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[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars All-Time Team: Vote on Interior Offensive Line

Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars have 30 seasons in the books. Let’s debate their greatest players at every position.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their 31st season as an NFL franchise.

To commemorate their history — and to provide content during the dry part of the offseason — we’d like your help in naming the team’s greatest players at every position.

Here are the nominees for Jacksonville’s All-Time Left Guard.

Vince Manuwai (2003-10)​

Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Stats: 114 games played, 108 games started, 57 Approximate Value

Bio: A third-round pick in 2003, Manuwai was a mauling left guard who helped fuel one of the league’s most physical rushing attacks. He started over 100 games across eight seasons in Jacksonville, including a dominant 2006 campaign that saw the Jaguars average over 170 rushing yards per game. Manuwai’s power and toughness made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the team’s mid-2000s identity.

Ben Coleman (1995-99)​

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Stats: 82 games played, 73 games started, 36 Approximate Value

Bio: Signed in 1996, Coleman became a foundational piece of the Jaguars’ early offensive lines. He started for four seasons at guard and tackle and helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his first three years in Jacksonville. Known for his athleticism and leadership, Coleman was a steady presence during the franchise’s formative years.

Tyler Shatley (2014-23)​

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Stats: 150 games played, 53 games started, 28 Approximate Value

Bio: Undrafted out of Clemson in 2014, Shatley quietly became one of the longest-tenured players in Jaguars history. Valued for his versatility and depandability, he started at every interior offensive line position across more than a decade in Jacksonville. Shatley’s durability and team-first mindset made him a trusted depth piece through multiple coaching regimes.

Time to vote!

(This new polling tool is part of our transition to a new publishing platform.)

Now, here are the nominees for Jacksonville’s All-Time Center.

Brad Meester (2000-13)​

Photo by Al Pereira/New York Jets/Getty Images

Stats: 211 games played, 211 games started, 103 Approximate Value

Bio: A second-round pick in 2000, Meester was a pillar of consistency for the Jaguars over 14 seasons. He played both guard and center but is best remembered for anchoring the middle of the line, starting 209 regular season games — the most in franchise history. Meester was respected for his intelligence, toughness, and leadership, and retired in 2013 as one of the most beloved players in team history.

Brandon Linder (2014-21)​

Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Stats: 91 games played, 91 games started, 35 Approximate Value

Bio: Drafted in the third round in 2014, Linder quickly became one of the league’s most technically sound centers. He earned a reputation as a smart, steady leader on the interior and was named team captain multiple times. Injuries limited his availability later in his career, but Linder still started nearly 100 games over eight seasons before retiring in 2022.

Dave Widell (1995-97)​

Stats: 51 games played, 46 games started, 22 Approximate Value

Bio: A veteran center and guard, Widell was part of Jacksonville’s inaugural roster and started 44 games over three seasons from 1995 to 1997. He brought leadership and experience to a young offensive line and helped set the tone for the franchise’s early playoff success.

Time to vote!

And here are the nominees for Jacksonville’s All-Time Right Guard.

Chris Naeole (2002-07)​

Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Stats: 88 games played, 88 games started, 49 Approximate Value

Bio: Signed as a free agent in 2002, Naeole brought toughness and consistency to the Jaguars’ right guard spot. He started 87 games over six seasons in Jacksonville and was a key part of the team’s physical identity during the mid-2000s. His reliability and veteran presence helped stabilize the offensive line through multiple transitions.

Uche Nwaneri (2007-13)​

Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images

Stats: 104 games played, 92 games started, 42 Approximate Value

Bio: A fifth-round pick in 2007, Nwaneri developed into a mainstay at right guard for Jacksonville, starting 92 games over seven seasons. He was part of the dominant run-blocking units that powered the Jaguars’ offense in the late 2000s and was known for his durability, grit, and outspoken personality.

A.J. Cann (2015-21)​

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Stats: 98 games played, 97 games started, 40 Approximate Value

Bio: Selected in the third round in 2015, Cann started 97 games over seven seasons at right guard. Though not flashy, he was a consistent interior presence who played through injuries and coaching changes. Cann helped solidify the line during the team’s 2017 playoff run and quietly became one of the longest-serving guards in team history.

