Big Cat Country - Jaguars vs. Patriots: Everything you need to know about Week 1 preseasonStand United, Duval Til We Diehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47383/bigcatcountry_fave.png2017-08-11T09:00:09-04:00http://www.bigcatcountry.com/rss/stream/158700552017-08-11T09:00:09-04:002017-08-11T09:00:09-04:00Did we see the 5 things we were watching for?
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<figcaption>David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="lnvVtW">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> first preseason game is now in the books and so far, so good. The team beat the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> 31-24, though the final scoreline isn’t really all that important. The important thing was the Jaguars showed a few things we wanted to see.</p>
<p id="jHYH70">Prior to the game I outlined five things I’d be looking for in the game, so let’s go through and see if we saw them.</p>
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<span>1. Blake Bortles</span>’ efficiency</h3>
<p id="btmdIb">Bortles played only the first quarter, as planned by Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone, and he was fine? Bortles only threw five passes, completing three, for 16 yards and facilitated a field goal drive. If you were looking for something to pound your chest about Bortles looking good or bad in Thursday night’s game, you were left wanting.</p>
<p id="H508ur">I do think we saw from Bortles what the Jaguars are going to try to get out of him in the regular season. Take what the defense gives you, move the chains, and don’t turn the ball over. All Bortles three completions were thrown less than 10 yards, one of his completions was a flat out drop by <span>Rashad Greene</span> and the other incompletion was a smart throw away in the redzone where no one was open. </p>
<p id="oYESoG">I’ll even give Bortles credit on the replay, it appeared like the Patriots had sort of a robber playing underneath, almost baiting him to try to thread the needle to Robinson in the back of the endzone, but he threw it high where only maybe Robinson could make a play on it.</p>
<h3 id="xTpM5p">2. How did the offensive line look?</h3>
<p id="TpX5Lq">The offensive line was fine for the most part. None of the Jaguars quarterbacks were sacked in the game and the team ran the ball well enough, much better later on in the game when the Patriots started to rotate guys out. <span>Leonard Fournette</span> and <span>Chris Ivory</span> both ran for sub-4 yards per carry, but the way they got their yardage felt like over the course of a full game, they’d have gained momentum.</p>
<p id="XxUCre">Rookie left tackle <span>Cam Robinson</span> looked pretty good, to me. He held his own in pass protection and early in the game was able to move defenders around on some blocks with Patrick Omemah.</p>
<h3 id="74yP8q">3. Did <span>Myles Jack</span> make a play?</h3>
<p id="sNZo5U">Following along on Twitter, I saw a lot of people worried about Myles Jack as the game was going on, but he seemed to get better the more he played, which is to be expected. Jack was a bit of a mixed bag on the night, finding himself lost a few times in coverage and missing a few tackles, but he also knifed in a few run plays and had a nice blitz to flush <span>Jimmy Garoppolo</span> out of the pocket. All in all, it was about as expected from the second year player making the transition.</p>
<p id="fIpCQf"> “It was Ok. I missed way too many tackles. I still have a lot of work to do,” Jack said after the game. “I’m not satisfied; I still have a ways to go. I’m going to continue working. We have another game next week and I’m excited.”</p>
<h3 id="zndh1I">4. Did Dante Fowler, Jr. re-appear?</h3>
<p id="O8qRwM">Sort of... ? I genuinely asked on Twitter near halftime if Fowler had even been on the field yet, and the very next play he nearly got called for a penalty for hitting Garoppolo in the head on a rush. Fowler made a few plays in the run game, as per usual, but his pass rush left a lot to be desired. It’s worrying trend of him looking great in training camp then disappearing when he goes up against another team, but it is only just a single preseason game.</p>
<p id="XT6MeI">He didn’t get flagged in the game, so that’s good.</p>
<h3 id="afkKhi">5. The defensive back depth</h3>
<p id="3lWrTX">If you didn’t know the Jaguars were without their top three cornerbacks prior to Thursday night’s game, you certainly knew during the game. Live-watching the game I thought Jimmy Garoppolo had an OK game, but I was surprised when I pulled up the stat sheet on Friday morning to see he completed 78.5 percent of his passes for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. When the Jaguars “first team” defense was in the game, he looked rattled, but perhaps that was because <span>Yannick Ngakoue</span> was in his nightmares.</p>
<p id="abArNm">But, the defensive backfield went about as expected. They weren’t a total disaster, but they also didn’t really make any plays.</p>
<p id="hlM2kZ">All in all, it was exactly what you want out of a Week 1 preseason game.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/11/16130536/jaguars-vs-patriots-did-we-see-the-5-things-to-watchAlfie Crow2017-08-11T08:35:43-04:002017-08-11T08:35:43-04:00Fournette: NFL is ‘a lot slower than I thought’
