Big Cat Country - 2018 Jacksonville Jaguars training camp: Everything you need to knowStand United, Duval Til We Diehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47383/bigcatcountry_fave.png2018-08-19T13:38:45-04:00http://www.bigcatcountry.com/rss/stream/173756832018-08-19T13:38:45-04:002018-08-19T13:38:45-04:00T.J. Yeldon impresses against Vikings
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<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="xQjgmK">While Leonard Fournette is the bell cow running back for the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>, <span>T.J. Yeldon</span> may have proven to be an admirable No. 2 back for the team. Yesterday, Yeldon had an impressive outing against the vaunted <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> defense. </p>
<p id="XfMMkB">Yeldon played 30 percent of the offensive snaps, receiving 15 total touches on 24 plays (including with the first-team offense). He led the Jaguars with 39 rushing yards on 10 carries, and also led the receiving game with five catches for 73 yards. Yeldon was targeted six times total. </p>
<p id="X2FfZ5">The fourth-year back gashed the Vikings in the screen game, including a well-executed 29-yard screen pass that took the offense inside the five-yard line. Yeldon displayed good vision and shiftiness on the play. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Red light.<br>GREEN LIGHT! <a href="https://twitter.com/T_Yeldon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T_Yeldon</a> hits 'em with the stop-and-go move.<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLNetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JAXvsMIN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JAXvsMIN</a> <a href="https://t.co/GKeQZ5CCa3">pic.twitter.com/GKeQZ5CCa3</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1030873074910908416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="JKOeJ5">The screen game proved effective for Jacksonville, as Nathaniel Hackett took advantage of Minnesota’s aggressive defense. The Vikings were gouged by the quick passes.</p>
<p id="LM2a1L">Yeldon also ran the ball hard, with a good burst. He didn’t seem to shy away from contact or make bad reads (scroll to the 3:04 mark if it does not automatically take you there). </p>
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<p id="7OSdEG">While he may have never turned into the starting running back the Jaguars wanted him to be after using a second-round draft pick in 2015, Yeldon should be able to be a serviceable No. 2 back behind Fournette. He has always been highly-regarded in pass protection, and his ability to catch the ball and make people miss in the open field makes him an ideal third-down back. </p>
<p id="odJ7hV">Yeldon has struggled with consistency throughout his career. He has never played in all 16 games or scored more than a combined three touchdowns in a single season. However, he did average 5.2 yards per carry on limited touches in 2017. He also made a couple of nice plays during the playoff run. </p>
<p id="t7PpNu">If he can continue this momentum, I see no reason why he won’t be a nice complement to Fournette during the 2018 season. </p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/19/17756452/t-j-yeldon-impresses-against-minnesota-vikingsRyan O'Bleness2018-08-19T10:56:15-04:002018-08-19T10:56:15-04:00Stock Up, Stock Down: Preseason Week 2
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="c36V8m">Following the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>’ 14-10 preseason victory yesterday afternoon over the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, I went back and revisited a majority of the game. Here are three players who saw their stock rise with strong performances and three the team probably wishes they could’ve sold.</p>
<h3 id="rBVFHx">Stock up</h3>
<p id="f1EHbs"><span><em><strong>Ronnie Harrison</strong></em></span><em><strong>, Safety</strong></em></p>
<p id="MUMgPz"><span>Harrison</span> was expected to play a good amount yesterday, but was suddenly thrust into the starting safety spot just prior to kick off in place of Tashaun Gipson. While the free safety position is not <span>Harrison</span>’s normal spot, the rookie third round pick delivered an impressive performance for just his second career game in the NFL. </p>
<p id="IslUhU">Accounting for five solo tackles, and an early forced fumble against the Vikings’ starters, Harrison showed the stage may not be too big for him, and he is ready to contribute this season possibly sooner than the team expected.</p>
<p id="OXwk0s"><span><em><strong>Chris Reed</strong></em></span><em><strong>, Guard</strong></em></p>
<p id="qjQmAi">Starting in place of <span>Andrew Norwell</span> for a second-straight week, <span>Reed</span> did very well going up against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> caliber tackles in <span>Linval Joseph</span> and Sheldon Richardson. In my review, Reed gave up very little in pass protection, teaming with <span>Brandon Linder</span> and AJ Cann to allow a clean view for <span>Blake Bortles</span> in the middle. He also held up well in rushing attack. </p>
<p id="NCOd8k">Where Reed really shined yesterday, however, was in the screen game where the Jaguars did most of their damage passing. Just take a look at two of the plays below, and watch for No. 64.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Reed just threw this man 6 yards <a href="https://t.co/VogX7dtvP5">pic.twitter.com/VogX7dtvP5</a></p>— UCF Jaguar (@UCF_Jaguar) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Jaguar/status/1030999645219184640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Showing off some moves, <a href="https://twitter.com/T_Yeldon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T_Yeldon</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JAXvsMIN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JAXvsMIN</a> <a href="https://t.co/rloyRo2qPT">pic.twitter.com/rloyRo2qPT</a></p>— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1030971470803914754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a>
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<p id="WyUxfP"><span><em><strong>Tyler Patmon</strong></em></span><em><strong>, Cornerback</strong></em></p>
<p id="SLCTrN">The Jaguars back up corner took the place for suspended starter <span>Jalen Ramsey</span>, and against competition the likes of <span>Stefon Diggs</span> and Adam Theilan, more than held his own. <span>Patmon</span> was credited with one tackle and a pass break up, and is proving to be a very reliable back up option that can play the outside corner spot, in the event that <span>Ramsey</span> or AJ Bouye are out for any length of time this season.</p>
<h3 id="HWzPh2">Stock down</h3>
<p id="z1wUiM"><span><em><strong>Cam Robinson</strong></em></span><em><strong>, Offensive Tackle</strong></em></p>
