August 17, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) talks to his teammated during their preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

This week the Jaguars travel to Baltimore for week three of the preseason. What can be expected are a few developing story lines, as the roster will face the most intense analysis to prove who will have a job, as well as who is at the front of the line.

Quarterback

Blaine Gabbert has a firm hold on the position, so examining his play will more likely than not come from the media. After two games, he seems to have better poise and footwork, as well as the ability to step up in the pocket to throw even though he might get hit. While these are preseason games that don’t count, it still matters as it is encouraging to see that Gabbert now looks prepared and focused and not scared and skittish. Playing against the Ravens is a good test to see these skills on display, especially if there are any second half adjustments to be made. As far as Chad Henne and Jordan Palmer are concerned, the Jaguars will make strides at evaluating both, but Henne may ultimately win out this duel as more was invested in him as a backup. Unless the Jags are looking to carry three quarterbacks this season, expect more time for Henne.

Running Back

After all the news about Maurice Jones-Drew this week, it feels a bit exhausting to talk more about him. While MJD is on hiatus, Rashad Jennings has clearly been running on all cylinders, averaging a healthy 5.1 average per carry on 23 attempts. The better he does, the more difficult the MJD situation becomes. However I still don’t see a trade for Jones-Drew, he’s too good. The rest of the lineup includes Montell Owens who will remain on the roster as a special teams monster. The fight for the third slot will be interesting to see as Keith Toston has shown big play ability but currently has a hamstring injury. If Jalen Parmele, DuJuan Harris, or Richard Murphy step it up this week in his absence, the depth chart could easily change.

June 12, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) gives a stiff arm to safety Dawan Landry (26) after catching a pass during minicamp at Florida Blue Health

Wide Receiver

Justin Blackmon should get the ball early and often, and it should be time for him to get a deep ball his way sooner or later. Establishing this connection is key, and its easy to see why with his big play ability. Laurent Robinson has experienced an up and down camp, but he won’t b allowed to fail with the amount invested in him. The last thing the Jaguars want is another Jerry Porter. Thomas has been a pleasurable surprise as he seems “ all in” himself. This cast is rounded out by Brian Robiskie (who leads in receptions thus far), Cecil Shorts, and Chastin West who will fight for the remaining spots. Mike Brown and Kevin Elliott might just end up on the practice squad.

Fullback

Greg Jones is a premier fullback, even if its not a premier position. Brock Bolen is his back up but don’t expect this to change at all.

Tight End

Marcedes Lewis had a disappointing 2011 season, but should have a better year this year. He does only have two receptions thus far, but once the season kicks in, he will provide Gabbert a big target as a safety valve. If I was Zach Miller or Zach Potter, I would be afraid…very afraid.  Colin Cloherty has proven he can move the chains and is a good target for Gabbert. All of these players are in their contract year, but Cloherty has not been injured. If Cloherty can rack up some more yards Thursday, consider him on the depth chart.

Offensive Line

The line proved its worth last week against the Saints, giving Gabbert ample amount of time which allowed him to go 13/16 for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The line is still missing Eugene Monroe and Will Rackley but hasn’t been terrible. Cameron Bradfield is currently at left tackle, so watching him against the blitz will determine his stock. During the second half the two’s will take the field. Of these linemen, only half will be taken so it’s important to watch if any of these players allow sacks or pressure to Palmer and Henne.

Defensive line

The defensive line has been reinforced with more meat with 7th round Jeris Pendleton and D’Anthony Smith returning. Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton will be the season starters even though C.J. Mosley has started through the preseason. Jeremy Miney has shown he can get to the quarterback, but Andre Branch only has a few pressures to his name. Getting to Joe Flacco will solidify Branch’s role opposite Mincey as he has been stout against the run.

July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars punter Bryan Anger (19) punts during the first afternoon of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health

Linebacker

The backer position has experienced a bit of turmoil, but nothing worth worrying about. Clint Session is still suffering concussion symptoms and reserve backer Russell Allen has taken his spot. While the starters are solid, the backups need to show they can provide depth for the team. Julian Stanford has been highly praised this offseason but has not shown it on the field yet. Rookie Brandon Marshall seems to be in the same situation.  The second half will be important for these two players to see who has their name above the other on the depth chart.

Defensive Back

The cornerback group will be interesting to watch as Rashean Mathis will take the field for the first time this season. Seeing if he can perform at a high level will be important in establishing the pecking order for the season. Following his injury he was given a one year “prove it” contract. If he can flash, he will stay as either the left corner or nickel. If he fails, it could cut short his days in teal. While Derek Cox is nursing a hamstring injury, William Middleton will most likely start in his place as he is the best candidate to play against Torrey Smith. With Dwight Lowery and Dawan Landry at locks for safety, the play of Courtney Green, Chris Prosinski and Rod Issac will determine which two stay.

