Jaguars Post Game Player, Coaches Comments

The Jacksonville Jaguars won their first preseason game of the 2012 NFL season, beating the New York Giants 32-31 thanks to some late game heroics by Jordan Palmer and third-round pick punter Bryan Anger.

Here's what some of the players and coaches had to say after the game on Friday evening.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert on the first big touchdown drive of the game: "That’s the way you want to start football games. We went 89 yards in 13 plays. Not everything was perfect on that drive but the biggest thing that matters is getting a touchdown and that’s the way you want to start the year off. Definitely things that we’re going to watch film on and need to correct."

Head coach Mike Mularkey on his thoughts on Blaine Gabbert's play: "I’m extremely proud of him. No one had more pressure on him then anyone in that entire stadium then when he walked into that huddle. To take a team 90 yards and do the things he did on third down for our guys, it’s going to everybody to help him be successful. The line that was put together basically in the last two days. The protection, the receivers making plays... To do it all right and not do anything self-inflicting and move the ball against that defense…I was very proud of him. The third drive I have to look into everything that went into it, we had a throw that was mystery. He was worried about getting undercut and erred on the throw. I am glad he erred to throw to the sideline every time."

Undrafted rookie wide receiver Kevin Elliott on his first NFL game: "I felt like a kid, it’s amazing, you work so hard then when you finally get to live out your dream. We did it and we had a good game tonight."

Running back Rashard Jennings on the first team offense: "Being able to get out there and everybody is wearing the same color. (It was great) to butt heads with the defending champions and stick it to them. It felt good to come out and execute our game plan. Collectively we’re all getting better every single day. We’re all in here and we’re celebrating our victory. Tomorrow we’ll come back in, watch film, continue to get better and get ready for the next opponent."

Cornerback Rashean Mathis on Mike Mularkey, who was presented with the game ball: "He’s a great man and what he’s done in such a short time that’s he’s been here gathering coaches and players having us on one sideline and one attitude and we are all striving for the same goal it’s a lot to be said about that; players don’t normally buy into changes but kudos to him."