<p id="Rf3ZaL">It was reported during the course of the week from the teams’ joint practices that <span>Robinson</span> did not have a particularly strong showing against Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter. Well, Robinson confirmed those reports with his play on Saturday, as the second-year left tackle was absolutely overwhelmed against the rising star on the Vikings’ front line. The Jaguars are relying on Robinson being a staple at left tackle for years to come, but you can’t be that when you look like this against the league’s top talent..</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Danielle Hunter 2H swipe on Cam Robinson <a href="https://t.co/1CSEf2dXPM">pic.twitter.com/1CSEf2dXPM</a></p>— Ty Wurth (@WurthDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/WurthDraft/status/1030887293538713603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great backfield stop by Weatherly <a href="https://t.co/Th3CteGfbL">pic.twitter.com/Th3CteGfbL</a></p>— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1030880200865861632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gedeon-Weatherly sack <a href="https://t.co/ZcAc31SSoO">pic.twitter.com/ZcAc31SSoO</a></p>— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1030886263933612034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="ZQtmLC"><span><em><strong>Marqise Lee</strong></em></span><em><strong>, Wide Receiver</strong></em></p>
<p id="HzD2ja"><span>Lee</span> has by all accounts had a solid training camp, after the Jaguars brought him back in free agency last March, and he did okay in the preseason opener. Yesterday, however, was a different story, as <span>Lee</span>’s performance mirrored a lot of the critiques most fans have had of him in his time here. </p>
<p id="s8HmXt">Lee caught the opening pass of the game for a short five-yard gain, then proceeded to be called for a penalty and drop what was a well thrown ball from <span>Bortles</span> down the sideline that would’ve resulted in a long gain, on another drive. I also had him on another drop during one of the team’s multiple shortened drives by the first team offense. The team’s technically number one receiver, did not play up to that role yesterday.</p>
<p id="gVysTI"><span><em><strong>Michael Bennett</strong></em></span><em><strong>, Defensive Tackle</strong></em></p>
<p id="RPo5lD">The Jaguars back ups on the defensive front were for the most part as solid as their colleagues on the starting line, but I noticed <span>Bennett</span> far too often getting blown off his gap by the Vikings linemen, allowing for running backs <span>Mike Boone</span> and <span>Roc Thomas</span> to have some big opportunities for gains in the middle of the field. <span>Bennett</span> is a bubble player, in my opinion, and it was not a performance that’s going to keep him long for the team.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/19/17755968/jacksonville-jaguars-stock-up-stock-down-preseason-week-2Jon Kurland2018-08-18T16:46:52-04:002018-08-18T16:46:52-04:00Jaguars get first preseason victory as defense dominates
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="JHBi77">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> arrived in the Twin Cities on Tuesday night for a week of joint events with the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, and left Saturday evening with their first preseason victory of 2018, beating the host Vikings by a score of 14-10.</p>
<p id="QSfBOJ">It was the first time both conference championship runner-ups were able to display their new rosters as the game was broadcast nationally on NFL Network and both renowned defenses showed up and showed out in a big way.</p>
<p id="hmjfMj"><span>Blake Bortles</span> went 12-for-20 for 159 yards and a badly thrown interception to safety Harrison Smith. He also had a poorly thrown ball on the Jaguars’ opening drive that should’ve been intercepted as well. That said, “Good Blake” did show up after the two opening bad drives. Following the interception, <span>Malik Jackson</span> stripped Vikings running back Latavious Murray and <span>Yannick Ngakoue</span> recovered to regain possession for the Jaguars. <span>Bortles</span> proceeded to lead a drive down the field for 70 yards on 12 plays, using his arm and legs, capping it off with a one-yard <span>Leonard Fournette</span> touchdown run on fourth down.</p>
<p id="LGufub">On the flip side of the field, the Jaguars front end defense held the Vikings offense to under 60 yards total with the starters in during the first half and allowed big-ticket free agent quarterback <span>Kirk Cousins</span> just 12 yards on eight attempts, including a sack early by <span>Ngakoue</span>. </p>
<p id="Vveeox"><span>Cousins</span> never seemed comfortable against the Jaguars front seven, and the Vikings’ well known weapons like <span>Stefon Diggs</span> and Adam Theilen, never got involved in the game.</p>
<p id="HYXZJr">The game ended for both teams’ starters with the Jaguars leading 7-3. </p>
<p id="pQLY8g">The rest of the game was a slop fest dominated by both defenses, as neither <span>Cody Kessler</span> nor Vikings Trevor Siemian were able to generate much in the passing game. The Vikings were able to cash in later in the second half gashing the Jaguars back ups in the running game to take a 10-7 lead up through the two minute warning, when <span>Rashad Greene Sr.</span> returned a punt 54 yards to the Vikings five-yard line, where Jaguars running back <span>Brandon Wilds</span> capped it with a two-yard touchdown run to decide the game 14-10.</p>
<p id="7qkO34">The Jaguars now return home after five days up north, and prepare for what will be the final preseason game for the starters, as they will face the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> a week from today at TIAA Bank Field.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/18/17752096/jacksonville-jaguars-versus-minnesota-vikings-get-first-preseason-victory-as-defense-dominatesJon Kurland2018-08-18T16:19:34-04:002018-08-18T16:19:34-04:00Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings: Live blog for preseason Week 2
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<p><em> Follow along all day for coverage and our live commentary before and during the game as the Jaguars take on the NFC North champion Vikings. Feel free to leave commentary, and stay with us following the game for post-game recaps.</em> </p> <p id="QIouc9">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> and <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> complete their week of joint practices with the second preseason game for both teams, as the two meet at U.S. Bank Stadium for a special 1 PM EST Saturday afternoon kick off.</p>
