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| Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports |
By Jeff Moeller
When their game against the Raiders was delayed because of a thunderstorm in Canton, I thought it was a sign of good luck for the Jaguars.
Well, it wasn’t.
In fact, the start of the game looked like a rerun of most of last year’s games. Some sputtering on offense, and gaps of yardage against the defense.
In reality, though, this was about filling out the roster and putting some rookies under the microscope for the Jags. This was about the cloud with the silver lining that the Jags desperately need.
You can get some reads on teams during the first half of these preseason games, but you have to be a diehard or a fantasy player to watch the second halves. They are as interesting as the NBA All-Star Game or the Pro Bowl. If you’re over 50, you know what I mean.
In the end, the Jags dropped a 27-11 decision. There were some negatives, but mostly positives and the script started to flip from last year, slightly in their favor. The Jags were more in sync and less sloppy even with a makeshift lineup. You could see the new regime.
New head coach Doug Pederson didn’t play Trevor Lawrence or Travis Etienne. Don’t expect to see much of Lawrence in the preseason, but Etienne should get some relative time. Pederson held out 21 players who should see significant time come September.
The real rookie headliner who lived up to his billing was top pick edge/linebackerTravon Walker, who had a sack early in the game and was disruptive up front. Walked looked comfortable on the field as well as the sidelines. Undrafted rookie defensive tackle Israel Antwine had one of seven sacks and had a good night.
There also was recent USFL grad Kyle Sloter, who took over in the second half and completed 13 of 25 balls for 127 yards with a touchdown. The 28-year-old was recently signed after his stint with the New Orleans Breakers.
There’s plenty of hype about Sloter, and he apparently already has the inside track over Jake Lution and C.J. Bethard for Lawrence’s top caddie in the fall.
Third-round pick linebacker Chad Muma had some impressive stints in the first half. He finished the night with six tackles and the right for more playing time.
Second-year running back Mehki Sargent placed his opening bid for more playing time with 22 of the team’s 59 yards and a team-high five receptions for 37 yards.
Overall, the Jags’ defense had a consistent pass rush, something they surely will need. They still have to avoid the big play –mainly in the air.
The offense will have a better look this Friday with Lawrence likely at the controls with a full complement against Cleveland at TIAA Field.
Whether it rains or not, there should be more opportunities to look for more silver linings.