The preseason is no time to wager on your team’s future, but for the stat-addicts and super fans alike, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into. Jags fans, though, may not be inclined to care; it’s been 9 years since the “brave new city of the south” has seen a winning record. Still, the familiar chant of “This is our year!” is rising at Everbank, just as it does every year, from the undaunted fans that still fantasize about the Fred Taylor days.
So, let’s get right to it. Below is a week-by-week breakdown of all four preseason games. Each one highlights the good, the bad and the "Leftwich" that will determine a successful season. Disclaimer: preseason hype indicates that this will, in fact, be "our year." Expect to dominate the AFC South until ~week 4.
Week 1 – Loss @ New York Jets
Blake Bortles & Company travel to New Jersey to open against a resurgent Jets team that is expected to make it to the playoffs again this year (despite front-man Fitzpatrick’s contract troubles.)
Brace yourselves, folks.
Actually, the offense came out hot in the first quarter. I mean red-hot. Three-year veteran WR Allen Robinson quickly establishes his dominance both in short and long range, hauling in a number of big catches. Chris Ivory gets his first start as a Jag, as well, making a few good short-yardage gains before scoring a short TD against his old team. On the other side of the ball, however, the Jags showed a lot of familiar lethargy. The secondary gave up a number of easy plays, and special teams almost let go of a TD return on a kickoff. Twice. Jason Meyers, replacing the beloved Scobee at kicker, also showed a lack of confidence, putting through a shaky 33-Yard FG at the end of the first quarter. The Jets would go on to win 28-23.
Week 2 – Loss, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arguably the best “loss” of the preseason, the Jaguar's first team had a great first half (again). Bortles goes 8-11 on top of his 5-6 from last week. Jalen Ramsey, the standout Seminole and No. 5 pick overall, made a firm debut in the secondary. As far as young talent goes, the Jags had even more going on: TJ Yeldon showed off his dexterity with a TD off of a short reception. Dante Fowler (left) sat out for his conduct in a joint practice with the Bucs earlier that week. DB Peyton Thompson was placed on concussion watch after a big hit on a reception for a Tampa Bay first down.
Overall, this game clearly goes to the Jags in regular season. Even with Jameis Winston coming into his own on the other side, the offense showed a level of charisma that we rarely see in the preseason. Tampa took the win 38-31, but I think Jags fans should be more than content.
Week 3 – Win, Cincinnati Bengals
Quite the opposite of Week 2, the Jags find themselves coming out with the W (26-21) on paper, but suffering from a disappointing show from the starters. The secondary continued to look disorganized, giving up a number of big plays. The offense had trouble finding their feet, as well, with Yeldon fumbling early and Bortles (right) unable to maintain his high pass percentage from earlier weeks. Once Henne came in there wasn’t much left to see. The Jags eventually won on a go-ahead TD interception from Hayes Pullard.
Week 4 – Loss @ Atlanta Falcons
The final week of the preseason was devoid of any starters, so as far as worthwhile analysis goes, fans are left waiting for Week 1. Brandon Allen, the third string QB out of Arkansas, had a decent day, and Jason Myers continued to scare fans with a number of missed FG. Atlanta pulled away with a home victory, 23-17.
As of September 3rd, Gus Bradley has finished making q number of tough cuts throughout the team and come up with a final 53-man roster. The staples are clear: depth at running back, a steady (but lackluster) Henne on reserve, and a slew of young talent on the verge of breaking out. If I had to guess, I’d put the odds of us beating last season (5-11) at more than good. What about our chances of getting out of the AFC South? Not as great, but better than fair; Nobody doubts that the Colts’ Luck/Gore combo will likely supersede Osweiler for that #1 seed, but a volatile Mariota in Nashville puts Jacksonville in sharp contention.
The Jags will make their home debut against the Green Bay Packers on September 11th, right here in Everbank.