<p id="UD4T70">Jacksonville will be looking to see if their first and second team offenses can continue the momentum of last week’s preseason opener, despite having less than great performances in the teams’ two joint practices earlier this week.</p>
<p id="RkmZKA">On the flip side, the Jaguars defense was as advertised in practices with the Vikings and quarterback <span>Kirk Cousins</span>’ offense this week, and will look to continue that into today’s game.</p>
<p id="fzKipx"><em><strong>How to Watch</strong></em></p>
<p id="pToMnp"><strong>TV: </strong> NFL Network will be carrying the game live nationally at 1 PM EST. If you live in the Jacksonville area, the game will be carried on the team’s official station Action News Jax CBS 47, but blacked out on NFLN due to black out rules. </p>
<p id="k4s6wm">You can also stream the game for free via the team’s website if you live in the UK, Mexico, Canada, and the team’s secondary markets including Orlando, Tallahassee, Savannah.</p>
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<p id="6ikLa8">Live Blog</p>
<p id="FWrJu0"><strong>4:18 PM: </strong>Jarrod Wilson forces a fumble, recovered by Blair Brown and the Jaguars wrap up preseason week 2 with a 14-10 victory! Thanks for following along with me today. </p>
<p id="6BIpoV"><strong>4:06 PM:</strong> Touchdown Jaguars! Brandon Wilds runs it in, and Jags take the lead 14-10. Vikings have 1:55 with all three time outs.</p>
<p id="xzESnG"><strong>4:03 PM: </strong>Rashad Greene Sr. fields a punt and returns it all the way to the Vikings 5 yard line. Brandon Wilds runs for 2, and it’s 2nd & Goal from the 3 as we hit the final two minute warning. Jags looking to go in for the win.</p>
<p id="By4y2d"><strong>3:55 PM:</strong> The Jaguars got into Vikings territory but had to punt, after the Jags offensive line was apparently replaced by 5 garbage pails. Punt is downed inside the 10 by Jaydon Mickens.</p>
<p id="GuQMdi"><strong>3:44 PM: </strong>Following a God awful call on a, “hit against a defenseless player”, the Jags defense holds Sloter to another punt, and the Jags take over with 7 inutes left in the game. Still 10-7 Vikings. </p>
<p id="gw7vvU"><strong>3:31 PM:</strong> A promising drive ends in another punt for the Jaguars. Kessler was mostly efficient but the Vikings defenders blew up a would-be screen on 3rd down, sacking the quarterback instead. Vikings take over with 11 minutes left inside their 10.</p>
<p id="e1Insy"><strong>3:23 PM:</strong> End of the 3rd quarter, finds the Jaguars driving inside the Vikings zone with a 3rd & 5 coming up. A couple of good throws from Kessler and strong running from Brandon Wilds.</p>
<p id="pqvDTq"><strong>3:14 PM: </strong>Vikings 2nd/3rd team offense runs the ball down the throat of the Jags defense, and caps it off with a 1 yard TD run. Real bad run fits and tackling at every level of the Jag back up defense. 10-7 Vikings</p>
<p id="cAg4qh"><strong>3:07 PM: </strong>Jags punt it back to the Vikings after a Cody Kessler pass to DJ Chark sails wide on 3rd down. Chark had a well thrown ball go through his hands on the previously play.</p>
<p id="aYV5JX"><strong>2:59 PM:</strong> All back ups now, but it doesn’t matter for the defense as they again force another short possession for the Vikings offense. So far this game really was everything we expected.</p>
<p id="MqfRio"><strong>2:54 PM: </strong>Jags 2nd team offense starts the second half, and quickly fizzles out after a sack on Cody Kessler on 3rd & mid that should have been a penalty for going low on the quarterback but we have the NFL officials in full season form. Also, Josh Wells pass blocking should just be shown as the next “Halloween” film, cause it’s horrific. </p>
<p id="ZzIi8W"><strong>2:48 PM:</strong> Here’s what I mean about Cam Robinson..</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Danielle Hunter 2H swipe on Cam Robinson <a href="https://t.co/1CSEf2dXPM">pic.twitter.com/1CSEf2dXPM</a></p>— Ty Wurth (@WurthDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/WurthDraft/status/1030887293538713603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="SghXE5">Halftime Thoughts:</p>
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<li id="tK0qhV">The first team offense for the Jaguars was the focus coming in and the results were similar to the joint practices, some good, some bad.</li>
<li id="R5Dr8E">Blake Bortles, aside from the really bad interception early, I thought was relatively OK and recovered great from the pick.</li>
<li id="hjBLJc">The offensive line did not look great. Not a lot of holes for Fournette & Yeldon, and too much pressure allowed on Blake. Granted Norwell & Parnell are OUT and Brandon Linder left with a knee ailment. Cam Robinson struggled immensely with Danielle Hunter, that’s not ideal.</li>
<li id="VyoUd2">The first team defense versus the Vikings first team offense was fun to watch. They’re ready.</li>
<li id="CUqqQT">Too many penalties, and a sloppy game thus far.</li>
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<p id="gvYIjb"><strong>2:37 PM:</strong> Nothing doing for the Jags offense against the back up defense of the Vikings to end the half. First half ends with Bortles being sacked on 3rd & mid by a free defender who came untouched through the middle due to missed assignment by Tyler Shatley. 7-3 Jags at halftime.</p>
<p id="iCiJM5"><strong>2:30 PM:</strong> Stop me if you heard this before, but the Jags defense forces a quick 3 & out. Dede Westbrook returns the punt 47 yards....but its negated by a block in the back by Moncrief. The Jags starting offense....returns for a final two minute drill.</p>
<p id="cLExNd"><strong>2:26 PM:</strong> We come to the two minute warning. After a nice run from T.J. Yeldon for about 20 yards, the Jags’ offense peters out, leading to another Logan Cooke punt that’s covered well after being fielded inside the Vikings 15 yard line. The Jags mix of 1st & 2nd team defenders come back out for what NOW should be their last drive of the game.</p>
<p id="qqAArJ"><strong>2:20 PM: </strong>The Jags defense, with starters like Telvin, Myles, and Yan still in the game, force another 3 & out with a sack by Yan involved during the drive. The starting offense for the Jags coming back out.</p>
<p id="bAXg87"><strong>2:15 PM: </strong>The Jaguars driving but get a killer penalty for an illegal block on Keelan Cole, with the starting offense still in. Blake Bortles had a nice 3rd down throw to Marqise Lee to convert for the first down during the drive. Josh Lambo misses, yes you read that right, from about 50 yards. Still 7-3 as Vikings take over with under 6 minutes left in the half.</p>
