Jaguars OC Press Taylor discusses backup QB competition and more

Day 15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 Training Camp kicks off on Tuesday morning, with Offensive Coordinator Press Taylor heading to the podium before the team hits the practice fields. Here are a few takeaways from his media availability, as the team is set for their Wednesday and Thursday joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Saturday’s Week Two preseason matchup.

Full Media Availability

Versatile WR room

When discussing Parker Washington and the Jaguars receiver room Taylor raved about the differences between the receiver core that allows them to have varying different roles and matchup advantages.

"I think all those – I don't think any of those guys are the same, which is cool. And that's kind of what you want. You know, a lot of teams – a lot of places I've been we talk about building the receiver room, we talk about building the basketball team.

You know, you need your guy that has different roles within the offense that they can do things. But you also want a little bit of blend to where if somebody can't do something or to keep away from tendencies, this guy has to have some sort of aspect. So I think they all have their own unique traits and things they do really, really well.

And then there's enough crossover that, you know, it's not going to be this guy that can only run this. If we don't have that guy available, we can't run these schemes, we can't run this route, whatever that may be."

This is a good point by Taylor, as the Jaguars under Pederson and Baalke have been known for having receivers with very specific roles, who play those roles well - Kirk plays the slot, Marvin Jones/Gabe Davis/Zay Jones as the contested catch receiver, Calvin Ridley/Brian Thomas as the field stretcher, etc. Press later touched on a benefit of this group when discussing Parker.

"You know, I think we’ve tested him and we’ve been very pleased with what we’ve seen so far of him playing out of the slot necessarily. So I’m talking about outside receiver. He’s provided a role out there throughout camp that’s encouraging to see because, you know, obviously we feel very good about our slot receiver right now and Evan working out of the slot as well. So for Parker to have a role and have something on game day, contributing outside is going to be another part of the game he can bring to us."

This point on the ascension of Parker Washington (and the addition of Brian Thomas) the hope is that the skillset overlap that does exist may be in the areas that have a great offensive impact versus the 2023 roster. In other words, Parker’s ability to play outside also and Thomas Jr’s ability to also win contested catches allows this offense to do things that the 2023 group may have struggled with if a guy went down.

Backup QB competition

Taylor discussed the backup QB competition, expressing his expectation that the joint practices would show the team new looks and new opportunities for Mac and CJ to potentially make a leap.

"And the joint practice is a really good opportunity for us to put our quarterback in a lot of situations without exposing them to taking hits. So we can work a lot of third-and-long type things that you may have to hold the ball. We can introduce some new concepts that we’ve been trying to invest in a lot through camp that now we get a new defense to test them against, but maybe we don’t want them out there to the world yet and we’re still working through some things.

And then I think as far as reps with those guys in the game, I think there’s a good chance however it sorts out and the coach will make the final decision on it, I think there’s a good chance you’ll probably see those guys play a little bit more than you did the other day at least."

As Taylor discussed here, this week - both in Wednesday and Thursday joint practices, and Saturday’s game will likely be big week for the backup QB competition as Trevor Lawrence isn't expected to play on Saturday. Fans and the staff will get an extended look in practice and during the game at both QBs in a highly competitive environment. This week could go a long way in determining who wins the backup QB role.

OL development showing

When asked what he saw in Saturday’s matchup Taylor expressed encouragement in the performance of many of the second year players as a primary takeaway of his.

"I think the back end of your roster really shows in the preseason, obviously, and we feel good about the development we've had throughout the course across a lot of position groups. You know, the back end of the offensive line, it didn't feel like there was much of a drop-off when those guys came in the game, which is what you really want to see. And a lot of it, which is cool to see, is just they're carrying things that we've tried to emphasize since April out into the field, and that's something that, you know, you want to go from the meeting room to the practice field, from the practice field to the game, and we were encouraged with what we saw so far."

Offensive line to be challenged

Still, with the Buccaneers coming to town, Taylor mentioned that while the periods would not be live, Tampa Bay is a historically physical defense which will be a great challenge for the offensive line this week.

"You know, there’s no live periods in it. So I think, I mean, ultimately that’s what it is. It’s taking guys to the ground as football. So there’s not that. But I think you’ll see just this has been a very good defense for a really long time. So I think we’re excited for that challenge going against these guys."

Joint practice benefits

Taylor stated that he looked forward to Wednesday’s and Thursday’s heightened energy for joint practices, expressing a little excitement for the unknown.

"We want our guys to see guys that they haven’t played against a lot. You start to get – you get a (Ronald) Darby against Brian Thomas so many times. They have a good feel for each other. There’s less risk involved from both sides of what we’re trying to do here. They know it. We know it. We’re trying something different. You tend to play a little bit differently. So it amps up the competitiveness. It amps up kind of the unknown, which is the cool part. That’s football for us.

But there’s still a protected environment, which is a good thing. But I think for us too, as the offensive staff, there’s a lot of things we want to see if they’re good, see if we’re good at these certain things. Maybe we need to see a new scheme to test some of them.

Next Up:

The next Training Camp practice is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14th at the Miller Electric Center practice fields, for joint practices with the Buccaneers. Warm-ups begin at 9:00 A.M. Practice kicks off at 9:30 A.M. Don’t forget to reserve your free tickets!