardson-Played RT in the second half, and there didn't seem to be much chaos or pressure coming from that side.  As it stands now, he has not provided a wow moment to me, but seemed pretty stable tonight.
  
• Tanner Lee-DNP...thankfully
  
• Leon Jacobs-Started at SAM and played decently.  One play in particular stand out as particularly impressive.  Ryan and the Falcons faked a run to the left and bootlegged Ryan out to the right, with a full back flaring out to the right flat.  A less instinctive and disciplined player would have pursued the RB who didn't have the ball, leaving the FB wide open for a huge gain.  Although Jacobs did take a couple of false steps, he saw the play developing, had enough athleticism to change directions and cover the FB to the flat, and the play, IIRC resulted in a sack.   That play seems to encapsulate all of the praise for his smarts and overall ability that so many have given him.
  
• Logan Cook-had a pretty good game.  It seems since that first padded practice where it seems he produced bad wobbly punts, he has been on point, and appears to have been another quality pick.
  
• Tony Adams-This is the first really extended look I had of him.  He played C, and my overall impressions are that he played well, but just as I had formulated that thought, he gave up the sack by a guy who out quicked him and got under him,.  I don't know if he makes the final 53 or not.  His ability to play all three interior positions will help his cause, but given his circuitous route to get here, will that have set him back enough to make him more a PS candidate?
  

8.  Good to see Norwell in there.  By the time he left the game, I was impressed.  Counter to the guy we signed from Denver and went to SF, he actually seemed to provide some push in the running game.  There were runs where the POA moved from the LOS to a few yards forward.  On passes, IIRC, he gave up a sack late in a play, but generally he did a very good job keeping his guy away from Blake.  He had a great pull to the right and laid a block that enabled Fournette to score.  I am excited to see what he brings to the team.

9.  I have a hard time seeing Jarrod Wilson not making this team.  As deep and as talented as this defense is, anything's possible, but he seems to make plays when he gets in the game, and he did the same tonight.  He had that PBU in the end zone late in the first half. 

10.  Good to see Fowler back, though he didn't seem to have too much impact in the game.  The off sides against him was bogus.  Also nice to see Moncrief and ASJ finally make some impact in the passing game.  We will need more of that from them.

11.  Still not sure who the 5th/6th WR/PR will be.  I still think it may be Mickens, but I'm left to wonder how Lee's injury will change the dynamic.  Would there now be room for two out of the three of Mickens, Greene and Wynn?

12.  Bottom line:  Even though the injury to Lee sucks, I think as long as Dareus' pectoral injury does not linger on throughout the season (or worse is a season ending one), we are in decent shape from an injury perspective.  Not to throw Jones under the bus, but it seems when we have been gashed in the running game this preseason, it's been when Jones was the DT, just like the pre Dareus part of last year.   Now, we have to get as healthy as possible, figure out the bottom of our roster, figure out how to eliminate the QB INTs, and prepare to stomp the Giants in week one.

Thanks again for your comprehensive impressions of the game. It's really difficult to make much of anything that happens in pre-season games for the obvious reasons. I do think, however, that certain individual performances could be significant in predicting what to expect from these players during the regular season. The ones which stood out to me were:

1. Fournette- The offense revolves around him and his highlight-reel touchdown run was very encouraging. He seems quicker due to off-season weight loss and I expect great things from 
                   him this season.

2. Myles Jack- I kept my glasses on him during several plays and he was all over the field. He and Telvin are a great duo. Both should be pro-bowlers this season.

3. Corey Grant- He keeps getting better and needs to get 5-10 touches per game. He's especially dangerous on screen passes.

4. Cody Kessler- Big upgrade at back-up quarterback. Jags can win with him if Blake gets hurt or benched later in the season.

5. Blake Bortles- He can't make mistakes in the regular season like he has committed the last 2 games. The 1 interception was terrible and the left-handed shuffle pass while under duress
                        was even worse. His toughness is a big asset and fits perfectly with the team's personality, but he must take better care of the ball. Whether this team reaches it's overall
                        potential (Super Bowl) or not will inevitably depend on which Blake we see beginning with the opener against the Giants.

6. Malik Jackson- If he performs during the regular season like he did yesterday, this defense will be all-world! He made 1 play after another and opposing offensive lines will not be able to 
                         contend with a starting line of Yannick, Malik, Dareus and Calais. Talk about picking your poison!

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