<p id="Lc3f8a"><strong>2:05 PM:</strong> The national narrative will be Blake looked “eh”, but may I present Kirk Cousins’ day...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">QB Kirk Cousins is done for the day. He finishes 3 of 8 for 12 yards (sacked once by <a href="https://twitter.com/YannGetSacks91?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YannGetSacks91</a>) against the <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaguars</a>' first-team defense.</p>— Tad Dickman (@TDickman89) <a href="https://twitter.com/TDickman89/status/1030877330766528512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="3SwneG"><strong>2:02 PM: </strong>The Jaguars defense holds Trevor Simian and the Vikings mostly 2nd team offense to a field goal attempt, that is bonked off the upright by Kyle Forbath. Still 7-3 Jaguars as we make it halfway through the 2nd quarter. The Vikings found some success running that drive against a mixture of Jags 1st & 2nd teamers.</p>
<p id="IY8JpL"><strong>1:55 PM: </strong>Starting offense back out and goes 3 & out, as Niles Paul drops a perfect throw on 3rd down that would’ve went for 20 yards. Some injury news, Brandon Linder has left the game with what the team is calling a “knee injury”. </p>
<p id="bRB6Uk"><strong>1:50 PM:</strong> The Jags keep a majority of starters in on defense, and again they dominate, forcing another 3 & out for Kirk Cousins and the Vikings starting offense. Folks, the Jags starting defense has owned the show thus far today, as they had all week,</p>
<p id="4yELY4"><strong>1:46 PM: </strong>Touchdown Jaguars! Fournette plows in from the half yard line after Blake runs for 11 on 3rd & goal. Good response from Blake and the offense after the turnover. 7-3 Jaguars. That’s probably the end of the game for the starting offense and defense.</p>
<p id="vBrHuy"><strong>1:37 PM:</strong> Jaguars have a nice drive developing that’s included much better accuracy from Blake here. Moncrief, Yeldon, and Fournette getting involved as the Jags are allowing the Vikings aggressiveness to set up some big gainers on screen plays. The Jags now have 1st & Goal from the 10.</p>
<p id="99Y38h"><strong>1:31 PM:</strong> Bad Blake throws an interception right into the chest of Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith, but the defense reciprocates, as Murray has the ball knocked out by Malik Jackson and recovered by Calais Campbell. Jags ball in a defensive struggle thus far.</p>
<p id="x5y3hA"><strong>1:25 PM:</strong> AJ Bouye gets a flag for the worst penalty I’ve ever seen called. Murray the running back lowers his head, AJ does the same, AJ gets the flag. What a God awful officiated game already. Vikings getting so much striped shirt help they to keep drive going they should wear purple! Tyler Patmon stops Laquon Treadwell on 3rd & long, and the drive is finished by a made field goal. 3-0 Refs...err, Vikings.</p>
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<p id="qbqbVz"><strong>1:17 PM</strong> Yannick gets a huge sack for a lost of 10 on Cousins, but a bullshit flag for “taunting” negates the negative play and gives Vikings 1st down inside Jags territory.</p>
<p id="is4DPv"><strong>1:14 PM: </strong>The Jags fare no better on offense, as Bortles completes a quick hitter to Lee for 5; Fournette gets nothing on a stretch run, and the Vikings nearly pick off Blake on 3rd down on a pass in which Donte Moncrief appeared to slip in his route. Jags punt and give Vikings excellent position from the Minnesota 40. Similar drive to how practices had gone this week for the first team offense.</p>
<p id="cXoEHB"><strong>1:11 PM:</strong> Tyler Patmon with a big pass break up on Theilen; Murray gets a yard, and Barry Church gets perfect coverage on Kyle Rudolph to force essentially a 3 & out. Great push by the defensive line, better coverage by the secondary.</p>
<p id="jzcwuu"><strong>108 PM:</strong> Jags win the toss and we are underway, with the Vikings offense taking the field first.</p>
<p id="5JtzAx"><strong>1:06 PM: </strong>A sober moment pre kick off..</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Family of late Vikings offensive coordinator Tony Sparano being honored by both teams prior to game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a> <a href="https://t.co/yFx7PX1x36">pic.twitter.com/yFx7PX1x36</a></p>— Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) <a href="https://twitter.com/phillip_heilman/status/1030863099845169158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="MxBPHP"><strong>12:51 PM:</strong> As we await kick off in a few minutes. Here’s Leo doing OBJ things...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It must be an <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LSUfootball</a> thing <a href="https://t.co/Fij7ZnUNxU">pic.twitter.com/Fij7ZnUNxU</a></p>— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1030851387654057985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="tSnmbU"><strong>12:15 PM:</strong> Here’s FCN’s Mike Kaye with some interesting thoughts on the replacements filling in today.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">- TE James O'Shaughnessy is competing for the No. 2 TE job and will start in place of ASJ. Good sign in that competition.<br>- Tyler Patmon is starting for Jalen Ramsey at left CB. Patmon has been making plays all summer and seems to be the top backup for both CB spots. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a></p>— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) <a href="https://twitter.com/mike_e_kaye/status/1030849522669441024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="PJ0VfE"><strong>11:45 AM:</strong> And here is the list of Vikings inactives, including running back and former FSU stand out Dalvin Cook, who did practice this past week.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">13 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> are not expected to play today. <a href="https://t.co/R6YHuMgTLI">pic.twitter.com/R6YHuMgTLI</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1030840707932663810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="CggxLs"><strong>11:35 AM:</strong> I figured that Norwell & Parnell would not go, as they really haven’t done any team drills in almost two weeks now. A bit surprised Bryan is a no-go, as he practiced in full on Thursday.</p>
<p id="UCdIkH">The biggest surprises are Gipson, Davis, & Dareus, whom all practiced and had been healthy up to this point of camp. Will be interesting to hear what led to them being OUT today. Keep in mind though, as we saw last week with folks like Keelan Cole, if the team feels there’s even a bit of injury risk, they’re not going to chance it, especially after two “scrimmages” already this week with the same team.</p>
