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Jacksonville Jaguars fall to Atlanta Falcons 17-15

By Daniel Lago

Sep 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) gets knocked out of bounds by Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Myles Jack (44) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) gets knocked out of bounds by Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Myles Jack (44) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the final preseason game before the Jacksonville Jaguars get ready for the regular season, nothing really caught our eye.

It happens every year – fans and analysts alike get excited for the first preseason game after a long offseason, then spend every moment during the 4 weeks lamenting the fact that there are 4 preseason games. It’s a well-founded sentiment and we saw as much in the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-15 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.

The final score is irrelevant, so is there anything we can glean from the ultimately meaningless contest? Maybe.

Here are some quick and (very) brief snap judgements:

  • I’m not sure why on earth the Jacksonville coaching staff kept Myles Jack in the game as long as they did, but he showed why he needs to be on the field regularly sooner rather than later. He made the first three tackles in the game, single-handedly forcing the Falcons’ offense to go 3-and-out. He was around almost every play when he was in the game and he just looked like he was on another level compared to the future insurance salesmen that were alongside him on the field. He was playing a more natural weakside linebacker position, but it doesn’t matter which LB spot he’s in – he needs to get on the field ASAP. (Our own Luke Sims said as much already.)
  • In terms of roster spots, two guys who are on the roster bubble (defensive backs Nick Marshall and Josh Johnson) both showed up. Each guy snatched an interception and never really looked outmatched. They’re going to make it tough for the coaching staff to decide who to keep among them and veteran Dwayne Gratz.
  • Although he wasn’t spectacular by any means, rookie quarterback Brandon Allen showed enough to warrant a roster spot. There’s a not insignificant chance some team will claim him if he gets cut and won’t let the Jaguars stash him on the practice squad. It’s clear he’s destined to be the backup to Blake Bortles next season, and that won’t happen if he’s not on the roster. Expect the Jaguars to carry 3 quarterbacks this year.
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