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Jaguars vs. Washington final score: Backups shine in 17-16 win

Few starters played in the preseason finale, but the bottom half of the roster flashed potential and several players made a case to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.

By Ryan Day
Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars preseason finale against Washington was, admittedly, tough to get through. There were few starters playing, and some positions -- quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end -- didn't even have their No. 2 in the game.

On the surface, the Jaguars 17-16 victory over Washington could have been a forgettable night, where bad angles, dropped passes, and botched snaps were commonplace.

But this is the game where rosters are built. This is the game where a decision is made to keep a guy who will replace a key playmaker in Week 13 to finish out the season.

While some players took a step towards the 53-man roster, some took a step towards the practice squad, another team, or back home to try something else for a year while they waited for a call.

Who was battling one another for spots on the roster and who got the edge tonight?

Corey Grant vs. Storm Johnson

In training camp, I thought Storm had the last running back spot secured and would make the roster above Bernard Pierce. But Grant's speed, vision, and return ability makes him nearly impossible to leave off the 53-man roster and makes Storm almost entirely expendable.

Sam Young vs. Austin Pasztor

If you'd have told me before the preseason started that Pasztor might lose a spot on this team, I'd have called you crazy. But he's underperformed. He was overpowered physically on several plays by Washington's defensive line and got called for a holding penalty. Young, however, played well at tackle and didn't make many mistakes.

Bryan Walters vs. Neal Sterling vs. Tony Washington

Neal Sterling played well in limited snaps and Washington had that beauty of a 40-yard catch on the two-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, but Walters is the team leader in receptions through the preseason and has shown he can play in a range of positions on the field. Walters cemented his place as the No. 5 receiver tonight.

Thurston Armbrister vs. John Lotulelei

While Lotulelei made a couple of very good plays and open field tackles, Armbrister has been the more consistent of the two this preseason... and an athletic interception (even if it was called back by defensive holding) was a play that puts him on the 53-man roster.

Cap Capi vs. Himself

I truly thought that if Capi did enough against Washington, he'd warrant a spot on the 53-man roster. With several pressures in the first half and a sack in the third quarter, I think he's done all he can this preseason.

Capi has done all he can. I don't think he's a lock by any means, but I do think he's warranted a discussion for keeping him over an interior lineman or an extra linebacker.

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