Here’s my list about what I’ll be focusing during the game:

Justin Blackmon’s Debut

Finally the Jaguars 1st round pick of ’12 will taste the atmosphere of an NFL game. Blackmon has been practicing in full pads since Monday. He struggled early in the week (as expected), but reports came that he looked better and better as the week progressed. I’m not sure how much playtime Blackmon will get against the Saints and at which position (as a Z receiver or in the slot), but I hope he’ll show a little flash with his great talent.  Earlier in OTA’s and minicamp Mularkey said that when Blackmon knew what was going on he performed well, but when he didn’t, he looked lost. It will be interesting to see if this is still the case.

Also it will be interesting to see who’s playing time will be limited in this game. Mike Thomas and Cecil Shorts got the snaps in Blackmon’s absence and Thomas had a great game against the Giants. Some have suggested that Blackmon should play in the slot early in his career, and let Shorts play in the Z receiver position. That would mean a 3 WR set, and I don’t know the Jaguars want to use that often or at this point.

Speaking of wide receiver, after the Gianst game there were a couple roster moves at the position. Lee Evans,  Taylor Price and Charles Gilbert were relased and the Jaguars added Demetrius Williams to the roster. I think the Jaguars have the 5 but more likely 6 receivers almost set for the final  53 men roster. Laurent Robinson, Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts III are guaranteed locks. Mike Thomas made a good case for himself at the Ginats game. Kevin Elliott and Brian Robiskie (who also had a good game last Friday) are battling for the final position, but since Ellioott can contribute on special teams as well (and they need some boost there after Kassim Osgood was cut earlier this year), the Jaguars will likely take all 6 players. Mike Brown needs a good game to make for a case for himself as a practice squad player. Meanwhile Chastin West can make this team only if one or two of the 6 WRs I mentioned get hurt.

 Offensive Line Issues

What happened to Guy Whimper? Source: US-Presswire

Many experts said the Jaguars were thin at O-line before camp even started. Now it seems injuries are testing the depth here very early. The injury bug bit the interior very hard as Will Rackley, Jason Spitz, and John Estes all can’t play. Estes could possibly end up on IR. This wek LT Eugene Monroe had a head injury (most likely a concussion) and even Eben Britton was seen limping (luckily only from being dehydration). Still, the Jaguars are now very thin at the left guard position. If the Jaguars don’t move Britton to this position, they have just UDFA rookies here. Mike Brewster, DJ Hall and Drew Nowak (who was a DT 2 weeks ago) seem to be the most likely fits. At tackle the team can take a deep look at Cameron Bradfield if Monroe does not play against the Saints – most likely that will be the case; there is some buzz around the 2nd year OT from Grand Valley Sate, he may even become a starter and not be just some jar on the shelf.  Even with these players I have concerns about how this patchwork O-line will protect Blaine Gabbert or help in the running game. The O-line with Monroe and Estes allowed 8 sacks (six sacks and two fumbles, one recovered) last week.  That is way too much, even if we consider how great the Giants’ pass rush is.  Now Uche Nwaneri & co will face Will Smith, Sedrick Ellis , Curtis Lofton and Cameron Jordan. Their job will not be any easier this week, especially at the Superdome in front of one of the best audiences in the NFL.

The even bigger fear is, who will play during the second half? At tackle there are backups Daniel Baldridge and the totally forgotten Guy Whimper… but who will play at center or guard in the second half? If Meester is benched for rest, Mike Brewster must take over at center. That means Nowak and Hall will get at least a half  or even more playing time at guard. The Jaguars also signed Josh Beekman this week as well. Chad Henne and Jordan Palmer could be in for a very rough night.

The old-new D-line 

Tomorrow Tyson Alualu will play for the first time since his knee surgery in the offseason. Most likely Terrance Knighton will also return to the starting lineup, since he was dominating against the Giants 2nd tier Offensive lineman (which indicates he is ready for more). But maybe the most interesting matchup will be the Jaguars starting DEs(Jeremy Mincey & Andre Branch) vs. the Saints tackles (Zach Streif and Jermon Bushrod).  Bushrod struggled against New England last week and he is considered to be a better OT than Strief. Joe Cullen praises Branch’s development in camp, so it will be interesting to see if that will show in QB hits or sacks. Also Aaron Morgan is continuing to make a strong case for himself as the 3rd best DE  right now. He finished with a team high 1.5 sacks last Friday. Keep your eye on him. D’Anthony Smith also looked promising in his start at DT. It will be interesting if he can dominate the at the level Knighton did last week.

Who will be Jennings’ backup? 

