Jacksonville Jaguars vs Green Bay Packers: 5 players to watch
By Luke Sims
3) Dante Fowler Jr., defensive end (LEO)
If Jalen Ramsey has an inordinate amount of attention placed upon him, it’s nothing compared to his first-round predecessor Dante Fowler. Jacksonville Jaguars fans have waited over a year to see what Fowler can do after seeing him go down with injury before his rookie season. Now they will get their chance.
Fowler has been quiet through the preseason but it isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. While it would have been nice to see him get multiple sacks, the true measurement of Fowler will come during the season and as he grows into being a true professional in coming seasons.
As the starting pass rushing specialist, however, he will have to deliver at least some measurable results in harassing the quarterback. With 2016 rookie Yannick Ngakoue pushing him, Fowler needs to step up. Ngakoue is only one of a number of other pass rushers that could force Fowler’s snap count to decrease if they are shown to be more efficient at getting after the quarterback.
The pressure is on and the beginning of Fowler’s career is finally here. How he plays may be the most talked about part of this game (unless the Jags deliver an improbable win). If Fowler gets a sack or two everything will be great but if he doesn’t live up to expectations immediately, expect plenty of (premature) criticism and concern.
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