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

Ross, a former first round pick by the New York Giants in 2007, has played with the Giants for the past five seasons.  After a very good rookie campaign (three picks, one and a half sacks, nine passes defensed, and 42 tackles) in fifteen game appearances and  nine starts.  Ross stepped up to help the Giants win the Superbowl that season.  The next season he started 15 games, had 52 tackles, three picks, and eight passes defensed.

While these may not be ideal numbers for a first round selection, Ross proved that he was a solid cornerback and could sustain a high level of play through an entire season.

The following two seasons, Ross only started two games.

However, in 2011 Ross had a resurgence.  He started 15 games, intercepted the ball four times, had 61 tackles, and 13 passes defensed.  Yet the Giants let him walk in free agency.  Those numbers put him about on par with Derek Cox’s rookie level of play (his last full season starting).  His numbers greatly surpass the last full season played by Rashean Mathis (2010).

If Mathis goes down again, the Jags now have a security blanket in Ross. Source: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

While I don’t think he’ll be replacing Mathis (a long time staple at corner) or Cox (though he has experienced benching due to poor play), I do think that he will help out if either of them go down due to injury.  Much like they both did in 2011.  If he is not replacing Cox or Mathis, he will be playing in nickel or dime packages for the Jaguars.

Last year, the Jags brought in Drew Coleman to play nickel back for them.  He garnered two sacks, two picks, three forced fumbles, and nine passes defensed, and 44 tackles.  Coleman plays very, very good nickel corner.  Whether he ends up continuing at nickel or not, he will be in competition to play with both Rod Issac and Aaron Ross.

The way I see it, Ross is the insurance policy for the Jaguars.  He’s a way to guarantee that if Mathis isn’t making it work, he can step in.  It’s a way to guarantee that if Cox falters, the Jags don’t have to falter when shifting Issac or Coleman over.  Ross is also a way for the Jaguars to see if they need to draft a long-term answer for when Mathis can’t play any longer.  I think Ross would fit in quite well opposite Cox.  But that’s just me.

Cornerback was a problem for the Jaguars in 2011.  When Cox and Mathis went down, the Jags were scrambling (literally signing people off the street) to find people to play for them.  Ross ensures this doesn’t happen.

With his signing, the Jaguars now have a full and robust group of cornerbacks to play for them:

• Rashean Mathis
• Derek Cox
• Drew Coleman
• Aaron Ross
• William Middleton (restricted free agent)
• Rod Issac

I think Ross just saved the Jaguars a lot of money and a lot of time searching for the next cornerback after Mathis.  For that I am thankful.  And to Gene Smith, I am thankful.

In Gene we trust.

- Luke N. Sims

It’s been a tough day for the depth players in Jacksonville today. Joining TE Zach Miller, who went on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, DE Austen Lane also goes on IR with a shoulder injury and Rod Issac goes on IR with a hamstring injury.

Tania Ganuli on Lane

Ganguli on Issac