JAGUARS VS BUCCANEERS: 10 THINGS

10 things to keep an eye on during the Jaguars second preseason game of 2017. 

By Jordan de Lugo
Follow Jordan on Twitter

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1. Blake Bortles, Blake Bortles, Blake Bortles, Blake Bortles

So, Blake Bortles?

Yeah, Bortles has been on the receiving end of quite a bit of scorn lately, both locally and in the national media. There's certainly reason for criticism, but what do we want to see tomorrow? A QB that can find the open man and deliver, a guy that knows when to take the easy completion and a guy that doesn't turn the ball over. If you see those things, then be happy. It'd be some positive momentum for a guy whose stock is dropping like wild fire. 

2. How will the run game perform?

The Jaguars run game has been lousy in recent seasons, but with the expected emergence of rookie Leonard Fournette that storyline could be a thing of the past. Unfortunately Fournette won't play Thursday. Can the Jaguars two primary back ups Chris Ivory and TJ Yeldon finally live up to expectations? Will Corey Grant solidify a roster spot with another big performance?

3. Calais Campbell will make his first appearance

The Jaguars newly signed defensive lineman Calais Campbell will make his Jaguars debut. The 6'8'' defensive end/ 3 tech will look to make an impact in limited reps tonight. If he can show the same spark that has led him to be one of the better defensive lineman of his generation then the Jaguars should have an improved pass rush and run defense.

4. Keelan Cole and Shane Wynn a real shot at the 53?

Two long shots to make the Jaguars 53 man roster heading into training camp, Cole and Wynn have shined at WR. As of late Cole has been a bit more impressive. It certainly doesn't hurt your stock when you haul in a 97 yard TD in your first ever game. It appears Cole has a real shot to make the roster, but Wynn has been no slouch. If the diminutive receiver can show out over the next couple of weeks he could play himself into a competition for the last receiver spot. 

5. Dede Westbrook at returner

Rashad Greene hasn't practiced all week, which has led to Dede getting the majority of reps at returner. If Westbrook can take advantage of his extra work as a returner he may solidify himself moving forward. He's not in danger of not making the roster, but the more Westbrook can get on the field the better for the Jaguars. He's no slouch as a receiver either. The Biletnikoff Award winner hauled in a 42 yard TD grab in his first ever game last week. 

6. Cam Robinson in pass protection

Cam Robinson has excelled since becoming the Jaguars starting left tackle after a surprise retirement from Branden Albert. Tonight he'll face a tough test - Robert Ayers. Ayers is no All-Pro but he is a productive veteran that will look to give Cam Robinson the business early on. If Robinson holds his own again it'll be another nice foundation building game for the young left tackle.

7. Can Dante Fowler win against an old foe?

Dante Fowler was abused as a rookie last year by Buccaneers right tackle Demar Dotson. In the Jaguars two joint practices with the Bucs this week Fowler held his own against the veteran RT. Can he do it again in the game? If so it'll be another confidence boost for the Jaguars young defensive end.

8. Tyler Patmon as a starter

Tyler Patmon will likely be the Jaguars top CB tonight. Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye both sat out in team drills this week, while Aaron Colvin is still on the PUP list. Patmon has been a training camp star, regularly recording INTs and PBUs, but he'll but up against it tonight and may have to line up against the likes of Mike Evans. Patmon's performance tonight will tell us quite a bit about where the fourth year CB is in his development. 

9. Myles Jack and Paul Posluszny switch positions (again)

Myles Jack will still be the lone player on defense that will be able to communicate with coaches on the sideline via his helmet, but Jack will play strong side linebacker on base downs, while Paul Posluszny switches back to the middle in base situations. The difference with this new alignment is that Jack will slide inside in nickel and be a three down linebacker for the team. Let's see how it works!

10. Jason Myers' accuracy

Jason Myers hasn't been accurate thus far in camp and missed two long, yet makable field goals against the Patriots in preseason week 1. Myers needs to tighten up or the Jaguars might be looking for his replacement. No-one in this league is untouchable, especially kickers - evidenced by the Buccaneers recent release of former second round pick Roberto Aguayo.

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