Sadly Maurice Jones Drew is still holding out,  so the Jaguars are now seriously planning for the regular season without their best offensive player. Luckily his backup, Rashad Jennings, plays really well, and it seems the starting RB position is a no brainer even without Jones-Drew. However the next player on the depth chart is the real question.  Jalen Parmele was really good in camp and during the scrimmage, but he looked lost vs the Giants. DuJuan Harris, who backed up Jones-Drew in the final games last season also struggled. So the Jaguars now moved two time Pro Bowler and special teams ace Montell Owens to be the 2nd RB on the depth chart. Owens is a very intelligent player, with great hands and good blocking skills. But as a runner the Jaguars have barely used him in previous seasons.  That is a major concern to me. So the backup RB position is up for grabs still between Owens, Parmele, Harris and Richard Murphy. And let’s not count out Keith Toston who played really well in the 2nd half last week.  So there are plenty of candidates, but the most welcomed development would be if Maurice Jones-Drew ends this standoff and returns to the team. If that happens, all of sudden the Jaguars will have one of the best 1-2 punches on the ground…

QB watch 

I thought Gabbert looked like a totally different player in the opening drive last week. Even the massive crowd of critics accept this.  He was efficient, made good decisions, and converted four 3rd and long situations in the opening drive against the Giants starting defense. Of course the critics found him on the fumble in his 3rd drive and accused him of a “chuck and duck” in a situation when every other QB would act the same. In fact Eli Manning just did the same in that game and nobody noticed… Seriously I wonder what this kid did to the media to earn such one sided criticism…  Anyway he can tone down the criticism with another great performance against the Saints. Sadly, the New Orleans defense kept the Patriots to 7 points last week, and that was in New England. Imagine how fired up the team and fans will be at home…

Also it looks like there will be a QB competition which involves Chad Henne. But instead of challenging  Gabbert he must defend his position against Jordan Palmer, who looked quite good in the 1st preseason game.  If this is the case versus the Saints (and if Palmer even plays, considering that the starters will play the entire first half) that’s not too good a trend for Mr. Henne. If Henne plays above average (and he will play behind a very, very shaky offensive line) things could turn into a QB controversy. At least at the backup QB position….

- Zoltan Paksa

It has been the speculation of some writers here at B&T that Brewster has a shot at usurping the backup role at center from John Estes.  If the report from Jaguars.com that Brewster has been playing well is true then maybe that speculation was good insight into a potential shift in the depth at center.

Dan Hoch (listed at tackle, but getting some reps at guard) is getting some looks that could be invaluable because LT starter Eugene Monroe has been sitting out.  While Monroe has been consistent during his three years with the team and has started 14 or more games each season, the right tackle spot has been volatile lately with Britton struggling due to injury.  Having a quality tackle (assuming that Hoch can learn the game fast enough and the coaching staff inserts him at tackle) who could be inserted where needed could be invaluable to the Jaguars.  Like Brewster, Hoch has impressed during his time on the field.

Guard D.J. Hall is going to be seeing considerably more reps with the injury to starter Will Rackley.  Rackley did not stand out superbly during his time starting last year but has the spot secured.  With Rackley injured, Hall could be making an impact on the coaches to keep him as an insurance policy in case Rackley does not recover the way and when the team would like.

The Jags are looking at having some quality depth along the offensive line this season.  With new players impressing the coaches, the reported feel form the front office is that they could be more than training camp bodies this offseason.

- Luke N. Sims

When preseason rolls around and one of these unheralded rookies make a play, I want you to know exactly who that player is. Following is a very quick run down of the undrafted rookies signed after the 2012 draft.

Joe Banyard, RB, Texas El-Paso: A bit of a long shot to make the roster, but who knows? Maybe he gives someone a run for their money. Some quick hits: He ran a 4.46, had 25 reps on the benchpress, 35 1/2 vertical jump, and 10 ft. broad jump. He was selected All Conference USA Honorable Mention. He’ll be wearing #35.

Lee Barbiasz, OT, Northern Colorado: At 6’7 and 310 lbs., he is a very tall tackle. His strength concerns me. As big as he is he only totaled 24 reps. In 2010 Barbiasz was selected for All-Big Sky Honorable Mention. He’ll be wearing #72. To say he’s a long shot is an understatement.

Antwon Blake, CB, Texas El-Paso: I think this kid is from Jacksonville. Correct me if I’m wrong. He clocks a 4.39 40 yard dash which is promising. He’s quick-footed and has rare leaping ability according to profootballweekly.com. He recorded a 10 yard split time of 1.4 seconds and can keep up with receivers going deep. It’s hard not to root for a hometown kid isn’t it? According to the report, he will definitely need to be coached up but has the physical tools already in place. #38

Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State: This was the signing that made me jump out of my seat. He was a four year starter at Ohio State and was the only junior in college football history to be a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. He has a high football IQ, and doesn’t really have any holes in his game. He’s a better pass protector than he is run-blocker. Sounds great right? Then why did he go undrafted? Well…he does lack exceptional athleticism, his feet are bad, and his overall technique needs work. He is late seeing the second level, has trouble recognizing blitzing linebackers, and disengaging from his double team. Could he be coached up? I think it would be worth the investment. #60

Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE

Jeremiah Brown, S, Wagner: Maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places, but the only thing I could find on this guy are his pro day results. He ran a 4.40, 19 reps, 37 1/2 vertical, 10’5 broad, 4.08 20 yard shuttle, 6.95 3-cone drill. The only thing I saw is that he played cornerback in college and Jacksonville has him listed as a safety. Ya gotta love it when a workout player gets a contract though. #30