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<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="mgXmyO"><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> first round pick <span>Leonard Fournette</span> made his preseason debut on Thursday evening against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. He finished the day with nine carries for 31 yards and a touchdown, but he didn’t really have any flashy plays.</p>
<p id="4NH5g5">He did have some plays that showed you he has the ability to be special, though. The best part was Fournette didn’t look out of place or like he was swimming in his head. But, perhaps that’s because the game was a lot slower than he expected.</p>
<p id="DjLmIP">“It’s a lot slower than I thought,” Fournette said after the game. “A lot of people said it was going to be fast, but playing in the SEC, I think that really helped me out.”</p>
<p id="Ij4pww">Fournette’s longest run on the night was just nine yards, but it was how he got a lot of his yards that was impressive. There weren’t a lot of running lanes, but the rookie running back was still able to fall forward for positive yards. There was even a play that was blown up in the backfield and he was able to hop-step, spin and cut to the outside for positive yards.</p>
<p id="ZHLcf6">You’d like to not see him do that, because more often than not it will result in negative yardage, but he definitely showed the ability to grind for yards, something that will pay dividends in real games in the fourth quarter.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/11/16130648/leonard-fournette-comments-nfl-is-a-lot-slower-than-i-thoughtAlfie Crow2017-08-10T23:36:15-04:002017-08-10T23:36:15-04:008 observations from the Jaguars' win over the Patriots
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<figcaption>David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<h4><b>1. There was not much to take away from <span>Blake Bortles</span> performance. </b></h4>
<p>There was a lot of discussion about Blake Bortles going into this game for the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a>, as he would get his first action in 2017. However, there was not much to take away from Bortles performance. Bortles completed a couple of check down throws, and had a potential third down conversion dropped by <span>Rashad Greene</span>. Besides that, Bortles night was a fairly quiet one. I know both Bortles supporters, and Bortles critics wanted to see their opinions of the quarterback come true. Unfortunately, we really didn't learn much either way about Bortles for now.</p>
<h4><b>2. <span>Leonard Fournette</span> looked as explosive as advertised. </b></h4>
<p>If the Jaguars are truly going to go to a ground and pound, run the ball the majority of the game type of team, Fournette seems like just the guy they are going to need. Fournette didn't have any huge gains on his carries, but it was the first time we got to see the force Fournette is when he gets his legs moving. Fournette made his presence most felt on a crucial play for the Jaguars. On 4th and 1, Fournette got the ball up the middle on plowed for an 8 yard gain, carrying defenders with him. Short yardage has been a problem for the Jaguars for what seems like forever (cough cough, <span>Toby Gerhart</span>), and Fournette may be the solution to their problem. All in all, Fournette looked good, seemed to always fall forward, and looked explosive out of the backfield. A good start for the star out of LSU.</p>
<h4><b>3. The offensive line, for the most part, was good enough. </b></h4>
<p>The offensive line has been the story of Jaguars training camp, especially with the whole <span>Branden Albert</span> debacle. Nevertheless, the Jaguars are opting to go without Albert, as the line leaves many fans, including myself, feeling more than slightly uncomfortable. Tonight was a small step forward however, as the line held up pretty well. There were a couple of plays that got blown up, but the line seemed to get a good push when running the ball. Look, no on is expecting this line to be a top unit, but there will have to at least creep up to average if they want to run a successful offense this season.</p>
<p>Also, Cam Robinson looked impressive in his first ever action. Robinson played into the 3rd quarter, and was able to hold his own. Any game where a rookie left tackle doesn't leave you with an "oh crap" play, is a good one in my books.</p>
<h4><b>4. The second unit has some explosive players, and that is a lot of fun. </b></h4>
<p>Many people tune in to watch the starters in the preseason, but the Jaguars back up's are the ones who set some fireworks off tonight. Keenan Cole, who has been turning heads all training camp, showed off his speed with a 97 yard touchdown catch from Chad Henne. Cole has been praised all camp, and he might actually have a shot to make this roster. I think it is safe to assume the Jaguars top 5 receiver spots are taken (Robinson, Lee, Hurns, Westbrook, and Benn for special teams), but Cole has a shot to upheave Rashad Greene, especially If Greene continues to struggle.</p>
