Jacksonville Jaguars Preseason Preview: What to Watch
By Jacob DeFee
3. Old faces in new places
There are several cases of familiar faces around the Jaguars being in new positions on the team. Not only does second year pro Myles Jack move to MLB. But veteran Paul Posluszny moves to OLB as well. Keep an eye on how these players handle their new responsibilities.
Not to mention one of the greatest coaches in NFL history (Tom Coughlin) is back with the Jaguars in a completely different role. It’ll be fun to watch and see how he reacts to not only mistakes on the field but mistakes by the coaching staff and front office as well.
2. The offensive line
Who will be the Jaguars starting five offensive linemen when week one of the regular season rolls around? Is Branden Albert retired for good now, or will he be cut or traded? There are all kinds of questions facing the Jaguars’ offensive front so keep an eye how the starting five shakes out. The guess here is that the starting five is Cam Robinson/Patrick Omameh/Brandon Linder/Jeremy Parnell
However, there are two names to watch that could push for starting positions; Luke Bowanko, and Jeremiah Poutasi. Bowanko has played well in the past and could push for the starting center position which would allow Brandon Linder to move back to his more natural guard position. Poutasi on the other hand is more interesting, he played briefly in Tennessee after being selected in the third round in 2015, before coming to Jacksonville in 2016. He has split first team reps with Parnell at RT. Keep an eye on him throughout the preseason.
1. Blake Bortles
This horse has been beaten to death all summer long. We all have heard by now that Bortles’ mechanics look better after working with QB coach Adam DeDeaux in California, but this isn’t his biggest concern. Blake Bortles must also make much better decisions if he want to remain the Jaguars starting quarterback. Will he make good decisions and keep cleaner mechanics throughout the preseason once he starts taking actual hits? Only time will tell.
What are you watching for in the preseason? Let us know!