Jacksonville Jaguars. Hopes for the preseason

The Jacksonville Jaguars preseason should give us a clue as to how the regular season will shake out.

There are four preseason games. There are two at EverBank Field and two at other stadiums. Football fans know that the preseason games often are not indicative of performance in the games that count. However, with the Jaguars dismal record it is critical for fans to see some hopeful changes. There are some areas to look for in each game.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The preseason starts off with a bang. The Jags get to play the reigning Super Bowl champs. According to Athlon Sports,” Bill Belichik ratcheted up the offseason intensity with a flurry of moves.” For example, Belichik sent pick 32 to the New Prleans Saints for Brandin Cooks. Cooks will add speed to a solid receiver corps. In addition, the Pats added Stephon Gilmore to upgrade their corner position. This game is a challenge for the Jags. If questions exist for the Pats it is their front seven. (Athlon Sports) Fans should look for solid play from the offensive line. Also, a hint of a running game would be great. The Jags may not win, but a solid performance would be a huge plus.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Buccaneers have had issues very similar to the Jags the past few years. They had a breakout 9-7 season in 2016. Jameis Winston appears to be their franchise quarterback. He does have some hurdles to overcome to be a true star. He tends to be a slow starter in games and is an inaccurate passer at times. The Bucs running game is a work in progress and their starting back, Doug Martin, is facing a suspension. Moreover, the offensive line is questionable. Their defense is strong. This is a game the Jags can win. Look for good play by the Jags front seven. Look for the Jaguars to be able to rush Winston and bottle up the running game.

CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Panthers had a disappointing season in 2016. They went to the Super Bowl in 2015 and looked like a perennial playoff team. Injuries and poor play turned them into a very ordinary team. Cam Newton (the franchise quarterback, is being held out of training camp for most drills for now. He had shoulder surgery and is not 100%. He will have less practice time during the preseason. This is a chance for the fans to center on the defensive line and secondary.

ATLANTA FALCONS
Atlanta had a magical season last year. Matt Ryan had a banner year. This was not a typical Falcon team. Trey Daubert states at Fantasy Football on FanSided that Matt Ryan may not be as good as last year since he lost his play caller, Kyle Shanahan. This is the last preseason game and the starters will play minimal minutes. Fans have the opportunity to look for a surprise or two from the second and third team players.

IN SUMMARY
There are certain areas in each game to watch carefully. In addition, fans will need to keep a close eye on the overall performance of the Jaguars team. A realistic hope for the four preseason games is a 2-2 record with no blow outs and a solid performance.