Preseason Week 2, Jaguars Fall to Buccaneers: 5 Things

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Here's our 5 things to remember from the Jaguars second preseason game of 2016!
By Jordan de Lugo - @jordandelugo

PRESENTED BY

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1. The Jaguars starting offense is starting fast

Perhaps the biggest point of emphasis this summer on the offensive side of the ball was to get off to faster starts in games. The Jaguars starters on offense have done just that! They have scored on 4 out of the 5 possessions that they've had this preseason, 3 of those scores being TDs. Blake Bortles is 14 of 18 for 190 yards and 2 TDs so far. His QB rating is an astronomical 147.7. While this just about as good as it gets for an offense in preseason, it's important to remember that it is still just preseason and the true test will come week one against the Packers. 

2. Jalen Ramsey makes his debut

In Jalen Ramsey's first game since his knee injury he, like the Jaguars offense, started fast. On the first run play of the game Ramsey fought through the enormous Demar Dotson to bring down the ball carrier in the backfield. He then made two more impressive solo tackles and was impressive in coverage downfield on the ultra talented Mike Evans. His aggressiveness and assertiveness in the run game is remarkable for a cornerback. Not only is he willing to get his nose dirty, but when he arrives at the ball carrier he brings a boom. If Ramsey's first game is any indication of how the rest of his career will go then the Jaguars got a really good one with their 2016 first round pick. 

3. The Jaguars defense is much better than it has been

The Jaguars starting defense and it's depth is vastly improved. The starters forced Jameis Winston into an 0 for 6 start and forced an interception on the young signal caller early in the game. They gave up zero points to the talented Buccaneers offense and clearly made their presence felt. After the starters played well, the backups were able to play well at times and show that there is talent across the board. Rookie Tyrone Holmes continues to make an impact and was able to get to the quarterback tonight! He along with Josh Johnson, who got the first pick six of his career against the Bucs, really played well for the Jags. Perhaps the biggest story line here is that the team is continuing to force turnovers, something the Jaguars haven't been able to do in years past.

4. There probably won't be a third QB on the Jags active roster

At the beginning of training camp and earlier than that this summer, there were whispers about Brandon Allen forcing the Jaguars to keep 3 QBs on the active roster. Don't expect that to happen anymore. The preseason hasn't been particularly kind to Allen. In total he is 10 of 22 for 138 yards with 0 TDs and 2 INTs. It's certainly not an ideal start for Allen and it will be an uphill climb for him from here on out. I n week 3 of the preseason Allen likely won't get a ton of playing time as the starters will play until at least halftime. Things could turn around for Allen, but they will need to do so quickly. 

5. The Jaguars ever improving EverBank Field was lit!

This was the first time in the 2016 season that Jaguars fans got to invade EverBank and watch their team take on another opponent. There were tailgaters set up 5+ hours before the game and the stadium was packed, especially for a game that will have little effect on the Jaguars regular season. The new and improved Prowl of the Jaguars was a great success and gives the fans a college football type atmosphere prior to the game. This was just a preview of what it will be like next weekend when the Jaguars host the Bengals for Sunday Night Football!

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