<p><span>Corey Grant</span> also showed off his explosiveness, as he had an impressive 79 yard run. <span>Grant</span> balled out in the last game of the year against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a>, and his performance tonight leaves many fans salivating over his big play potential. Now, I saw many people calling for TJ Yeldon's head after that run. Which leads me to make couple of points. First, Yeldon isn't going to get cut. Second, Yeldon is the teams 3rd down back, and unless Grant has majorly improved his pass protection, will not upheave Yeldon's spot in that role. Lastly, Grant will most likely make the team as the 4th running back, as most expect the team to keep 4 this upcoming season.</p>
<p><span>Dede Westbrook</span> saw the two guys above him ball out, and figured he would join the party was well. Westbrook caught a 42 yard pass from <span>Brandon Allen</span>, which added to the Jaguars explosive plays of the night. Yes, the corner may have blown the assignment on Westbrook. However, Westbrooks speed was on full display on that go route, and his explosiveness is something that the offense should look to use to their advantage this upcoming season.</p>
<h4><b>5. <span>Yannick Ngakoue</span> and <span>Sheldon Day</span> both had impressive nights. </b></h4>
<p>Ngakoue started the game off with a bang, as he sacked <span>Jimmy Garoppolo</span> on a 3rd and 1 for a 7 yard loss. Ngakoue had a great first step on the play, and beat the left tackle to get to the quarterback. Ngakoue also had a great quarterback pressure later in the game, as he was milliseconds away from another sack, but was able to disrupt the throw into an incompletion. Ngakoue has looked good all camp, and with performances like these, his stock will only rise.</p>
<p>Sheldon Day had a good night himself, as he looked like the only guy on the second unit who could generate any pressure. Day blew up a few plays, and his jump off the line of scrimmage looked fantastic. Day will play a much bigger role this coming year, and he looks the part so far.</p>
<h4><b>6. On the other end, <span>Dante Fowler Jr</span>. looked mediocre at best. </b></h4>
<p>After Bortles and the offensive line, <span>Dante Fowler Jr.</span> has probably been the biggest story of training camp. Coming off a recent arrest, and a disappointing year in 2016, all eyes have been on the former Florida standout. Fowler just seemed to look outmatched a lot of plays, and could not create any pressure on passing downs. Fowler did make some nice plays in the game, and does seem to have a knack for the ball in running situations. However, Fowlers lack of ability in pass rush will continue to be under a microscope until he proves otherwise.</p>
<h4><b>7. <span>Myles Jack</span> and an up-and-down game. </b></h4>
<p>Since the day he was drafted, Myles Jack was destined to get a shot at middle linebacker for the Jaguars. In his first full time action at it tonight, Jack left some to be desired. Jack took some weird angles, and looked out of sorts sometimes. Jack did well at some points in run fits, but his overall performance was up and down at best. This is not something to panic about, as it is his first live action at middle linebacker. However, Jack will need to continue to improve in order for this defense to reach its ceiling.</p>
<h4><b>8. The Jaguars have never been able to cover tight ends in my lifetime. </b></h4>
<p>I am 22 years old, and in all my years of watching the Jaguars, they can never stop the damn tight end. Doesn't matter the scheme, the offense, or the opponent. Every damn time. A guy I had never heard of before tonight, <span>Jacob Hollister</span>, lit the Jaguars up for 7 receptions, for 116 yards. Am I exaggerating the problem? Most likely. However, the middle of the field for opposing offenses has been open season for as long as I can remember. Lets hope this changes sometime in our lifetimes.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16129664/8-observations-from-the-jaguars-31-24-win-over-the-patriotsJimmy Siettmann2017-08-10T22:39:14-04:002017-08-10T22:39:14-04:00Jaguars vs. Patriots: Live blog for Week 1
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<img alt="NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J7m5kheUy8a4mgU9D8OJ8daNw30=/0x0:2972x1981/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56142871/usa_today_8829369.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Jaguars are traveling to play the Patriots in Week 1 of the preseason. Follow along with our live blog and join our discussion leading up to the game, during, and recap all the news after.</p> <p id="yBs08L">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/"><strong>Jacksonville Jaguars</strong></a> are traveling to play the New England Patriots to open their 2017 preseason. This is a real crossroads year for this team. Blake Bortles is staring his fifth-year option in the face and the team will have to decide on his long-term future in the offseason.</p>
<p id="18lahS">How will the offense respond after a mediocre week of practice? What will this newly enhanced defense look like playing together? How will Leonard Fournette look in real, live, actual, honest-to-goodness NFL action?</p>
