While it's become a traditional theme of NFL fans and observers wanting to get through the preseason as fast as possible, the games are still as important today for coaches and players.
This preseason matters very much for the Jaguars and carries meaningful weight. It begins with a bang in a matchup against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs at home in The Bank.
"It's a good challenge for us," said quarterback Trevor Lawrence. "There's a long way to go before Week 1 but it is important to kind of test yourself and see how you look against a team that has been the standard the past few years and you shouldn't take it lightly.
"It is just a preseason game but you're playing, they're keeping score, you want to win it, so I think that's the mindset. We understand what we want to do and what the goal is."
For every team competing in the preseason across the league, roster spots are at stake, positional groups must be consolidated, and fascinating storylines must follow.
Let's review some marquee storylines for the Jaguars' first preseason game of the 2024 NFL season.
Ryan Nielsen & The Defensive Scheme
Ryan Nielsen is in his first season in Duval after serving as the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator last season. Since early in training camp, Nielsen has preached that the depth chart is fluid.
"The depth chart is etched in sand. So, it can change, really, it could be game to game playing time. I mean, we take this thing, we've talked about this", said Nielsen. It's a one day at a time, every single day counts, every rep counts. Doesn't matter who that rep is against, we're evaluating that player for what he's done on that particular rep on tape. That matters, you know, in every aspect of the program."
"So, yeah, if the first one comes out, yeah, it's the first one. You know, you have to put the name somewhere, right? It's something you have to do. Probably look for a different depth chart the next time. You know, because this game will move some guys around."
Speculating or analyzing the specifics of the defensive roles and schemes is challenging until the Jaguars get action on the grass. This is one of, if not the most critical, stories of the preseason in Duval.
Press Taylor & Offensive Playcalling
Doug Pederson said this week that offensive coordinator Press Taylor will operate the play sheet and call the offense. Pederson stated that he has yet to determine if Taylor or himself will be the playcaller during the regular season.
Playing Time
Head Coach Doug Pederson outlined the team's approach to preseason playing time early on in Training Camp; it will be similar to the previous preseasons when starters played in games coming up in weeks when the Jaguars didn't participate in joint practices with the opponent.
"You want them to get out there, knock the rust off, get that game feel," said Pederson. "I want to see execution". "I want to see guys playing hard and fast and just doing what we've done for the first two weeks of camp. In preseason, everybody wants to win the games. That's the bottom line, but it's more still evaluating your roster, especially when you get past your so-called starters.
On Thursday, Pederson stated the following players won't be playing in Saturday's preseason game vs the Kansas City Chiefs:
LG Ezra Cleveland (Heel), RT Anton Harrison (Concussion), RB Keilan Robinson (Toe), OL Steven Jones (Calf), DT Jordan Jefferson (Ankle), S Andrew Wingard (Knee), S Darnell Savage (Shoulder), and DL Arik Armstead (Knee) will all be OUT.
Position Groups
- Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence is the clear starter; expect an increased focus on the backups and reserves. Coach Pederson stated that C.J. Beathard will work as the second-team signal caller, with Mac Jones working with the third-team.
- Runningback: Keep your eyes peeled for second-year back Tank Bigsby, who has had a great training camp. It would be highly favorable for this offense if we take a chunk of the workload off Travis Etienne. Jalen Jackson could be another name to watch; he's shown flashes in camp and will compete for a roster spot.
- Wide Receiver: There are plenty of guys to watch in this room. How will veteran Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. look in their first game action with Trevor Lawrence? What type of play-time and usage does All-Pro returner Devin Duvernay see? Can second-year veteran Parker Washington continue what's been a solid camp for him? Keep an eye on Denzel Mims; his combination of length and speed is uber-underrated.
- Tight End: This room has a solid foundation of guys with veterans Evan Engram, Brenton Strange, and Luke Farrell. Josiah Deguara also has looked solid in camp.
- Offensive Line: The unit has battled injuries in camp, all short-term things that shouldn't create concern—Cam Robinson, Anton Harrison, and Ezra Cleveland, with the ladder two not playing. Reserve players Walker Little, Javon Foster, Tyler Shatley, Cooper Hodges, and Luke Fortner should see considerable snaps with the starters.
- Defensive Line: This position group has flashed its depth, talent, and versatility in camp. Coach Pederson highlighted the staff's focus on the rotation; we will see eight players in this unit.
- Linebackers: This is one of the most pivotal positions to watch with the Jaguars' new defensive scheme under Ryan Nielsen. Keep an eye on Devin Lloyd and Foye Oluokun's positional alignment. Lloyd mentioned in training camp that he's moving inside to Mike, but both players have taken snaps at multiple positions across the second level.
- Cornerbacks: This group has the potential to be very good. They've looked fast, physical, and strong throughout camp. Keep an eye on rookie Jarrian Jones; he will take many snaps from the slot. The depth of the cornerback room is another thing to watch; this has looked strong, with Christian Braswell, De'Antre Prince, and Montaric Brown all having solid camps.
- Safeties: With Darnell Savage and Andrew Wingard out, this group's allocation of playing time and positional alignment should be monitored. Andre Cisco has looked strong in camp, and Antonio Johnson should get work at both safety spots.