Final: Jacksonville Jaguars 31, New England Patriots 24, Quick Thoughts

The Jacksonville Jaguars got out to a hot start in their first preseason game of the season as they defeat the New England Patriots by a score of 31-24.

Yes, it was “just preseason” but it was great for the fans to see football under the lights again. For the most part the Jaguars looked good. They had their fair share of bad plays/players as well but overall it was a solid performance for the team in their first game under new head coach Doug Marrone.

Here are some of quick thoughts and notes from the game.

Offense-what looked good:

• Doug Marrone said the team wanted to emphasize running the football and boy did they. The Jaguars ran the ball 37 times and only passed the ball 18 times.

• The Jaguars ran for 207 yards on the ground including Leonard Fournette’s first professional touchdown and a long touchdown scamper of 79 yards by Corey Grant.

• The Jaguars are very deep at wide receiver. Rookies Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole took turns beating Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones for long touchdowns.

• Chad Henne and Brandon Allen both played well. Henne went 5/6 for 139 yards and a touchdown. Allen was 5/7 for 85 yards and a touchdown.

• The offensive line appeared to pass block very well all game and gave up zero sacks all night. The run blocking was also good but not great, allowing some early penetration by the Patriots front four.

• The Jaguars committed no turnovers.

Offense-what looked bad:

For the most part the Jaguars’ offense looked really good and there isn’t much to comment on

• Blake Bortles didn’t stand out one way or another. I will say his mechanics look improved and he appeared to climb the pocket well on a 3rd and goal pass attempt that fell incomplete to Allen Robinson. He was 3/5 for 16 yards.

• Rashad Greene had an ugly drop in the first quarter that would have been a sure first down. He cannot afford these drops as he battles for what will likely be the 6th receiver spot on the team.