Jaguars training camp: Evan Engram’s TDs and other Day 7 observations
Day 7 of training camp is in the books and the Jacksonville Jaguars will have one more practice before flying to Canton, Ohio to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in the Hall-of-Fame game.
The Jags had their second day of padded practice Monday and there were a few things that stood out. With this in mind, here are three observations about Day 7.
4. Jaguars TE Evan Engram stepped up Monday after having a bad week
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Engram’s one-year deal worth $9 million was his high number of drops throughout his career. Even though he averaged 52 receptions per season with the New York Giants, his ability or lack thereof to come down with the football at crucial times is something fans will be keeping an eye on in 2022.
To nobody’s surprise, Engram has dropped several passes in training camp and he even stayed after practice Saturday to work with the jug machine. However, he bounced back Monday and had two “highlight reel” touchdown receptions, per Jordan de Lugo of Generation Jaguar.
Had Lawrence at 18/23 today in teams. Lotta red zone work. 7 TD passes. One interception by Shaq Griffin would have been a Josh Allen sack. Evan Engram made two highlight reel TD catches. No drops from the offense in teams. balanced performance from offense and defense today.
— Jordan de Lugo (@jordandelugo) August 1, 2022
Of course, it’s just one practice but it goes to show that Engram isn’t just going through the motions, and is instead trying to become a reliable target in the Jaguars’ offense.
Head coach Doug Pederson told the local media Saturday he wasn’t worried about Engram’s drops and looking back, he was right not to overreact. Of course, the tight end will be under scrutiny in the upcoming weeks but it’s encouraging to see him rebound after a less-than-stellar start to training camp.