Special Teams

Scobee is a kicking machine, and Bryan Anger is projected to be one as well, even if the Jaguars are the only ones who think he should be a third round pick. A few coffin corner punts would help ease our minds or maybe even a Shane Lechler 80 yard punt would suffice. Either way, every fourth down is another chance to see why the Jaguars covet this player so much.

- Antonio Furgiuele

Training camp starts THIS WEEK. That was fast wasn’t it? This is what separates the men from the mice in this intense Jacksonville heat. Everyone picks an underdog to pull for, and the foundation for this season’s team will begin to be put in place this week. Excited yet?

The obvious part of training camp is training camp battles. The fusion of incumbent starters, back-ups, role players, recently acquired free agents, and rookies all come together to duke it out for a position on the roster. The obvious battles (ie. wide receiver) will be heavily watched.  I’m taking the time this week to single out three battles that I just can’t wait to see.

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Fullback: Greg Jones vs. Naufahu Tahi vs. Brock Bolen

Don’t be deceived. This will still be a run heavy offense, or at least I hope it is. Greg Jones is a staple on this football team and the community. He’s been with the team since 2004 and has blocked for both Fred Taylor and MJD…that’s some pretty nice company. Brock Bolen has been solid as a key reserve and special teamer, and during the offseason Tahi joined the team. Tahi has been with the Vikings since 2006 meaning he has some pretty good company as well having blocked for Adrian Peterson. The acquisiton of Tahi shows me that the front office could in fact be exploring a less expensive option. Or who knows? Maybe Bolen shows more in camp than both of them. This team isn’t afraid to carry two fullbacks meaning come the season opener one will no longer be sporting the black and teal.

Cornerback: The Field

The top three spots are locked up. Cox, Ross, and Mathis will be seeing the field a lot in 2012, but do we want a repeat of 2011 when both starting corners go down and the other guys backing those spots aren’t ready?

This team has some pretty good young corners who simply just need more experience.

- I’ve been a of Kevin Rutland ever since he made the team as a UDFA last season. I liked what I saw from him in spot duty. He even recorded an interception.

- Ashton Youboty is a seasoned veteran who spent five years in Buffalo. I like his experience, but I think he’s gotten as good as he’s going to get.

- William Middleton is kind of our jack-of-all-trades cornerback. He can play the nickel and plays on all four special teams units. That could play in his favor when the final cuts roll around.

Mandatory Credit: Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

- Mike Harris has quite the uphill climb to unseat one of these guys, but if he has a higher ceiling look for him to really push Rutland.

After those four corners in particular we have a couple of UDFAs in Antwan Blake and Antonio Dennard and recently acquired Reggie Corner from Buffalo. Next man up.

Defensive Line: D-Line rotation

Ok, much like the secondary we know who our starters are. Mincey, Alualu, Knighton, and Branch (hopefully). But what about the overall rotation?

- How healthy are D’Anthony Smith and Austen Lane? Is the clock ticking with these guys?

- Will we see more in Aaron Morgan’s development?

- John Chick sure did look very good at times last year…I’d definitely like to see more of him in the mix.

- Anyone else look into Jeris Pendleton’s story? How can you NOT pull for this football player?

Anyone out there think Branch will start? I do.

I’d like to spark some debate. What battles are you looking forward to, and you can’t say wide receiver! Anyone out there going to the scrimmage next week? I’ll be on vacation and will be attending practices when I can. Anyways, let’s get it goin’ fellas! Anyone on the roster who you hope is gone in 2012??? Anyone you think will surprise us??? Surprise cuts??? Post in the comments section!

-David R. Johns

Last year the Jaguars used a fullback on 48.3% of snaps (511 of 1058).  Greg Jones was in on 38.71% of all offensive snaps last season.  Brock Bolen and Montell Owens were used to a much lesser extent.  Kuharsky makes the case that the teams in the AFC South need to move away from the antiquated offenses that they field.  Everyone behind the Texans focuses more on the run game, and even though the Texans use the fullback position more than anyone else in the division they have a very versatile threat in the backfield in James Casey.

With a new head coach, albeit one who is committed to the run and the fullback position, will the Jaguars continue to use the fullback as much as they did in the Jack Del Rio era?

The Mularkey and Bob Bratkowski led offense is going to be more focused on options and getting the offensive attack to be more balanced than it has been in the past.  This should lead to more passing to the backs.  I would imagine that Jones will have to show that he is better at catching the ball than Bolen in order to keep his job.  The blocking of fullbacks in Jaguars teams is highly valued and shouldn’t be overlooked. However, a need for more receiving options to help Blaine Gabbert can’t be overlooked.

It will be interesting to see the future of the position on the team after the first year of Mularkey’s time as head coach.  It makes me worry that maybe Jones won’t be with the team much longer with his larger salary, aging body, and the movement toward the passing game.  But if someone can integrate it will, my money’s on Mularkey.

- Luke N. Sims

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