Time to vote!

Last week: Offensive Tackles / Next week: Defensive Line

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2025/...rs-all-time-team-vote-interior-offensive-line

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars offense bounces back on Day 11 of Training Camp

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense bounced back in a big way after one of their worst outings of camp on Tuesday, as Parker Washington, Dyami Brown, and a pair of tight ends took turns making big plays.

Here are our notes from Day 11 of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp.

Practice Observations​

For the second practice in a row, and the third time in a week counting Friday’s scrimmage, No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter played both offense and defense. Head coach Liam Coen told Rich Eisen that the plan for Hunter to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL is “absolutely happening.”

In total, Hunter has played 129 offensive snaps and 115 defensive snaps during training camp, per Mike DiRocco. Today he recorded 1 catch on 11 offensive snaps to go with 18 defensive snaps.

The Jaguars have had Hunter focus more on his development as a receiver this offseason because he came in more advanced as a cornerback. Right now, it seems the former Heisman Winner is on track for the usage he desires, though Coen said Tuesday that Hunter has only practiced in 11 (three-receiver) personnel. “He’s still learning 12 personnel, other positions so that he can continue to get in some of those groupings.”

Third-year wideout Parker Washington continued to make an impression at training camp. Early in 11v11 team drills, he made the play of the game by coming down with a contested deep ball over the middle of the field against safety Andrew Wingard. Washington made another physical catch a few plays later, and his crisp routes and strong hands showed up during red zone drills, where he made a diving touchdown on a smooth pass from Trevor Lawrence.

Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said of Washington after practice, “When you see a guy who can win consistently against man coverage and match coverage, tight coverage like that, make plays on the ball, attack the ball with his hands, those are encouraging for the play caller … He can plug and play at different spots and go and
execute a wide route tree.”

Good defense, better offense @CPW11_ | @Dream_Finders

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 6, 2025

Free agent addition Dyami Brown has consistently made plays as well. Lawrence found him for a touchdown against Jarrian Jones in team redzone drills, and during 1v1 redzone drills, Brown bested top cornerback Tyson Campbell two times: first on a one-handed goal line fade grab, then on a physically-contested slant. Lawrence put the ball in a perfect spot on both plays. Hunter subbed in for the next rep and put an end to the Lawrence-Brown connection with a pass breakup.

Third-year tight end Brenton Strange had a sweet one-handed catch down the left sideline in team drills. He looks remarkably smoother as a route runner compared to previous offseasons.

Free agent tight end pickup Hunter Long seemingly makes at least one big catch each practice. Today, the former L.A. Ram hauled in a near-touchdown from Lawrence over Antonio Johnson.

Johnson later recorded an interception off a pass breakup, and fellow safety Eric Murray had an impressive pick against QB2 Nick Mullens.

DaVon Hamilton and Travon Walker made sure that the offensive line had a tough day at the office, though rookie back LeQuint Allen had a fiesty run down the right sideline.

I feel like I haven’t focused enough on the trenches/run game so I’ll try to do so in the future, but it’s safe to say that the top of the Jaguars’ receiver room is looking particularly impressive on the practices I’ve witnessed.

Receiver Brian Thomas Jr. missed practice due to an illness and is considered day-to-day. Arik Armstead, Maason Smith, Caleb Ransaw, Cole Van Lanen, and Jalen McCeloud were also out.

Presser Observations​

Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and tight end Brenton Strange spoke with media after today’s practice.

Udinski said of the offensive line, “The nice thing about this group is the flexibility of guys who can play inside, outside, and left and right, which is kind of rare to find.”

It’s challenging for those guys to go out there on a day-to-day basis or even between reps and go from left to right because it’s such different body mechanics. You would think it’d be simple, but you’re next to a different guy, it’s different communication. But it’s encouraging to see them embrace that and kind of approach it with a growth mindset.”

