5 Storylines to Watch: Chiefs vs. Jaguars

Here’s our chance to see how much better the Jacksonville Jaguars really are.

The preseason is over. The Jaguars starters are set to play four full quarters and there is still plenty to talk about concerning this team as it heads into the contest against the Kansas City Chiefs this morning.

Will the Jaguars be a better football team on offense? Will the defense be just as dominant as it was at times last season? What does offensive coordinator John DeFilippo have in store for us when we watch his players march out on the field for the first time in their all-white uniforms with black numbers.

Jacksonville Jaguars football is finally back. It’s time to rejoice, DUUUVAL! The team has a tough matchup in Week 1. This is what you should be watching as the Jaguars take the field for the first time in 2019.

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Will Richardson versus Frank Clark – Injuries are already significantly affecting the Jaguars’ 2019 season, as starting left tackle Cam Robinson will miss week one with a knee injury, according to James Palmer, the injury is not in the same knee the third-year left tackle injured in 2018 in Week 2 against the New England Patriots.

Now, second-year offensive lineman Will Richardson will step in at a position he rarely plays. Richardson had a strong 2019 preseason, besting A.J. Cann for the right guard spot.

Richardson will play against one of the best pass rushers in the league right out the gate in Frank Clark. Clark tallied 13 sacks in 2018 for the Seattle Seahawks before being dealt to Kansas City.

If Richardson can step up for the Jaguars, it will make quarterback Nick Foles’ job much easier.

Newly defined offense versus newly defined defense – Jacksonville and Kansas City both made serious changes to the weakest part of their teams, Jacksonville their offense and Kansas City their defense.

Jacksonville signed Foles and wide receiver Chris Conley and drafted right tackle Jawaan Taylor. Kansas City traded for Clark, signed Tyrann Mathieu and drafted safety Juan Thornhill.

Both newly suited units will go against each other in a toss-up matchup. Whichever unit wins will win the team the game.

Patrick Mahomes and the Jaguars Secondary

Coming off an MVP season, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be once again squaring up against a solid Jaguars defense. In their last matchup, Mahomes went for 313 yards and two interceptions.

This time around, Jacksonville will have a new safety core, now comprised of the talents of Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison. Sunday will be an immediate test for the young pair against one of the fastest offenses in the league.

Let’s not forget about cornerback Jalen Ramsey shadowing wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Get your popcorn ready.

Leonard Fournette is back – While much has changed since their 30-14 loss last season to the Chiefs, Leonard Fournette was not on the field that week nursing a hamstring injury. This time around, Fournette is back with a newfound spirit and body, ready to take the league by storm the way he did his rookie season.

Expect the Jaguars to feed Fournette the ball and let him find a grove. Having Foles will allow Fournette more opportunities to make big plays in both the run and passing game.

It will be intriguing to see how the third-year back will play under offensive coordinator John DeFilippo.

Lockdown the Bank – TIAA Bank Field will be loud and boisterous as the Jaguars take the field against one of the NFL’s best. Everyone expects Kansas City to win and be in contention for a Super Bowl berth this season.

Everyone is writing off the Jaguars for this game and the season. This is the perfect opportunity for the team to punch the Chiefs and haters in the mouth with a statement win in Week 1.