Mike Brown, WR, Liberty: Yet another workout player who walked out with a contract, I believe Brown played quarterback in college. According to his coaches he’s a very competitive, coachable, athletic football player. He also has good leadership skills having been named offensive team captain for two years in a row. He played both quarterback and wide receiver before making the full time transition. #12

Ryan Davis, DE, Bethune-Cookman: A lot of people here are very excited about this prospect, and I’m gonna have to jump on the bandwagon as well after doing research on his collegiate career. He was named Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference defensive player of the year. He racked up 21 1/2 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks in his senior campaign. In other words he can rush the passer. I think he has a very good chance of making the team. #49

Antonio Dennard, CB, Langston: He’s patient with quick feet and very fluid. You can be fluid all you want, but if you’re a cornerback who only runs a 4.55 you’re going undrafted. Maybe his” football speed” is better. #16

Kevin Elliot, WR, Florida A&M: He was a three year starter awarded all conference honors his senior season. He snagged 41 balls for 720 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s an adequate sized receiver who is more of a possession pass catcher. He can make catches while swarmed with defenders and provides his quarterback with a good-sized target at 6’2 202 lbs.. He’s an aggressive downfield blocker on special teams and is willing to sacrifice his body to lay a block. One setback to his game, however, is that he had average production on the small school level. He lacks burst and only has one speed. #87

Chris Forcier, WR, Furman: We certainly signed a lot of wide receivers didn’t we? As referenced before, this will be the battle to watch. Forcier is yet another workout player to get a contract. He played two years at UCLA. He red-shirted in 2007 and played sparingly in 2008. Forcier is from St. Augustine. Is that considered local? #13

DJ Hall Jr., G, Texas State: He was an FCS All-American selection in 2010 and was a four year starter at Texas State. He earned All-FCS Independent first team honors in 2011 and was an All-Southland Conference First Team selection as a junior and sophmore. #61

Dontrell Johnson, CB, Murray State: Johnson has been nominated for several awards: 2011 Top FCS Special Teamers-Sports Network, 2010 FCS Punt Return Average Champion (22.80), 2010 College Football Performance Awards Elite Punt Returner, and 2010 All-OVC Newcomer Team…and those are just a few. Seems like we might be interested in his return ability? #43

Drew Nowak, DT, Western Michigan: He earned All-MAC Defensive Player of the year in 2011. He totaled 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss. He was also named third team All-American. #64

Odrick Ray, DE, Tulsa: He’s a bit undersized, but plays tough. He is aggressive at the point of attack and has the ability to knife through blockers. He’s quick and explosive in his overall game, but he doesn’t use his hands well and has a tendency to be engulfed by blockers. Was signed after his workout last weekend. #69

Donovan Richard, LB, South Carolina State: Standing at 5-11 he seems a bit short to be a linebacker, but the coaching staff must have seen something in him seeing as how he was signed after his workout much like Ray, J. Brown, M. Brown, and Folcier. He does have some speed running a 4.40. He finished his career at South Carolina State playing in 46 games, racking up 308 tackles, 15 pass break-ups, and 6 interceptions. #47

J.K. Schaeffer, LB, Cincinatti: He was selected to 2011 All-Big East Conference First Team. He is a tackling machine, ranking 3rd in 2011 having 8.8 tackles per game. He finished with 105 tackles, the 3rd time he’s broke the century mark. He had 12 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 pass break ups, 9 pass defended, and 3 forced fumbles and recoveries. Quite the senior season. #59

Julian Stanford, LB, Wagner: Recorded a 10 yard split of 1.44 seconds, a 42 1/2 vertical, 10 ft. 8 inch broad, short shuttle time of 4.14 seconds, and a 3-cone drill time of 6.71 seconds. His athletic ability alone earned him a spot on the training camp roster. #57

Matt Veldman, TE, North Dakota State: He visited Jacksonville during pre-draft visits. Standing at 6’7 he’s a very big target. He started all 15 games in the Bisons’ run to the NCAA Divison I FCS Championship. During their road to Division I FCS glory, he reeled in 26 passes for 331 yards and 3 touchdowns. Fun fact: Veldman earned MVFC Special Teams player of the week during the 2011 season for blocking a field attempt against Southern Illinois. #85

Kendrick Adams, DE, LSU: Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country did a write up on Mr. Adams. According to Mr. Crow’s report, Adams was rated in the top 5 for his position in the 40 yard dash running a 4.66. He was supposed to be a starter, but was a starter in “name only.” Apparently he’s a solid run stopper, but his versatility across the line stops there. He’s good at recognizing plays, but lacks the athletic ability to execute. He does, however, fit the “smart, disciplined, and smart” role which Gene Smith really appreciates. Not a bad flier to take coming from such a distinguished program as LSU. #66

So those are just some quick hits on the other rookies on the roster. In truth, all of them are a long shot to make the team, but ya never know right? If anything some of these players could push for a roster spot making the veterans entrenched in front of them work harder.

-David R. Johns