The Jacksonville Jaguars held their final training camp before the start of the preseason. Day 13 of training camp took place on Thursday at the Miller Electric Center.
So what did we see during the lighter pre-match training? We analyze it below.
Jaguars prepare for Kansas City
It was a quieter day for the Jaguars on Thursday, which was to be expected since game day was just two days away. That meant the Jaguars weren’t even in protective gear – they wore no protective gear, just helmets, shorts and jerseys. Compared to most training camps, there was a lot of emphasis on special teams and team drills, with no one-on-one situations between position groups. In short, it was a normal practice for a team preparing for a game.
However, the emphasis was still clearly on execution and competition. The defense was still geared toward the run game and rushing the passer. The offense was still trying to improve its timing. And the defensive backs were still fighting for routes and catches. But in terms of overall intensity, this was one of the more moderate practices of the camp.
So keep an eye out for practices next week. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be in town for joint practices, and those will likely be some of the toughest battles you’ll see in camp all year.
Joshua Cephus has a busy day
If I had to guess which player will make the most catches in the preseason, I’d probably pick Joshua Cephus. Cephus caught multiple passes in team drills on Thursday and did so at all levels of the field – short checkdowns, intermediate routes and deeper sideline concepts. Cephus is having one of his most engaged and active days in camp and it’s not hard to imagine that continuing as the preseason begins.
Now, Cephus didn’t have a perfect day. A pass from Mac Jones went past Cephus and was intercepted by Tevaughn Campbell. But Cephus is clearly someone Jones and CJ Beathard trust and have plenty of game practice with. Expect Cephus to get plenty of playing time on Saturday and work with the backup quarterbacks.
That doesn’t mean Cephus will earn a spot on the roster, though. It looks like the top five receiver spots are locked in between Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Brian Thomas Jr., Devin Duvernay and Parker Washington. Elijah Cooks and Tim Jones will be tough to beat, so Cephus will have to translate his practice performance into game performance to have a chance.
Anton Harrison takes a step forward, Cooper Hodges trains
Right tackle Anton Harrison hasn’t been actively participating in practice over the past week due to concussion symptoms, but he took a significant step forward on Thursday. He won’t play in Saturday’s game against the Chiefs (I expect Walker Little to start at right tackle), but on Thursday he was at least on the field in an orange non-contact penny and working off the field. He was equipped with a helmet, so that’s clearly progress for him. Perhaps he’ll return next week.
Cooper Hodges has been out of action or limited since July 30 with a back injury, but he participated fully in Thursday’s practice and took over as the second-team right guard. Doug Pederson did not mention his name when discussing which players would miss Saturday’s game, suggesting Hodges will be back on the field against the Chiefs.
My prediction for the first and second offensive lines on Saturday, from left to right: Cam Robinson, Blake Hance, Mitch Morse, Brandon Scherff, Walker Little. Following this group, in my opinion, will be: Javon Foster, Tyler Shatley, Luke Fortner, Cooper Hodges and Cole Van Lanen.
Those who fear Trevor Lawrence will be without most of his offensive line on Saturday can’t count on it. I expect Robinson to play after his shoulder injury, and I consider Little to be a starting quality offensive tackle. Yes, he’s not the starting right tackle, but Lawrence won’t be a turnstile either. So in reality, the only real replacement will be the left guard.
Who impresses on special teams?
The key to a backup or undrafted player’s chance to make the roster will always be on special teams. That’s how players like Corey Grant, Tre Herndon and Andrew Wingard have made the roster in the past, with each of them evolving from special teams roles to full-time players. And on Thursday, a few players hinted they could be those players this year.
Jalen Jackson, who has impressed in recent days, took advantage of Keilan Robinson’s injury in kickoff drills. Playing against the starting lineup on kickoffs, Jackson returned a kick down the left sideline and found an alley for a big gain, earning cheers from the crowd. As for the coverage teams, Terrell Edmunds was consistently close to the football and showed good speed to get down the field. It will be a tough battle for both players, but good performances on special teams will help them.
Match of the day
Due to the nature of the practice, there weren’t many highlight plays that day, but Brian Thomas Jr. caught (another) deep throw from Trevor Lawrence to Ronald Darby. Darby probably could have gotten closer to the ball in a different setting or situation, but it was a nice throw and catch by Lawrence for the No. 23 pick.