<p id="TUt0Lg">HAPPY GAME DAY, EVERYONE!</p>
<h3 id="vFlm5T">How to watch the game</h3>
<p id="PcgqDd"><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/9/16118590/jaguars-vs-patriots-2017-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming-radio-odds"><strong>How to watch, listen to, and stream the Jaguars vs. Patriots game</strong></a>.</p>
<h3 id="nVKYml">Live blog</h3>
<p id="f3Hg8D"><strong>10:37 PM:</strong> GOODNIGHT, EVERYONE!</p>
<p id="61N9XL"><strong>10:28 PM:</strong> THE JAGUARS WON THE JAGUARS WON THE JAGUARS WON</p>
<p id="e4ZHpe"><strong>10:01 PM:</strong> Jaguars have to set the edge better than this. Still up 31-24 as we head into the middle of the fourth quarter.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Better angle here. Jaguars have to react better when the run is going wide like this. <a href="https://t.co/WomqNsZz0T">pic.twitter.com/WomqNsZz0T</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895827567420125184">August 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="UV9kzh"><strong>9:46 PM:</strong> Oh, baby! The Jaguars are scoring at will, folks! My eyes are burning!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DedeTHEGreat11">@DedeTHEGreat11</a> with the big play and <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonAllen_10">@BrandonAllen_10</a> with the easy touchdown! Jaguars up 31-17! <a href="https://t.co/ZiZapJeSCG">pic.twitter.com/ZiZapJeSCG</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895823604662906881">August 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="C9Emk0"><strong>9:29 PM: </strong>Nose to the ball. Heck of a forced fumble.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">R E T I R E <a href="https://twitter.com/patspulpit">@patspulpit</a> <a href="https://t.co/v7YCqueCiC">pic.twitter.com/v7YCqueCiC</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895819432236273664">August 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="zaUe14"><strong>9:19 PM: </strong>COREY GRANT FOR 79 YARDS LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/CoreyGranttt">@CoreyGranttt</a> with a 79-yard touchdown run between the tackles! Jaguars back up 24-17! <a href="https://t.co/J9PbNlc542">pic.twitter.com/J9PbNlc542</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895816992455872512">August 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="dD1Lax"><strong>9:14 PM:</strong> Ugh... the Patriots just marched down the field on their opening drive of the second half. Jimmy Garoppolo caps it off with a 5-yard screen pass to K.J. Maye. Game tied 17-17.</p>
<p id="57mVoh"><strong>8:51 PM: </strong>Oh man, Jimmy Garoppolo just threw and Aaron Rodgers-esque sidearm throw to Austin Carr. Jaguars still up 17-10.</p>
<p id="iGzNa8"><strong>8:48 PM: </strong>Peyton Thompson has sustained a right bicep strain and is questionable to return.</p>
<p id="F2acdw"><strong>8:42 PM: </strong>Watch Leonard Fournette’s first NFL touchdown from a Jaguars fan in the stands at Gillette Stadium!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FOURNETTE BABY <a href="https://twitter.com/zach_goodall">@zach_goodall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LaurieFitzptrck">@LaurieFitzptrck</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry">@BigCatCountry</a> <a href="https://t.co/oGafKd5Q97">pic.twitter.com/oGafKd5Q97</a></p>— Alan (@GloryRevelation) <a href="https://twitter.com/GloryRevelation/status/895807598938554368">August 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="inLaLB"><strong>8:25 PM: </strong>Chad Henne to Keelan Cole for 97 YARDS to put the Jaguars up 10-3 on the Patriots. What a stutter step mid-route.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is a great throw by Chad Henne and incredible speed by Keelan Cole. 97-yard touchdown. Jaguars up 10-3. <a href="https://t.co/z0LfLfYdRH">pic.twitter.com/z0LfLfYdRH</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895803415745490947">August 11, 2017</a>
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<p id="XAb2AD"><strong>8:05 PM: </strong>IT’S CHAD HENNE TIME!</p>
<p id="Ocjhh2"><strong>8:02 PM: </strong>Patriots drive down the field thanks to some porous run defense by the Jaguars. Field goal is good. Game tied 3-3.</p>
<p id="2A1vDH"><strong>7:51 PM: </strong>The Jaguars offense manages three points on its second possession of the game. They’re playing against a patchwork Patriots defense but WE’RE WINNING.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jaguars?src=hash">#jaguars</a> take 3-0 lead on <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMy_31">@JayMy_31</a> FG. <a href="https://twitter.com/_fournette">@_fournette</a> with a statement of carries on the drive. <a href="https://t.co/Wt8rd5Atyq">pic.twitter.com/Wt8rd5Atyq</a></p>— SportsRadio930 (@SportsRadio930) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsRadio930/status/895794721121083394">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="bMMEiQ">7:47 PM: FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS IN A PRESEASON GAME LET’S DO THIS</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MORE LIKE LEONARD FOURTHDOWNCONVERSION <a href="https://t.co/Cw32dZqvXw">pic.twitter.com/Cw32dZqvXw</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895793857564221443">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="JApmGc"><strong>7:26 PM:</strong> What’s her @ though?