Blaine Gabbert Most Improved Jaguars Offensive Player, Says Bob Bratkowski

The Jacksonville Jaguars began preparation for their first preseason game against the New York Giants on Monday, as the team got back on the practice field. After practice, Jaguars offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski spoke with the media in attendance. Bratkowski noted that the most improved player on the offensive side of the ball from April until now is quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

"We’re seeing quite a bit of improvement on a day-to-day basis with Blaine," Bratkowski said after practice. "I would say probably to this point at least with the practices that we’ve been through with the scrimmage Blaine is the most improved player that I see out here on offense."

Results from Monday's practice were mixed for Gabbert, as he ended practice with a pick-six in the two-minute drill by Antonio Dennard. He was nearly picked a few other times, but it was also noted that Gabbert did a lot of good things outside of those mistakes despite the offense struggling.

And the offense's struggles weren't really all on Gabbert, however.

Bratkowski also singled out running back Rashad Jennings who's been stellar all camp long, but made mention the wide receivers are dropping way too many passes.

"They have to pick up their games. We’re dropping way too many balls, we’re out of position on too many routes on this point in time, and that makes it difficult," said Bratkowski.

"We're going to find out," Bratkowski said when he was asked if he thought this team could win with the receivers they currently have. "They're working hard at it. Godbless them, they're working their tails off trying to get it right. Maybe one of these days a light's going to go on and we're going to start making the plays we should."

Bratkowski also noted that the shifting around on the offensive line has put a hamper on the Jaguars offense.

"Yeah that’s hurt our pass protection a little bit because that unit works as one. Five guys working as one," Bratkowski told reporters on Monday. "Communication and switching off from the pass rush games all that type of stuff. When you get guys in and out you don’t get that consistency. Again, those are the types of things you have to deal with during the season as well so we’re learning how to deal with it. Hopefully it will get better and improve."