Jaguars vs Browns: 3 encouraging stats from preseason loss

1. Both Jaguars starting units were penalty free against the Browns

This entry is similar to the previous one. The Jaguars’ starting units were 13-0 after the first quarter and it was the backups the ones that could score any points nor stop Cleveland from doing so. This is good and bad at the same time.

On one hand, both the first-string offense and defense played well, and there’s a reason to think that will carry over into the regular season. Having said that, the difference between the starters and the backups was notable and that should be a cause for concern. Even though the Jags have depth at positions such as wide receiver and cornerback, there are other units where the lack is evident.

One area where you could see the dropoff was in the number of penalties. The starters weren’t flagged a single time while the backups got four, including two by Safety Rudy Ford. Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson was flagged for roughing the passer and offensive lineman Nick Ford was slapped with a holding penalty.

Again, this is just the preseason and there are several areas the Jaguars need to work on, including the number of penalties they commit. Having said that, the team’s brass should be encouraged with their performance against the Browns. It wasn’t perfect but you can’t take away the positives and there were more than a few, especially when you take into account that the team is coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history.