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash">#Patriots</a> version of this live broadcast is wild, y'all. <a href="https://t.co/xNLeOzqpac">pic.twitter.com/xNLeOzqpac</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895788401324064768">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="rQS1wO"><strong>7:17 PM:</strong> The Jaguars Effect.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Even for the World Champs exhibition games are a bit of a hard sell. <a href="https://t.co/rIUZc5SLU6">pic.twitter.com/rIUZc5SLU6</a></p>— Sam Kouvaris (@samkouvaris) <a href="https://twitter.com/samkouvaris/status/895786144797003778">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="L1j0us"><strong>7:12 PM:</strong> Shoe game is STRONG.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Robert Kraft and Shad Khan meeting before the game. <a href="https://t.co/zEsD6bqQup">pic.twitter.com/zEsD6bqQup</a></p>— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/895784934459273217">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="ckuJsN"><strong>6:55 PM: </strong>Jaguars inactives include the top three cornerbacks, the starting right tackle, a starting wide receiver, and a starting defensive end.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ICYMI: Following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash">#Jaguars</a> won't play:<br>CB Ramsey<br>CB Bouye<br>CB Colvin<br>RB Gaffney<br>LB Horton<br>OL Watford<br>OT Parnell<br>TE Rivera<br>WR Hurns<br>DE Campbell</p>— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) <a href="https://twitter.com/mike_e_kaye/status/895780718114197505">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="BB890Q"><strong>12:14 PM:</strong> Oh, this is very cool from the University of Miami.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A lot of Canes are reppin' DUUUVVVVAAAAALLL for gameday today. <br><br>Good luck, guys! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLU?src=hash">#NFLU</a> <a href="https://t.co/mhMNw2VcNq">pic.twitter.com/mhMNw2VcNq</a></p>— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanesFootball/status/895679725833793537">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="yTHCT3"><strong>9:02 AM: </strong>What are you looking for in the preseason opener from the Jaguars?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 things to watch for in tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash">#Jaguars</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash">#Patriots</a> preseason opener <a href="https://t.co/3mwllkjWTo">https://t.co/3mwllkjWTo</a> <a href="https://t.co/01qBHZZAkQ">pic.twitter.com/01qBHZZAkQ</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895631468172636161">August 10, 2017</a>
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<p id="4GfSSI"><strong>8:00 AM:</strong> What are <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16123548/10-jacksonville-jaguars-roster-spots-up-for-grabs-in-2017-preseason"><strong>the roster spots</strong></a> up for grabs this preseason?</p>
<p id="U7dGKr"><strong>7:41 AM:</strong> The best part of the season returning is that Cole Hartley’s preview videos come with it. Enjoy!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HAPPY GAAAAAAAAME DAAAAAAAY, EVERYONE!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash">#Jaguars</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash">#Patriots</a><br><br>Week 1 in New England<a href="https://t.co/Lbd09xQpzr">pic.twitter.com/Lbd09xQpzr</a></p>— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/895611071821688833">August 10, 2017</a>
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https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16126370/jaguars-vs-patriots-live-blog-for-week-1-preseason-at-gillette-stadiumRyan Day2017-08-10T16:49:09-04:002017-08-10T16:49:09-04:00Jaguars secondary will be focus of preseason opener
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<figcaption>Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="sZ2Nka">There is <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> football tonight, as Jacksonville takes on the New England Patriots! As boring as preseason games are, it is still live action, hard-hitting entertainment. </p>
<p id="2ZOpij">The first game of the preseason isn’t going to tell us a whole lot about the starters, as many will likely play two or three series and then call it a night. There are a lot of players to follow with the Jaguars in 2017 — Blake Bortles, Leonard Fournette, Cam Robinson, Myles Jack — but tonight is more about the reserves who are trying to make an impression and land on the final 53-man roster. </p>
<p id="cN9qxr">What I am most interested in is how the secondary fares tonight, particularly at the cornerback position. Of course the defensive backs on this team are exciting. The starting cornerback duo of <span>Jalen Ramsey</span> and <span>A.J. Bouye</span> has been called the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/5/31/15718994/nfl-com-jalen-ramsey-and-a-j-bouye-top-cornerback-tandem-in-the-league">best in the league going into 2017</a>, and <span>Aaron Colvin</span> is a solid (and underrated) nickel cornerback. </p>