<p id="3hpSx9"><strong>11:30 AM:</strong> The Jaguars have announced their “non-dressed/OUT” list for today’s game. Some surprises on here. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The following <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaguars</a> will not dress today:<br><br>20 Ramsey<br>35 Davis<br>39 Gipson<br>54 Ankou<br>56 Fowler Jr.<br>57 Ellis<br>68 Norwell<br>78 Parnell<br>88 Seferian-Jenkins<br>90 Bryan<br>94 Smoot<br>99 Dareus<br><br>Starting changes:<br><br>Wells at RT<br>Reed at LG<br>O’Shaugnessy at TE<br>Patmon at LCB<br>Harrison at FS <br>Jones at NT</p>— Tad Dickman (@TDickman89) <a href="https://twitter.com/TDickman89/status/1030839042106044417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="JENSOc"><strong>10:56 AM:</strong> For the uniform savants like myself, looks like the Jags will debut the new all-whites today.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Debuting our new all-white uniforms ⚪ <a href="https://t.co/4Y6XDgGN97">pic.twitter.com/4Y6XDgGN97</a></p>— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1030809288007143424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a>
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<p id="K6gqkr"><strong>10:45 AM:</strong> Good Morning, and welcome to a special Saturday afternoon of Jaguars football. I’m going to be paying extra attention to the offense today, as they were “OK” by all accounts Thursday when these teams last practiced, but were not good by any stretch on Wednesday. Pay particular attention to <span>Cam Robinson</span> today, as he faces a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> level talent across from him in defensive end Danielle Hunter. <span>Robinson</span> reportedly had his issues with Hunter in practices, so I’ll be watching to see if he can keep <span>Blake Bortles</span>’ blind side as clean as he did in Week 1. <span>Robinson</span> must show up well this year, in my opinion, for the Jags to be successful on offense and this will be a great early test.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/18/17744812/jacksonville-jaguars-vs-minnesota-vikings-live-blog-for-preseason-week-2Jon Kurland2018-08-16T10:15:02-04:002018-08-16T10:15:02-04:005 questions with The Daily Norseman
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<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Jacksonville Jaguars" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d9q5p7UT9KtXil_LubF10tySPQo=/0x0:3390x2260/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60860117/629153132.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Which team has the better defensive unit? </p> <p id="GDrWYP">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> and <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> are currently participating in joint practices in Eagan, Minnesota, as the teams prepare for a preseason tilt on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.</p>
<p id="5LbPvQ">To help us get to know the 2018 Vikings team better, and to give us some perspective on what to expect from the Vikings during joint practices and this weekend’s game, I talked to <a href="https://twitter.com/Gates_DN">Christopher Gates</a> from <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">The Daily Norseman</a> — SB Nation’s insightful Minnesota Vikings community.</p>
<p id="VvFJlu">Let’s see what he had to say...</p>
<p id="ZJ8Y4c"><em><strong>1. The Vikings and Jaguars are arguably the two best defensive units in the league. All biases aside, which defense would you rather have and why?</strong></em></p>
<p id="B6layx"><strong>Christopher</strong>: I’m not sure if there’s really a “wrong” answer here, since we’re probably talking about the two best defenses in the league. Both teams have legitimate stars on all three levels, thanks to a combination of drafting well and making smart signings in free agency. The Vikings have the advantage of going into their fifth season of the same defensive scheme since Mike Zimmer was hired, and it’s tough to understate just how big that is. If we were to base it strictly on talent alone, however, I think that the slight edge might have to go to the Jaguars. I haven’t crunched the numbers, but I think the Jaguars might be slightly younger across the board on defense than the Vikings are, as the Vikings have a couple of key pieces that have been in the league for a while (<span>Everson Griffen</span> and <span>Linval Joseph</span> were both drafted in 2010, <span>Harrison Smith</span> in 2012), while I think that most of the Jaguars key defensive players are fairly young. It’s a very, very close race, but yeah...slight edge to Jacksonville overall.</p>
<p id="tSpCw5"><em><strong>2. How do you think joint practices — with different schemes, players and plays from the opposing squad — will help both teams prepare for not only this week’s game, but the rest of the preseason? It should be nice for them to hit somebody other than themselves in practice, eh?</strong></em></p>
<p id="X0aNam"><strong>Christopher</strong>: I do think we’ve gotten to the point where the team needs to see someone other than the guys on the same sideline as they are. Obviously we saw what happened in Jacksonville a few days ago with Dante Fowler, and the Vikings had a few scraps leading up to their preseason opener against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>. I think it’s going to be very good for these two teams to see each other, and from the Vikings’ perspective I think it’s going to be helpful to take on one of the NFL’s best defenses (and I’m sure that Jacksonville’s offense will get the same benefit from going against the Minnesota defense). Even without <span>Jalen Ramsey</span> along for the ride this week, the Jaguars are a premier defense, and it’s going to be a real test for the new-look Vikings’ offense to square off with a group like that. Frankly, even if it isn’t the regular season, the Jaguars’ defense might be the best defense the Vikings see this season, and it should be fun to watch.</p>
<p id="DiZq6p"><em><strong>3. It was in limited action, but </strong></em><span><em><strong>Kirk Cousins</strong></em></span><em><strong> (Go Green!) definitely looked the part in the Vikings preseason opener. Are you sold on </strong></em><span><em><strong>Cousins</strong></em></span><em><strong> (and his fully guaranteed contract), or are you taking more of a wait-and-see approach with Minnesota’s new signal-caller?</strong></em></p>
<p id="ew6JDU"><strong>Christopher: </strong>Obviously we’d like to see how things go for more than eight plays for the Vikings’ offense, but I do think that Cousins is in for a huge year in 2018. This is probably the best group of skill position players that he’s been surrounded by since he’s been in the NFL, with the return of <span>Dalvin Cook</span> at running back and the <span>Stefon Diggs</span>/<span>Adam Thielen</span> duo on the outside. The Vikings’ offensive line is going to be a sticking point this year, as it was last season (and the season before that. . .and the season before that. . .and the season before that), but I have a feeling that (offensive coordinator) John DeFilippo is going to be able to do a lot of things to mitigate those issues and put Cousins in a position to succeed. Even though the Vikings’ No. 1 offense was only on the field for eight snaps against Denver, they managed to use five different personnel groupings, and that’s going to help keep defenses off-balance and hopefully allow Minnesota to reach their full potential. <span>Case Keenum</span> took the Vikings on a hell of a ride last season, but I do think that Cousins gives them the potential to reach even greater heights.</p>
