6 Takeaways from the Jaguars Loss to the Jets

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The Jaguars may have lost to the Jets on Thursday night, but there were many positives to takeaway from their first exhibition contest of the 2016 season. 
By Jordan de Lugo - @jordandelugo

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1. The 1st team offense is right where it needs to be. 

After weeks of trading punches with the defense in training camp the Jaguars 1st team offense came to life against the Jets. Blake Bortles was on the money completing 6 out of 7 passes for over 100 yards. Allen Robinson is the freak we all know and love. He seemingly catches everything and is impossible to cover one on one as was displayed by his ridiculous 45 yard catch down the middle of the field. Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon looked like a dominant one two punch. They combined for 52 yards on 10 carries, averaging over 5 per carry on the night. The goal for this offense in 2016 was to get off to fast starts, something they struggled to do in 2015. The Jaguars achieved that goal against the Jets, scoring on consecutive drives to start the game. This was an impressive performance for the Jaguars young offense. 

2. An Albino Tiger sighting in New Jersey

Marqise Lee aka the Albino Tiger showed up in a big way on Thursday night. After aggravating his hamstring at the beginning of training camp Lee was finally ready to go in the Jaguars preseason opener. He looked exactly how Jaguars fans would hope. He was lighting quick as he hauled in 4 passes for 49 yards. IF Lee can stay healthy he should be the Jaguars third wide receiver. He's never stayed healthy in the past, so don't get your hopes up just yet. But maybe, just maybe, this will be the Albino Tiger's break out season.

3. More Special Teams Drama

Jason Myers was perfect on the night, but nearly missed a short field goal at the beginning of the game. He will likely hold on to his job if he can maintain some consistency. But his kicking wasn't the cause for drama on Thursday night. The kickoff coverage was abysmal for the Jaguars and simply must be improved for the Jaguars to compete for a playoff spot in 2016. The coverage unit gave up kickoff returns of 51 and 84 yards on the night. 

4. This defensive line is for real

The Jaguars revamped defensive line was dominant in the first quarter while the starters were in. There was consistent pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick including impressive plays by Malik Jackson and the first sack of Yannick Ngakoue's young career. While Fowler didn't create a ton of pressure in the few opportunities that he had to do so, the rest of the guys around him stepped up. Look for this unit to improve as they get more comfortable playing with each other. This could be a very scary defensive front for offenses in 2016. 

5. The offensive line wasn't a dumpster fire 

Due to injuries to the absence of Brandon Linder and Kelvin Beachum, and a lack of continuity along the offensive line, many people, including myself, believed that the Jaguars offensive line was going to perform horribly against a talented Jets defensive front. Despite being with out the two best offensive linemen on the team the offensive line wasn't terrible . . . they were actually decent. Luke Joeckel started at left tackle and didn't really get beat the whole time he was in. When running the ball, the offensive line opened up some pretty big holes for Ivory and Yeldon. Perhaps the offensive line could actually be a good unit in 2016, or maybe they just got lucky in the first preseason game against a Jets team that wasn't very physical. Time will tell. 

6. Myles Jack is going to be really, really good

Myles Jack didn't start in this one, and probably won't be a starter when the regular season rolls along, but he will be a huge asset to the Jags in 2016 and beyond. When he entered the game as the backup middle linebacker his presence was felt immediately. He was flying all over the field showing off his athleticism and made two really nice plays in the run game. He might have been a second round pick, but make no mistake, this guy was one of the five most talented players in the 2016 NFL Draft and is going to be a stud for the Jaguars. 

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