Jaguars vs Falcons Preview: 5 Things

The Jaguars take on the Falcons in their final preseason game this evening. Here's our 5 things to watch for.
By Jordan de Lugo - @jordandelugo

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1. Myles Jack will play weak side linebacker

Myles Jack has played middle linebacker ever since he got to Jacksonville earlier this summer. In this final preseason game, the Jaguars starters will sit for the most part, which gives the Jaguars the freedom to give Jack a look at the weak side linebacker position, which is where Telvin Smith normally plays. Jack played weak side linebacker in college at UCLA and should be a natural fit in the Jaguars scheme. This should be a much simpler task for the rookie linebacker, who to this point, has been forced to make the defensive calls and get his guys lined up as the middle linebacker. The switch tonight should allow him to focus on only his assignments instead of having to worry about every other player on the defense as well.  If he plays well against the Falcons tonight it will give the Jaguars a bit more position versatility in their linebacking group and will allow them to have one more option at weak side linebacker moving forward. Jack is one of the most talented players on the Jaguars roster and the sooner they are able to get him on the field in the regular season, the better.

2. Will Brandon Allen force the Jaguars to keep 3 QBs?

It is widely believed by most that Brandon Allen will make the team as the Jaguars 3rd string QB and back QB of the future. In training camp practices he has shown an impressive arm and the ability to make big plays. That big play ability hasn't transferred from the practice field to a game, yet. In this one Allen will play most of the game as Bortles won't play and Henne will likely only play a little while. So far this preseason Allen is completing only 45% of his passes and has thrown 2 Interceptions to 0 touchdowns. He'll need to be better in his final game to secure his spot on the Jaguars roster. 

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3. Will Hayes Pullard land a spot as a back up linebacker?

Just as Myles Jack will benefit from the starters not playing, so will Hayes Pullard. Pullard has been the third string middle linebacker for the Jaguars all preseason, but now with Jack playing at weak side linebacker against the Falcons, Pullard will have a shot to start at middle linebacker and show the coaches what he's got. Against the Bengals Pullard made two HUGE plays for the Jaguars, unfortunately only one of them counted. His first offensive touchdown got pulled back because he forgot to check in as an eligible receiver. His second gamebreakinig play however did count. Pullard got a 62 yard pick six later in the game that helped the Jaguars achieve victory. If Pullard can have another impressive outing in his final chance to shine, then he might just carve out a roster spot. For Pullard, who grew up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles and went to USC, it's time to shine. 

4. Who will be the final cornerbacks to make the team?

Over the last couple of seasons the Jaguars cornerback group has transformed from one of the youngest and most unreliable positions on the roster into perhaps the deepest unit on the whole team. With Jalen Ramsey, Davon House, Aaron Colvin, and Prince Amukamara seemingly locked in to roster spots, which players will make it behind them? Mike Hilton and Demetrius McCray were already shown the door earlier this week, but the Jaguars still have Nick Marshall, Dwayne Gratz, Josh Johnson, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun fighting for one or two roster spots. Keep an eye on those guys as their performances tonight could have a major impact on whether or not they are on the roster come September 11th. Our guess is Gratz and Marshall will both make the team.

5. Special Teams

Kick coverage has been horrendous for the Jaguars this preseason. They've given up several big returns in kick off coverage and one or two in punt coverage. These special teamers need to tighten up on coverage or the Jaguars are going to be put in some terrible situation as a defense and as a team in general. Keep and eye on the kick coverage in this one - if it doesn't improve the Jaguars could be in big  trouble week one against the Packers.