<p id="qFePsw"><em><strong>4. Are there any young players/roster bubble guys on the Vikings you are hoping to see something from on Saturday? Are there any Jaguar players you are excited to see play?</strong></em></p>
<p id="jH0SKA"><strong>Christopher</strong>: I’m not sure if you can consider a former first-round pick a “bubble guy,” but I’d really like to see something...anything...out of <span>Laquon Treadwell</span> on Saturday. We’ve heard all summer about how he’s gotten better and he’s been getting rave reviews in camp so far, but managed to go without a catch last week (Editor’s note — Treadwell actually had one catch for three yards. H/T to commenter NMVike). The Vikings need a third receiving threat to take some heat off of <span>Thielen</span> and <span>Diggs</span>, and I think most of us are hoping that <span>Treadwell</span> is the guy. As far as the defense, I’m looking to see how the battle for the backup spots on the defensive line is going to shake out. We know that the starters are set, and the Vikings have a lot of interesting talent as potential backups at all four spots on the defensive front. Players like <span>Tashawn Bower</span>, <span>Jaleel Johnson</span>, <span>Jalyn Holmes</span>, and <span>Stephen Weatherly</span> (among others) are going to be fighting for spots, and their time to make an impression is running out. As far as the Jaguars side of things, I think most Vikings fans will definitely be keeping an eye on some of the offensive line prospects from Jacksonville. The Vikings, as we’ve mentioned already, have some significant offensive line issues, and we’ll pretty much be looking at all the teams the Vikings play this preseason to see if anyone that their opponents might give up on is worth a shot as a developmental prospect or even a potential contributor.</p>
<p id="S8m1tM"><em><strong>5. The Jaguars and Vikings are coming off of similar seasons, both losing in the conference championship games. What do the Vikings need to do to get past that level and win the NFC this season?</strong></em></p>
<p id="744P97"><strong>Christopher</strong>: On defense, the Vikings need to find a way to give their front-line players, particularly on the defensive line, a little bit more of a rest over the course of the year. Last season, guys like <span>Everson Griffen</span> were playing entirely too many snaps for a team that’s supposed to be rotating defensive linemen, and I think it started to wear them down toward the end of the season. That’s why the depth chart behind the starters on the d-line is going to be so important this preseason. As far as the offensive side, the key is going to be the offensive line, whether it’s developing players to the point where the quality of play starts to go up or finding a way to scheme around it so that the offense can function to its capabilities. Even with those issues, the Vikings were a 13-3 team last season and appear (on paper, at least) to have gotten better, so if they can get those issues squared away, there’s really no prediction that you can make for this team that could be considered unrealistic.</p>
<p id="WNPl15">A big thank you to Christopher for providing such in-depth analysis and giving his opinions on certain aspects. Be sure to <a href="https://twitter.com/Gates_DN">follow him on Twitter</a>, and also follow The Daily Norseman for all of the great coverage from joint practices and the preseason game between Jacksonville and Minnesota. </p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/16/17693554/5-questions-with-the-daily-norseman-joint-practice-weekRyan O'Bleness2018-08-15T17:14:43-04:002018-08-15T17:14:43-04:002018 Jaguars vs. Vikings joint practices: Day 1 live blog
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<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="0NMP5h">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> are in Minneapolis, Minnesota right now and are about to start Day 1 of joint practices against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. </p>
<p id="OJhm1T">The Jaguars will join their fellow we-were-one-game-away compatriots ahead of a Week 2 preseason matchup. The practice starts late (3:45 PM what?) but that’s good for those of us who get all our work in for the morning and can watch the practice unfold via tweets, videos, and live analysis.</p>
<p id="JSn29Q">What will the first day of joint practices with the Vikings have in store for the Jaguars? Follow along with everything Jaguars by checking out our live blog throughout the day.</p>
<h3 id="xxQzEe">Live blog</h3>
<p id="xV7yzz"><strong>5:47 PM:</strong> Blake Bortles has been confirmed #good throughout the vast majority of offseason practices and training camp so a bad day on the first joint practice doesn’t really scare me.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's it for 11-on-11 today:<br><br>Bortles, 24 snaps, 4/13, INT<br>Kessler, 20 snaps, 9/11<br>Lee, 9 snaps, 3/5<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a></p>— Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) <a href="https://twitter.com/phillip_heilman/status/1029847177261211649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="ZhvT0N"><strong>5:07 PM: </strong>The wave will never end, haters.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is great <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DTWD?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DTWD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jaguars</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BigCatCountry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BortlesFacts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BortlesFacts</a> <a href="https://t.co/TCl0D4zQqh">pic.twitter.com/TCl0D4zQqh</a></p>— Bortle Turtle (@BDB_904) <a href="https://twitter.com/BDB_904/status/1029837063875715074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="cdnG48"><strong>4:51 PM:</strong> I think Austin Seferian-Jenkins has had a solid camp, but I’m still sore on free agent tight ends from Julius Thomas, so to see him doing well against <em>actual </em>opponents is good.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cole and asj looking good gawd damn <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaxVikesCamp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaxVikesCamp</a></p>— fudge supreme. (@jnoog89) <a href="https://twitter.com/jnoog89/status/1029833023284568065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="lZG7t4"><strong>4:45 PM:</strong> My God. These receivers have (quietly) had a really good camp so far.