<p id="EWIs0S">But that is not why a lot of eyes will be on the defensive backfield tonight. </p>
<p id="rebUnx">Ramsey and Colvin have spent all of training camp on the PUP list. Bouye, one of the Jaguars new additions and more expensive assets, may not even play a series tonight. Thus, opening the door for more opportunities </p>
<p id="ITFdQ6">There are several guys who are likely going to see extended playing time tonight. Doran Grant, Josh Johnson, Tyler Patmon, Jalen Myrick and Brian Dixon are all in line for a lot of on-field action. Others like Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Ezra Robinson and Charles Gaines will hope to get their chances to shine as well — even if they have to make an impact on special teams. </p>
<p id="Mpsf2t">Grant, Patmon and Johnson have all had some impressive moments in camp, but need to solidify themselves as a go-to back up option. Myrick, the rookie, has struggled a bit to catch on to the NFL speed. He’ll really need to show something tonight. </p>
<p id="cOKhXG">Grant, who has really stood out at times filling in for his injured teammates, actually intercepted Tom Brady in 11-on-11 drills at joint practices this week. Patmon wasn’t even on an NFL roster last season, but he’s held his own so far. Johnson had a strong preseason in 2016 and was able to lock up a roster spot. The fourth cornerback spot is his to lose right now.</p>
<p id="GBWBTg">The good news for these depth players is that Brady and his biggest weapons — Rob Gronkowski, Brandin Cooks and Julian Edelman — are <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16125162/tom-brady-patriots-starters-not-playing-against-jaguars">all sitting this one out</a>. Even if they all only played a couple of series, that would not have been a fair fight. Running back Mike Gillislee will also not be playing. </p>
<p id="a6zpWb">Jean-Baptiste is a newer member of the Jags, and he also made a nice play this week practicing against the Patriots. He picked off New England’s third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and the Jaguars sideline <a href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/08/08/tom-brady-belichick-pushups-patriots-jaguars-joint-practice-dan-roche/">reportedly erupted in excitement</a>. </p>
<p id="2aLzXL">In terms of the safeties, both Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson are supposedly fully healthy after missing time before training camp. But again, whatever playing time those two get tonight will be limited. </p>
<p id="lnbBlW">That could give Jarrod Wilson, Peyton Thomas, Tracy Howard and Jarrod Harper an opportunity to showcase their ability. Howard is listed as free safety on the team’s unofficial depth chart, but as a cornerback on the roster. Perhaps his versatility will help him make the squad. </p>
<p id="9QNkC4">I think the secondary depth is one of the less-talked about concerns on this team, but it should be a noted narrative. Ready or not, Jaguars secondary depth — you will be tested tonight. Don’t let us down. </p>
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https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16127164/jaguars-secondary-will-be-focus-of-preseason-opener-vs-patriotsRyan O'Bleness2017-08-10T14:30:22-04:002017-08-10T14:30:22-04:00Bortles can’t win in preseason and that’s fine
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<img alt="NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EkZkwv9svvc-_P9Pu5pdZuN7LhQ=/0x71:3300x2271/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56143849/usa_today_10193344.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="W2U62S">The biggest focus of the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> Thursday night preseason opener against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> is going to be quarterback <span>Blake Bortles</span>, regardless of how you feel about him. It’s also regardless of how important you think preseason performances are (they’re not, really) for guys like Bortles, it’s going to be broken down every which way.</p>
<p id="qBxa8l">The problem is, Blake Bortles won’t be able to win in the preseason, no matter what he does. </p>
<p id="rwciGw">What I mean by this is, no matter how Bortles performs Thursday or the rest of the preseason, it doesn’t really matter but people will make it matter to validate their opinion of Bortles for the 2017 season.</p>
<p id="6RpTHh">If he plays well in the preseason, the people who don’t think he’s very good will argue he’s supposed to play well, it’s the preseason. The reality is, that <em>is</em> true. At this stage in Bortles career, even with a “new” offensive coordinator, he should look good in the preseason and at the bare minimum, mediocre and not bad. That is the baseline you want to see in the preseason for starting quarterbacks. </p>
<p id="PekBrE">That doesn’t mean he hasn’t improved, though.</p>
