Dolphins vs. Jaguars: Pro Football Focus Recap

Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11), offensive tackle Eugene Monroe (75) and guard Will Rackley (65) run on to the field before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Everbank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

The folks at Pro Football Focus decided to be extra awesome this year and provide premium statistics for preseason games. The downside is the sample size is small for every player due to so many second and third string players getting snaps later in the game. With that said, let’s go ahead and delve into some of the grades for the Jaguars’ first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

Best Overall Offensive Grades: Jason Spitz (+2.3), Eugene Monroe (+1.8),  Austin Pasztor (+1.8)

The offensive line was one of the few highlights on offense last Friday so these grades come as no surprise. Jason Spitz has been so-so in camp but he held his own at left guard. Eugene Monroe looks to be in top form and should be one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Rookie right tackle Luke Joeckel finished with a pretty good game grade (+1.3) despite getting beat early by Cameron Wake.

Best Overall Defensive Grades: Sen’Derrick Marks (+2.5), Brandon Marshall (+2.4),  Laroy Reynolds and Pannel Egboh (+1.4)

The revamped defensive line – Sen’Derrick Marks in particular – was probably the best unit for the Jaguars against the Dolphins. The new defensive tackles got consistent pressure and held the point, making it easy for the linebackers to get to the ball carrier. Marks provided an interior pass rush (+2.5 pass rush grade) that the Jaguars haven’t had in several years.

Most Disappointing Grades: Ace Sanders (-0.8), Alan Ball (-1.1), Chris Prosinski (-1.4)

Rookie wide receiver Ace Sanders has been one of the best players in camp but a drop and only 1 catch in 3 targets hurt his grade. Alan Ball’s grade is an example of when to take these statistics with a grain of salt. Ball only had one pass thrown his way, which was completed for 9 yards. He actually played pretty well in the game, he just didn’t play enough for his performance to manifest statistically. Chris Prosinski is awful and I’m surprised he wasn’t the lowest graded player overall. He was only credited with giving up the 22 yard touchdown to Dustin Keller, but his coverage was poor throughout the game.

Other notes:

• Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne both had relatively clean pockets. Out of their combined 21 dropbacks, they were pressured only twice. The Dolphins blitzed on 7 of those dropbacks and the offensive line held up pretty well.
• Tyson Alualu looked good at his new position and he held up well against the run (+1.5). He won’t be much of a pass rushing threat but he’s not supposed to be.
• Paul Hazel looked pretty good and seemed to be around the ball a lot. He finished with the second best pass rush grade (+1.1) and one QB hit.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89