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That separation by <a href="https://twitter.com/DedeTHEGreat11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DedeTHEGreat11</a> <a href="https://t.co/abv9bq3sW4">pic.twitter.com/abv9bq3sW4</a></p>— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1029831440777633797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="CEeaW1"><strong>4:35 PM:</strong> Now <em>that </em>is a great throw.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blake Bortles with a nice throw to WR Jaydon Mickens working against S Harrison Smith. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a> <a href="https://t.co/vXJ6DeL0bp">pic.twitter.com/vXJ6DeL0bp</a></p>— Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) <a href="https://twitter.com/phillip_heilman/status/1029828832063369216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="mNvsn8"><strong>4:23 PM: </strong>JAGUARS FAN SIGHTING.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">27 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaxVikesCamp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaxVikesCamp</a> <a href="https://t.co/xQFVGy9Ipy">pic.twitter.com/xQFVGy9Ipy</a></p>— fudge supreme. (@jnoog89) <a href="https://twitter.com/jnoog89/status/1029825870888927232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="7lDICb"><strong>4:18 PM:</strong> If you’re at this practice, please tag us in any and all pictures. Thank you.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great crowd here in Eagen. They are fired up for the Vikings. A few Jaguars fans here as well. <a href="https://t.co/ud4ItRXJY5">pic.twitter.com/ud4ItRXJY5</a></p>— Cole Pepper (@ColePepper) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColePepper/status/1029824609007423488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="SoFSpi"><strong>4:14 PM:</strong> SOON.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When are they going to convert Lazard to tight end</p>— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifHasanNFL/status/1029823666694045696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="3nB1kF"><strong>4:13 PM: </strong>Yes.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Time to put in work in the north.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DUUUVAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DUUUVAL</a> <a href="https://t.co/a9SEz9bDRM">pic.twitter.com/a9SEz9bDRM</a></p>— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1029823298954121216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="RoUE9d"><strong>2:48 PM:</strong> Handsome.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Outchea at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center prepping for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a>-Vikings practice <a href="https://t.co/Ovkf9oQ4uh">pic.twitter.com/Ovkf9oQ4uh</a></p>— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnOehser/status/1029802041420533761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="rfSlms"><strong>2:21 PM:</strong> Um.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matt Stafford's wife isn't thrilled with GQ's interview subjects. <a href="https://t.co/F3y9ciLetz">pic.twitter.com/F3y9ciLetz</a></p>— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) <a href="https://twitter.com/mike_e_kaye/status/1029795115009810432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="qISpVt"><strong>8:41 AM:</strong> This is a brilliant interview with <span>Jalen Ramsey</span> and if you haven’t read it yet, you need to.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/jalenramsey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JalenRamsey</a> has something to say (about literally everyone)—and probably thinks your quarterback is trash <a href="https://t.co/vsgp6ccs9Z">https://t.co/vsgp6ccs9Z</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZNkUcCqOqY">pic.twitter.com/ZNkUcCqOqY</a></p>— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/GQMagazine/status/1029709556811804676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a>
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https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/15/17693634/2018-jacksonville-jaguars-training-camp-day-1-live-blog-joint-practice-minnesota-vikingsRyan Day2018-08-15T14:41:58-04:002018-08-15T14:41:58-04:00Should the Jaguars keep 7 receivers on the final roster?
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<p id="33dHPW">Logjam.</p>
<p id="gKcAZw">That’s the best way to describe this <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> wide receiving unit who, at this point in the season, lacks a bona fide alpha.</p>
<p id="yuXXOD">While the potential for a player such as DJ Chark or <span>Keelan Cole</span> to emerge into this role exists, for now it’s largely a numbers game of players jockeying up and down the depth chart. </p>
<p id="8iepPX">At the moment, there seems to be two games of wide receivers checkers going on — one with the top five guys who are roster locks in <span>Donte Moncrief</span>, <span>Marqise Lee</span>, <span>Keelan Cole</span>, DJ Chark, and Dede Westbrook. The other is with the next four guys in Jaydon Mickens, <span>Rashad Greene</span>, Shane Wynn and Allen Lazard. </p>
<p id="lBOQbC">The difference, of course, is that those bottom guys are fighting for one spot.</p>
<p id="8VWO2K"><em>Or are they?</em></p>
<p id="OR7TQf">In any numbers game, your odds of hitting are obviously increased with more bites at the apple. Most are assuming that the Jaguars will limit their 53-man roster to six receiver spots, but I wouldn’t be so sure. In fact, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> are two other clubs who are kicking around the idea of keeping seven receivers on the roster.</p>
<p id="AkI9IK">Although extremely rare for an NFL team to stash seven pass catchers on their final roster, there is precedent. Interestingly enough, <a href="https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9804E2D6103BF935A3575AC0A96F9C8B63.html">the 2009 </a><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> under Tom Coughlin kept seven wide receivers, including high-round rookie <span>Hakeem Nicks</span> and undrafted red zone specialist <span>Ramses Barden</span> from Cal Poly. </p>
<p id="gNXj0u">Sound familiar? </p>
<p id="9o9qt8">*cough* <span>Cole</span> *cough* </p>
<p id="2wN4d5">*cough* Lazard *cough*</p>
<p id="IYnKBW">Of course, keeping an extra receiver means taking an extra slot away from another position group, and for me, that would be the running backs. We keep reading that they want to feed Fournette and increase <span>Corey Grant</span>’s role in the offense, so there’s simply no need to carry a fourth running back, especially when the early favorite for that fourth spot in <span>Tim Cook</span> is practice squad-eligible.</p>
