Jaguars’ O.C. Hackett Outlines Plans For Offense During Training Camp

Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett spoke to the media on Wednesday to speak about what he expects for the team in 2018.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was asked about what it was like to play in the AFC Title game. He said it seems so long ago.

It has been five months since the Jaguars lost 24-20 to the New England Patriots, but like everyone else on the roster and coaching staff, he his focused on the future which has already started for this franchise. This is Year 2 of the process – the building of an offense that is still developing, still putting the puzzle pieces together. While the “work in progress” mantra is working, Jacksonville finished fifth in the NFL in scoring last season with 26.1 points per game.

Not too shabby for a first-year offense.

With new faces on the roster and new starters on offense, Hackett is eager to get to training camp, to see what he has out there. Being pleased with what he has seen so far in practice without pads is one thing. Seeing his players move around the practice field in full gear is another.

Hackett was pleased with Leonard Fournette’s return to the team on Tuesday, adding “He was moving really well yesterday.” Fournette looked leaner than last season and will still get the majority of carries in the Jaguars’ offense. T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant will also see plenty of time and get touches to “keep the backs fresh” as Hackett explained to the media.

Hackett will once again rely on the running game as the focal point of the offense. He said he wants to see more consistency in Leonard Fournette running the football.

"“We always preach efficiency, efficiency. He really ran hard and did a good job, But I think to me almost took too many hits,” he said."

Keeping Fournette healthy is an important part of making this offense even better. Understanding the offense and how to attack as a runner is a big part of the process.

The addition of Austin Seferian-Jenkins has proven to be a solid pick up so far this offseason. Hackett has been impressed with his route-running and his blocking ability – something the team had with veteran Marcedes Lewis on the roster last year.

"“He [Seferian-Jenkins] definitely adds another dimension,” Hackett said."

The Jaguars have more speed on the outside at the wide receiver position than last season. One of the biggest challenges for the 38-year-old coach might be finding enough balls to keep everyone happy. This is still a run-first offense, with Blake Bortles still coming into his own as the quarterback of this team.

Next: Fournette aiming for Super Bowl in 2018

Seferian-Jenkins should have a bigger role in the offense, more so than tight ends in recent years.

"“His work ethic has been awesome. The more guys you can get on the field that you feel can make a play and Blake can sit back and trust, the more exciting it’s going to be,” Hackett added."