We could start with the big takeaways from Friday’s Jaguars preseason finale, but because the Falcons did not play their starters, there isn’t a lot we can use from the game to project to the regular season. But we can make some predictions based on the entire preseason body of work by the Jaguars.
That includes the biggest area of concern for the season: the offensive line.
The Jaguars’ starting five did not play together in a game until Friday night’s win over the Falcons. When they did, they faced players who, in some cases, were listed as fourth string on the Atlanta depth chart. The fact that the Jaguars’ offensive line dominated backups is a good sign. Or at least, it’s not a bad sign. Had they struggled, there would be a major cause for concern.
Travis Etienne averaged over 6-and-a-half yards per carry in limited action. Tank Bigsby averaged 5 yards per carry. Don’t expect those numbers to be the same once the Jaguars begin the regular season.
The line gave Trevor Lawrence plenty of time to survey the field in the passing game. Lawrence completed eight of 10 passes and threw touchdown passes on each of his two drives. It was what you would expect from a first-team offense facing backups.
As for the defense, starting middle linebacker Foye Oluokun and defensive lineman Arik Armstead did not play. The rest of the starters limited Atlanta to 44 yards in the first two drives. The Falcons did not score in the game.
There are some questions on defense, including how effective Armstead, the Jaguars’ biggest offseason acquisition, will be once he gets on the field. He spent the entire preseason recovering from offseason surgery.
One of the big keys for the Jaguars will be the pass rush. After Josh Hines-Allen’s career year, can he put up another big season pressuring the quarterback? Can Travon Walker build on his 10-sack campaign? Will the Jaguars find another complementary pass rusher who can impact opposing quarterbacks?
This is a pivotal season for head Coach Doug Pederson. With big contracts given to Lawrence and cornerback Tyson Campbell and the additions of Armstead, wide receiver Gabe Davis and center Mitch Morse in free agency, missing the playoffs will be considered a failure.
Last season, the Jaguars finished with a 9-8 record. A repeat likely would result in the same situation as it did a season ago: sitting home for the playoffs. This time, however, another year without the postseason would likely result in sweeping changes in the coaching staff and front office.
Does this all sound a bit pessimistic?
With a difficult schedule include four games against playoff teams in the first four weeks, the Jaguars will not have the luxury of easing into things. A fast start is essential. We’ll see if they have it in them when the season kicks off on Sept. 8 in Miami against the Dolphins.