<p id="IsFVud">So what are the pros and cons for each fringe receiver?</p>
<h3 id="0ilwX5">Jaydon Mickens</h3>
<p id="1eX4jj">PRO: Electric punt returner</p>
<p id="wci77o">CON: Not the strongest receiver at the catch point</p>
<p id="T2lC9t">If you had to guess if <span>Mickens</span> scored more return or receiving touchdowns last season, which would you choose? <span>Mickens</span> actually scored two touchdowns as a receiver in spell duty and only one touchdown on a punt return (although he came very close to a second). The point is that I think many are really underrating Mickens’ ability as a wide receiver and pigeonholing him to being strictly a return specialist. </p>
<p id="hGnAjV">Mickens may not be dominant at the catch point and perhaps would struggle in sifting through traffic, but Mickens can be a sneaky good addition to what appears to be a more west coast, quick-hitting offense based on what we’re seeing in preseason. </p>
<h3 id="hcGGFJ">Rashad Greene</h3>
<p id="EYcjjA">PRO: Shows up during practice</p>
<p id="qEbmlV">CON: Leases a home in muff city</p>
<p id="EpJU1K">Greene has had three whole years to make an impact on this squad and hasn’t been available due to injury. All accounts are that Greene has been the most consistent receiver in training camp, but it would take a lot of faith to trust that he could continue this consistency under the lights when it matters. </p>
<p id="1Z4GMf">The simple truth is that receivers at the dregs of the depth chart need to contribute on special teams, an area where Greene has actually proved to be a liability. Ironically, Greene is a free agent after this season and the fact that he is not eligible for the practice squad may actually help his cause in landing a final roster spot, as the other three have eligibility.</p>
<h3 id="s2BHd0">Shane Wynn</h3>
<p id="UsRi7Y">PRO: Shows up all the time</p>
<p id="R2Ohn7">CON: Small frame and hasn’t been included in special teams</p>
<p id="wuoCZB">Wynn certainly seems to be the “Rudy” of the group and is turning into a fan-favorite due to his feisty demeanor or relentless, never-say-die attitude. He measures at just 5’6” but has shown up in practice and during games when given a shot. What is hurting him at the moment is that the team hasn’t given him much play in the return game, which is surprising due to his short area quickness and reliability.</p>
<h3 id="EhnAxd">Allen Lazard</h3>
<p id="CGT4bC">PRO: Different body type and a red zone threat</p>
<p id="Ta3oeE">CON: Slow start</p>
<p id="QovCiW"><span>Lazard</span> was a high-profile rookie free agent signing that many fans were excited about, including myself. Lazard started slow out of the gate with a series of drops, but his athleticism, length and catch radius have really started to show up as of late as he continues to grasp the playbook and route tree. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jaguars try to “hide” Lazard this preseason and try to sneak him through waivers and onto the practice squad. If Lazard does beat the odds and make the final roster, it will tell you exactly what the team thinks of their receivers’ ability to win in the red zone.</p>
<p id="YZ5FOm"><em>Side note: </em>Did you know Lazard handled punt return duties at Iowa State as a sophomore and finished second in the Big 12 with 19.2 yards per return?</p>
<p id="WypJMp"><em>So what do you think? Should the Jaguars sacrifice a running back for a seventh receiver? Which receivers would you keep?</em></p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/15/17693300/should-the-jaguars-keep-7-receivers-on-the-final-rosterFilip Prus2018-08-14T11:00:07-04:002018-08-14T11:00:07-04:00Ramsey, Fowler to return on Monday
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<p id="M9QoCt">As many of you already know, cornerback <span>Jalen Ramsey</span> and defensive end <span>Dante Fowler Jr</span>. <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/12/17681894/jalen-ramsey-dante-fowler-suspension-fight-joint-practices-and-game-vs-vikings">were suspended on Sunday night</a> for “violating team rules and conduct unbecoming of a <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> football player.” </p>
<p id="O5ZybC">Although the Jaguars didn’t officially announce the length of the suspension, <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1028774981382152198">Ian Rapoport reported </a>that it would last one week for both players. We can now confirm that to be true. Doug Marrone addressed the media this morning, and repeatedly said that <span>Ramsey</span> and Fowler will return to the team this coming Monday.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch as head coach coach Doug Marrone addresses the media. <a href="https://t.co/AodxxX6qDB">https://t.co/AodxxX6qDB</a></p>— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1029355920692850690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="oey6Xq">Marrone was asked several times about what his thought process was for the decision, but he would not comment on the specifics of the situation and wanted to keep it as an internal. </p>
<p id="YS1eW2">Fowler was involved in multiple scuffles during this past Sunday’s practice, including with tight end <span>James O’Shaughnessy</span> and <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/12/17681386/video-yannick-ngakoue-dante-fowler-fight-after-jacksonville-jaguars-training-camp-practice">fellow defensive end Yannick Ngakoue</a>. </p>
<p id="GRzvNL">A reporter asked Marrone specifically why Fowler was suspended and not <span>Ngakoue</span>, and if Fowler was the “aggressor” in the fight. </p>
<p id="8jQKdk">“Again, I’m not gonna [SIC] comment on that, you know, and I’m OK, I know that everyone has to ask it, but again, those decisions are internal, and team violations, and those are private.”</p>
<p id="Qq432P">It’s also worth noting that the Jaguars head coach does not expect any problems in the locker room between Fowler and <span>Ngakoue</span>, or any of the other players.</p>
<p id="N77fFO"><span>Jalen Ramsey</span> was suspended for going after the media. Marrone was also asked why Ramsey’s actions warranted the suspension: </p>
<p id="4PPian">“Again, I think that I’m not gonna [SIC] go through my thought process or what goes into it,” Marrone said. “I’ve spoken to the players, and (Ramsey and Fowler) will be back Monday.” </p>
<p id="zOzxwf">Moral of the story: Marrone was very tight-lipped on how the team is handling the suspensions, and what — if any — communication there will be between the suspended players and the Jaguars, but both players will be back Monday.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/8/14/17688152/jalen-ramsey-and-dante-fowler-jr-to-return-to-the-jaguars-on-mondayRyan O'Bleness