The Jaguars became one of the most improved teams in the NFL this offseason and many have them in the hunt for the AFC South crown. But looking good on paper is a far cry from showing it on the field. The Jags haven’t finished in the top half of their division since 2010 and haven’t had a winning record since their last playoff appearance a decade ago. Nabbing a victory in the preseason opener might make some people believers.
ODDS
The Jets opened at -1.5 but it’s easy to see the Jaguars coming away with a victory. Bradley is 2-1 SU in Week 1 of the preseason during his tenure, and team needs to win games for him to keep his job. That includes the ones that don’t count. The total was set at 36.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Jags quarterback Blake Bortles played into the second half in last year’s preseason opener and will likely get a few series in before passing the torch to backup Chad Henne. Rookies Brandon Allen and Max Wittek are battling for the No. 3 job and should see snaps, though Bradley has suggested he may use only three quarterbacks in the opener with the player who didn’t play in Week 1 getting some reps the following game.
With Ryan Fitzpatrick signed and in camp, there is no quarterback controversy surrounding the Jets this fall. After leading them to 10 wins and a near playoff appearance in 2015, Fitz is the guy, at least for this year. He’ll get his reps in during the preseason to chisel off some of the rust. Geno Smith is the top backup and will see snaps on Thursday. Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg are battling for the No. 3 role and will likely get at least a series of work each.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Gus Bradley was this close to getting the axe last season, and who could blame Jacksonville’s management if they swung it. But he got a reprieve despite losing the final three games of the year and finishing 5-11. Believe it or not, the Jags did show slight improvement and owner Shad Khan gave Bradley a one-year extension because of it. Now in his fourth year, it’s time for Bradley to start paying back on that loyalty.
The five wins last season were the most in Bradley’s tenure and matched the franchise’s high over the previous seasons. The Jags had a strong draft, took a dip in free agency, and also have Dante Fowler, their number one pick from the 2015 draft, back after he missed all of last season with a knee injury. Now it’s time to see if Bradley is guy to take this team to the next level.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“Good teams and coaches hold players accountable, so I think when we get to that next step and hold each other accountable, which I think we are close to doing, I think guys will hold each other to a different standard and we will be much better.” – Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The Jaguars are looking for someone to take ownage of the left tackle position on the offensive line and have a battle brewing between former No. 2 pick Luke Joeckel and free agent Kelvin Beachum. Beachum is still working his way back from a knee injury he sustained in the middle of last season while with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was just recently cleared to practice. When he returns to the field, the competition will intensify.
There’s no more important spot on the line than the blindside protector of the franchise quarterback and the competition should make the two better players. Joeckel could shift to guard if he loses out or be used as trade bait. The hope is that whoever wins the battle will be the best left tackle in football.
INJURIES
One of the Jets biggest offseason acquisitions is still waiting to practice with his new club. Running back Matt Forte has been dealing with a pulled hamstring since before camp started and has yet to partake in a full workout while he continues to rehab. Coach Todd Bowles said it was unlikely Forte would be available for the preseason opener. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is recovering from his broken leg and will likely miss a few preseason games.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Jacksonville has a lot to prove this season and it starts in the first game of the preseason. For a team that’s expected to make a drastic improvement from the horrendous seasons of the past five years, winning the first preseason game has a lot more meaning. Bradley has plenty of new parts to work with and putting them in front of live ammo is the only way to see how they work. The Jets don’t have much after Fitzpatrick, and he’ll be working on timing and conditioning more than anything. Chalk this one up to the Jags.
NFL Odds: Jacksonville 31, New York 21
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