The Jacksonville Jaguars Won a Dress Rehearsal Against the Atlanta Falcons

It is obvious the Jacksonville Jaguars game plan for the season is a stifling defense, a decent kicking game, and an adequate offense.  This plan was on stage against the Falcons and resulted in a win on Saturday night.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have shown the NFL their game plan for the season.  Of course, other teams will look at the game film and try to find ways to defeat this plan.

Let’s take a look at what we saw and no doubt will see during the 2018 season.

A stifling defense

The Jaguars defense was nothing short of amazing.  To begin the starters for the Falcons only made ONE third down conversion.  Also, the Jaguars had three sacks.

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Telvin Smith had five tackles and continued his climb to greatness.  The Falcons didn’t challenge Jalen Ramsey.  Soon we will be discussing “Ramsey Island” as we once talked about Reavis Island when Darrelle Reavis played for the Jets.

The rookie, Taven Bryan, looked quick and versatile when he played in the second half as did Dante Fowler.

D.J. Hayden and Tyler Patmon looked solid. The defensive accolades go on and on.  The talent level is high and some good players will have to be released. To conclude Jarrod Wilson made a strong case to make the team.

A decent kicking game

Rookie punter Logan Cooke averaged 44 yards on three punts.  DJ Chark, Marqise Lee, and Jaydon Mickens each returned a kickoff for a pedestrian 19-yard average.

As a result, the Jaguars may continue the search for a return man. Josh Lambo was 1 of 2 on field goals and did a decent job kicking off.

An adequate offense

The Jaguars offense will consist of a strong running game and a short passing game. To implement this plan a strong offensive line is a must.  The offensive line continued to hold its own even though Brandon Linder didn’t play.

Our prized free agent, guard Andrew Norwell did not disappoint.  He is a beast and will cause opposing defensive coordinators nightmares all season.

The running game looked fantastic!  Leonard Fournette looked like the punishing back from last season.  In addition, T.J. Yeldon is a new and improved version of himself and Corey Grant is a wonderful and speedy change of pace.

Sadly the wide receiver group lost their veteran Lee possibly for the season. He has been the heart and soul of the group and will be missed.  However, Donte Moncrief looked good and will be a huge addition if he stays healthy.  Our young receivers will hopefully grow as the season progresses.

Blake Bortles continued his up and down play.  Above all, he seems to be a slow starter and improves as the game goes on.  He still reverts back to a sidearm delivery, throwing across his body, tossing low trajectory passes, and using a long throwing motion. At the same time, he has perfected an excellent short passing game and screen game and has impressive stats.

Comments

Above all the defense looks nothing short of amazing and will keep the team in every game.  Next, the kicking game and special teams will probably not lose or win games.

Finally, the offense despite the great runners and the short passing game does not have much of a deep threat. I believe 10 to 12 wins looks very possible barring injuries to key personnel.