The Jaguars never expected their first-round pick to still be on the board when they selected at seventh overall earlier this spring. But thanks to some questionable picks by teams in front of the Jags, Josh Allen fell to seven.
And Duval rejoiced. The talented edge rusher has regularly flashed throughout training camp and the preseason. But on Thursday night in Miami, Josh Allen put the NFL on notice. He's going to be a problem. Allen played the entire first half for the Jaguars' defense and wreaked havoc throughout. On the first play of the game, he got to Dolphins' QB Ryan Fitzpatrick untouched and forced an incompletion. On the next drive, with the Fins trying to convert on third down, Allen knifed through the defense and registered a massive tackle for a loss of five yards, forcing a Miami punt. The next time Allen and the Jags defense took the field, he once again helped get them off the field on third down. This time he got a big QB hit, forcing another Fitzmagic incompletion on third down.
Throughout the rest of the first half, Allen picked up three more pressures, one of which led to a Dawuane Smoot sack on third down. He added another tackle for a four-yard loss and then ended the half with a tackle.
Allen's star potential was on full display on nearly every play. He's impressed his teammates throughout the offseason and continued to do so on Thursday. His mentor, Calais Campbell had this to say about Allen's performance: “He was lights out. He was big in the run game, he was big in the pass game. He had a couple big tackles for loss, but he also was getting to the quarterback. He missed a couple sacks, so we’re going to have to get him on that, but he’s a baller.” Allen's head coach was impressed as well: “He’s been outstanding all camp, he really has. He’s made plays –he’s a humble guy. And then to see him out here and really light up and play the game, there’s no telling what type of year this guy can have.” But it's not just his team taking notice. The world is starting to learn just how special Josh Allen is.
Josh Allen is a physical specimen and supreme talent, but the reason he's finding success so early in his career can be attributed to work ethic and eagerness to learn from the pros around him. Follow Jordan on Twitter for all the latest Jaguars news and analysis. |
