Game Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles

The Jaguars travel to the city of brotherly love to open up the preseason vs the Philadelphia Eagles. There are plenty of questions that are still needing to be answered for the Jaguars. Are the gains made by the defensive line a product of new players and coaching or a still weak offensive line? Can David Garrard put a complete game together? How will the safety position shake out? Either way, it's still real (kind of) football.

Jaguars Defense vs Eagles Offense

Last year, the Jaguars traveled to Philly when Michael Vick made his return to the NFL vs the Jags. This year, Kevin Kolb begins his journey to replace Donovan McNabb as the Eagles QB. Kolb looked impressive in short stints as the Eagles starter in 2008 and 2009. However, there have been plenty of other QBs who looked good in stints put bombed as a starter. Although no definitive answers will be answered Friday night, it will be one of the main story lines in the NFL this season.

Although the names may have changed, Andy Reid's offense has remained the same. It's the heavy passing West Coast Offense it has always been. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are a dynamic duo that will provide a good test for the Jaguars secondary.

The main thing to watch will be the defensive line, particularly DE Derrick Harvey and Aaron Kampman. Along with Joe Cullen, they have been the stars of training camp so far. Seeing them against another offensive line will be an excellent measuring stick.

In addition, the safety position will begin to take shape. While Gerald Alexander has one position locked up, the other is entirely a guess at this point.

Jaguars Offense vs Eagles Defense

After berating the Jaguars' defenders for an entire off-season, they will have the chance to go against another defense.

Maurice Jones-Drew and Mike Sims-Walker are the clear stars here and I expect them to get the least amount of time from the first team. Besides that, it wouldn't surprise me to see the rest of the first team get some extended reps.

In addition to that, expect to see a lot of Troy Williamson and Mike Thomas. Thomas has been having an excellent camp, while Williamson has also been practicing with the 1's.

The offense line is another major position on interest. Outside of Eugene Monroe, no one else has installed much confidence. How will they react in a major game situation?

Player On The Hot Seat

Derrick Harvey, DE

Harvey is going to be in the spotlight here. It's his first showing against another team. Will all of this off-season be smoke blown up our butts, or will he show why he was the eight pick in the draft?

- J.L.