Jaguars versus Saints: Let the (pre) Season Begin!
By Kathy Clark
The preseason begins with a new attitude in Jaguars nation. Expectations are high and hopes are higher for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Preseason games are not supposed to mean anything but Jacksonville Jaguars fans are eager to get the bad feelings from the game with the New England Patriots out of their systems. So let the game begin.
First Quarter
The Jaguars started the game with an impressive 15 play drive for a touchdown.
Dede Westbrook looked great while catching two passes, Leonard Fournette ran with authority with 5 carries for 24 yards.
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Also, Blake Bortles looked accurate but still had a wind up on several of his throws. However, he ran impressively into the end zone to score the first touchdown of the preseason and looked confident under center.
New Orleans had an impressive start but had to settle for a field goal. The starting quarterback was Tom Savage, not Drew Brees. Notable defensive plays were made by Myles Jack and Leon Jacobs.
Second Quarter
To start Cody Kessler looked solid on his first drive as a Jaguar. He threw accurate passes and showed some ability to escape the pass rush.
Sadly the drive stalled but Josh Lambo kicked a 49-yard field goal to continue his accurate kicking from last season.
New Orleans started with an excellent drive for a touchdown aided by two penalties and missed tackles by the second team defense. Mark Ingram ran with authority.
Kessler continued at quarterback and showed accuracy and ability to move in the pocket. Corey Grant made a great move and gained additional yards. Josh Lambo…another field goal.
New Orleans had the ball again but were forced to punt. Solid plays by Trey Herndon and Donald Payne helped force the punt.
Next, the Jaguars had the ball and were forced to punt and Logan Cooke kicked it 50+ yards. Rookie DJ Chark made a very impressive stop on the punt return.
First half impressions
First, the crowd was quite large for a preseason game. Next Bortles looked very accurate and Kessler looked solid as well. The first team defense played well but there was a drop off in play when the second team came in.
The kicking game looked great! A number of rookies really impressed with some flashy plays. Finally, the new uniforms looked simply fine.
Third and fourth quarter
The second half of preseason games showcases reserve players trying hard to make the team. Many of the names are unfamiliar but these men deserve their moment of fame.
For example Andrew Motuapuaka made several impressive tackles and Scott Orndoff scored a touchdown. Quarterback Taysom Hill showed great ball handling skills for the Saints.
Manase Hungalu had a timely sack. We may not hear these names again but tonight they had their moment of fame.
Final comments
Unfortunately, the Jaguars lost the game. Fortunately, the game doesn’t count in the final record of wins and losses. Bortles looked great in the opening drive. Kessler looked very impressive in the backup quarterback roll.
The entire team played hard and put forth a good effort. The season has begun. Go Jags!