The Jacksonville Jaguars opened up the 2018 preseason in style, debuting their new uniforms for the first time on the field. Despite the game ending in a 24-20 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints, there were some positives to take away from Week 1 of the preseason. Starting quarterback Blake Bortles was steady in the pocket and went 6/9 for 53 yards and added a touchdown on the ground in his only series of the game. Cody Kessler, Bortles’ understudy, was sharp and delivered, going 14-for-17 (82%) with 139 yards and one touchdown. In the first look at a slimmer Leonard Fournette, the second year running back had just five carries but averaged nearly five yards per carry.
Despite these promising performances, the game was not without disappointment. Injuries kept out first round pick Taven Bryan, the mayor of “Sacksonville” himself Calais Campbell, and 2017’s leading receiver Keelan Cole. While the Bortles and Kessler were both in control, Tanner Lee did not find similar success. A late round pick from Nebraska, Lee was sacked five times in just one quarter and lost possession of the ball multiple times.
With one week of the preseason down and still three to go, many decisions are in front of the Jacksonville Jaguars braintrust. GM Dave Caldwell, SVP Tom Coughlin, and HC Doug Marrone will have a slew of tough calls to make, most notable at the SAM linebacker spot. The sixth receiver spot is also up for grabs.
Saturday’s preseason game against the Vikings, as well as two joint practices against the reigning NFC North champs will be excellent opportunities for players trying to catch the attention of the higher-ups.
Let’s take a look at three players that could gather enough intrigue out of an otherwise dull preseason game.
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