3 Matchups to Watch in The 2016 Jaguars Preseason Opener

Here we break down the four most important matchups in the Jaguars first test of 2016 against the New York Jets in their preseason opener!
By Jordan de Lugo - @jordandelugo

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1. The Jaguars Edge Rushers vs The Jets Offensive Tackles

The Jaguars outside pass rush is currently made up of two young, explosive playmakers. So far this summer Dante Fowler and Yannick Ngakoue have been nothing short of a revelation. Both players use speed to get around the edge, yet have enough power to bull rush some offensive tackles. Both players have yet to suit up for a game in the NFL. Their first true test comes in the form of Ryan Clady and Ben Ijalana. Clady was a star and an All-Pro in Denver, but several major injuries have put his future in question, while Ijalana is a journeyman tackle that is starting in the stead of Breno Giacomini, who is currently on the PUP list. This will be the first time that Fowler and Ngakoue are allowed to go all out on the field and it will be the first time that they line up against an unfamiliar foe. If these two  pass rushers can carry the momentum from this summer into this game, it will go a long way towards showing that these youngsters can get it done on Sundays for the Jags. 

2. The Jaguars Cornerbacks vs The Jets Receivers

The Jaguars cornerback position is loaded with talent in 2016, but so is the Jets receiving corp. In 2015 when the two teams faced off, both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker found the end zone against the Jags. That was before the Jaguars added Jalen Ramsey and Prince Amukamara to their roster and it was before the Jags added a ball hawking free safety in Tashaun Gipson. So far this summer the Jaguars secondary has been really impressive from top to bottom and the cornerbacks have proven that they can play with two of the best receivers in the league (Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson), but they have yet to do so in a live game. The Jaguars starting cornerbacks won't get much playing time in this one, but the playing time they do get will be a valuable scouting tool for the Jaguars. Will Jalen Ramsey and Davon House shine when lining up against the likes of Decker and Marshall? Beyond the starters there is a lot of talent in the cornerback group, some of which won't make the final 53. Once the starters exit the game make sure to keep an eye on Dwayne Gratz, Demetrius McCray and Nick Marshall. One or two of those guys won't be wearing teal and black come Sundays in September. 

3. The Jaguars O-Line vs The Jets D-Line.

The Jets have had one of the more consistent defensive line groups in recent memory. With a ton of talent including Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Leonard Williams (The Jaguars passed on him in the 2015 draft), the Jets will be tough to deal with for any offensive line, much less a Jaguars O-Line that has continuity and injury issues at the moment. The Jaguars starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum won't suit up for this one and the team will be without offensive tackle Josh Wells who injured his thumb earlier this week. Beyond the injuries, the Jaguars are trying to put a square peg in a round hole, by moving Luke Joeckel to left guard. To be quite frank, the Jaguars offensive line hasn't even been average this summer and in order for the Jaguars to take the next step they simply must be better than they have been in years past. While it is unlikely the Muhammad Wilkerson will play much, if at all in this one, this will still be a major test for the Jags O-Line. The left side of the Jaguars line will likely look pretty terrible in this one, but if the right side and the middle can hold up, which includes Brandon Linder (who may not play because of a groin aggravation) at center, A.J. Cann at right guard, and Jermey Parnell at right tackle, that will be a great sign for the Jaguars moving forward.

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