<p id="RCQkbq">Conversely if Bortles plays poorly, it will be used to show that he actually sucks and is bad. The other side will then use the “it’s just preseason” line and they’ll both be right. If a starting quarterback has a poor preseason at this stage in their career, overall, it’s worrisome and kind of a red flag. It also depends on what’s poor about it, too. Did he throw a couple of interceptions because he was taking shots deep and the receiver just couldn’t come down with it, or was it because he got baited into a bad decision and was picked off?</p>
<p id="7LLJ3d">There’s a lot of nuance to what goes in the preseason, because everything is so vanilla and you’re not actually game planning. In one sense it’s so simple that the quarterback should look good, it’s geared for them in a way. On the flip-side because it’s so vanilla, there’s not much variance and the defense knows it so it’s easier to defend.</p>
<p id="K9j9IS">If he’s good, he’s supposed to be. It’s just preseason.</p>
<p id="pPKznS">If he’s bad, see he sucks. But, it’s also just the preseason.</p>
<p id="bfKCny">What I’m really trying to say is; you shouldn’t make too much out of the preseason, tonight especially, one way or the other. If Bortles is consistently good in the preseason, that’s good. It doesn’t necessarily mean everything is great and he’s fixed, but you would rather him look good than not. If he struggles during the whole preseason, which would be surprising, that would be kind of worrying, but not to the extreme degree.</p>
<p id="DWmSix">They’re glorified live practices. Don’t make too much out of it.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16127114/blake-bortles-cant-win-in-preseason-and-thats-fineAlfie Crow2017-08-10T09:49:05-04:002017-08-10T09:49:05-04:00Patriots will be without Tom Brady and 4 other starters
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<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="sZVQ7O">The Jacksonville Jaguars will be facing a New England Patriots team tonight without Tom Brady and four of the team’s most important players on offense, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Brandin Cooks highlight a list of veteran starters who aren't expected to play tomorrow, per sources.</p>— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffphowe/status/895382689087455232">August 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="hN7TjT">Howe is reporting that <span><strong>Tom Brady</strong></span>, <span><strong>Rob Gronkowski</strong></span>, and <span><strong>Brandin Cooks</strong></span> are three of the most important players in the Patriots offense, while <a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/the_blitz/2017/08/sources_tom_brady_rob_gronkowski_brandin_cooks_among_starters"><strong>his article adds Julian Edelman to the list of absentees</strong></a>. Howe previously reported that running back <span><strong>Mike Gillislee</strong></span> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2017/8/9/16119830/injury-update-new-england-patriots-mike-gillislee-hamstring-issue-buffalo-bills-burkhead-lewis"><strong>will not play due to his hamstring injury</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="ncOquF">Our friends at <a href="http://www.patspulpit.com"><strong>Pats Pulpit</strong></a> are predicting that this opens the way for <span><strong>Dwayne Allen</strong></span> to see more time in place of Gronkowski and for the depth players <span><strong>James O’Shaughnessy</strong></span>, <span><strong>Matt Lengel</strong></span>, and <span><strong>Jacob Hollister</strong></span> to see plenty of opportunities. Those three players are vying for the No. 3 tight end spot.</p>
<p id="L7NlCZ">At receiver, second-year players <span><strong>Malcolm Mitchell</strong></span> and <span><strong>Devin Lucien</strong></span>, and <span><strong>Chris Hogan</strong></span><strong> </strong>will be getting increased snaps.</p>
<p id="lY0GTJ">Gillislee’s absence has already opened the door for the likes of <span><strong>Rex Burkhead</strong></span> to have more snaps in short-yardage situation so the position is certainly worth monitoring.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16125162/tom-brady-patriots-starters-not-playing-against-jaguarsRyan Day2017-08-10T08:58:40-04:002017-08-10T08:58:40-04:005 things to watch against the Patriots
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<img alt="NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bnDtYKRT_nrO8u8XIi_U7oKrzJQ=/0x0:3276x2184/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56138513/usa_today_10193347.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="iItvpS">Mercifully the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-preseason">NFL preseason</a> is finally here and in full effect, as the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> are set to take on the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> in Foxborough. </p>
<p id="vTnzOm"><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/9/16118590/jaguars-vs-patriots-2017-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming-radio-odds">You can find all the details on how to watch the game here</a>, but there are a few things worth paying attention to more than just the “game” itself. As we all know, the winner of the actual game doesn’t matter, it’s more about the performances within the game that matter.</p>
<p id="dljyV4">Here are five things to watch in the game tonight:</p>
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<span>1. Blake Bortles</span>’ efficiency</h3>
<p id="pVPvTP">Obviously, all eyes will be on Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles. By all accounts he’s been fine through most of training camp, though there have been some rough patches along the way. There was the first padded practice where the team installed a lot of third down work and he had five interceptions. Then when the team traveled to practice with the Patriots and he seemed to be all over the place, throwing a pick one day and struggling in 11-on-11 the next. </p>
<p id="IUKyzz">“I thought that early on in the beginning the seven-on-seven and the one-on-ones,” Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said after Wednesday’s walk through. “I thought that the players did a good job and I think that they carried over to 11-on-11, which is usually the last thing and it’s not an excuse, but that’s where we need to be a lot better when we get out there in situations and get out there in 11-and-11 situations and execute.”</p>
<p id="Xg8pEn">Bortles reportedly looked good in the passing skeleton drills and one-on-one passing drills, but those are things he <em>should </em>look good at. The big thing now will be translating that to actual game situations. On Thursday evening I’m not looking for eye popping numbers or big time throws from Bortles, I’m looking for efficiency and if he can string together a scoring drive.</p>
<h3 id="lTwaKD">2. How does the offensive line look?</h3>
<p id="2UEsE2">The Jaguars offensive line has been a big talking point all offseason, rightfully so, and so far in training camp and through the practices with the Patriots they haven’t given much to make fans feel comfortable. The team was stuffed on the goal line on four straight plays the first day with the Patriots and reportedly got beat up in pass rushing drills. Albeit those drills are skewed heavy for the defensive player, it’s still not what you want to hear about a unit that was a concern to begin with.</p>
<p id="UH76yl">It sounds as if rookie <span>Cam Robinson</span> will get the first crack at left tackle with the starters, which is the correct idea, but the rate at which he still splits reps with <span>Josh Wells</span> in practice is a little eyebrow raising. Regardless, how the line run blocks on Thursday evening and through the preseason is something to watch.</p>
<h3 id="0vYEJa">3. Will <span>Myles Jack</span> make a play?</h3>
<p id="ZTVJ7E">One of the things I get asked the most about for the Jaguars during training camp is “How is Myles Jack doing?” and I really don’t have a good answer. By all accounts he’s “fine”, but he hasn’t really stood out one way or another. Many people are expecting Jack to be a flashy playmaker for the Jaguars, due to his speed and athleticism, but that’s not likely to show in training camp practices. </p>
<p id="e8bKqK">Thursday evening will be one of the first times we can really get an idea of where he’s at. Live plays are where we will get to judge Jack and where exactly he stands as the team’s middle linebacker. Is he getting everyone lined up? Is he ready to line everyone up and still play with instinct, or is he lining everyone up and then still thinking about what he’s doing?</p>
<h3 id="3aqP7v">4. Will Dante Fowler, Jr. re-appear?</h3>
<p id="jyFTCd">Fowler has had an interesting offseason, to say the least, but his 2017 training camp has seemed to trend similarly to his 2016 training camp. He was drawing rave reviews in drills and disruptive in practice, but once the team went up to New England the only thing you heard about him was him getting kicked off the practice field for fighting, just like what happened when the team practiced with the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> last season.</p>
<p id="tbKLtx">Maturity issues are an entirely separate discussion, but it is a bit worrisome that it’s close to becoming a pattern for Fowler to disappear against another team in back-to-back preseasons. Will he show up in the game and where will he be in the defensive line rotation?</p>
<h3 id="RIbUv8">5. Defensive back depth</h3>
<p id="3K3dRd">We know the Jaguars have been without <span>Jalen Ramsey</span> and <span>Aaron Colvin</span>, both of which are rehabbing back from offseason issues. <span>A.J. Bouye</span> has been on the field, but was held out of the Jaguars practice on Tuesday, so I would venture to guess he will play the bare minimum, if at all on Thursday evening.</p>
<p id="Rj8UMI">The one good thing about all of those front line starters missing from the secondary is you will get a real good evaluation of your depth, which is an area I continually brought up as one of concern this offseason. <span>Tyler Patmon</span> is a player who’s shined in training camp while rookie <span>Jalen Myrick</span> has seemed to struggle. On Thursday these players, along with <span>Josh Johnson</span>, should get plenty of reps against first and second team players, so it will be a nice gauge of the team’s depth at cornerback.</p>
<p id="JBQlk2">What are you looking for tonight?</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/8/10/16123712/jaguars-vs-patriots-5-things-to-watchAlfie Crow