Second-year receiver Josh Cephus is a talented player when he’s running routes, but the former UDFA must show more consistency in all phases of the game to have a chance at making the 53.

After starting off strong at training camp, head coach Liam Coen disclosed, “Josh has made a few plays. He has to get in shape right now. He’s got to get himself into shape and make sure that he’s the next guy up in those instances where we have to sub. He has to be the one ready to go right now. Been pleased with some of the plays, though, that he has made.”

Today, Udinski followed up by saying, ““The dirty work is certainly something that he’s tried to work on and progress at. I think you see it at times. I think there’s stuff that he still wants to work on, that he knows that he wants to work on … it’s encouraging to see him embrace that and try to take on that role because he sees the value that it provides, not just for the team, but for him personally and the opportunities it can provide him.”

As for how Travis Hunter is progressing, Udinski said, “The progress is never going to be linear, but it’s nice to see him stack those days and continue to progress mentally and physically with some of the technique stuff.”

He was also asked about the impressiveness of Hunter switching sides during a practice. “I’ve certainly never seen it before, so you can’t compare it to anything else. I don’t know that it’ll ever be not impressive because of the mental and physical strain of it but I guess the hope is that we do get used to that eventually.”

Usinski said of Strange, “He certainly has put in the work to improve [as a pass-catcher] and has a lot to show for when we give him the opportunities to do it, which is encouraging to see. You saw the catch today. A couple other opportunities where the ball maybe didn’t find him, but you see him winning, separating, running crisp routes. That ability, whether to track the ball or separate from guys, shows up.”

Strange is prepared for the opportunity to be the full-time starter. “I feel ready. I think everything that I’ve done up to this point has prepared me for this. My whole entire life. God’s plan, honestly.”

The former Nittany Lion started 4 games last season after Evan Engram was placed on IR. “I had to take on that role, but it was different,” Strange said. ”The reps are different. The roles are different. What you’re going to be asked to do in the game plan is different, so that that changed week-to-week. It kind of messed with me a little bit last year, just trying to understand and feel my way and trying to always prepare … my college coaches taught me to always prepare like you’re going to be the starter. And I think that that paid off for me last year.“

Strange said of Parker Washington, his former teammate at Penn State: “You all saw it today. One of the first plays out there, he made a great contested catch. He continues to do it every single day, and I think that he just puts his head down. Something that I really respect about him is that he puts his head down and he comes out here and works no matter what … I think he’s one of the hardest workers on the team.”

Strange himself is one of the hardest workers and biggest competitors on the team. “Anytime that I step on the field, I take everything personal. It sounds a little corny to say that, but I take everything personal. I want to win every single thing I do, whether that’s catching the balls or whether that’s in the run game, whether that’s in the pass game, I want to impose my will and I want to show everybody. And prove it to myself, most importantly, that no matter where you put me, no matter what you ask me to do, I can get it done and I can win.”

You can watch the full press conference here.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 training camp!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...fense-bounces-back-on-day-11-of-training-camp

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Travis Hunter reaches huge landmark on Day 10 of Jaguars Training Camp

Pardon the delay of this post being published during our transition to a new publishing platform. We appreciate your patience and hope you like the new site!

Tuesday was a pretty rough day for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense as the team completed Day 10 of head coach Liam Coen’s inaugural training camp. With Jon Gruden and Tom Coughlin both in attendance, the offense had trouble putting things together early and often.

Coaching royalty right there 3 Lombardi’s between the two Tom Coughlin & ⁦@BarstoolGruden⁩ #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/Icg2pf7dVQ

— Joe Cowart (@1010xljoec) August 5, 2025

Fr the first time this camp, Tuesday was not one issue, such as drops ruining the day. The issues varied from issues with pass protection, to turnovers, and notably, many penalties.

The offense, by my count, was flagged for eight total penalties:

• three holding penalties
• two false starts (both OT Fred Johnson)
• two delay of game penalties
• one illegal formation

In addition to the team’s issues getting lined up, the starting offense committed one turnover via a diving Jourdan Lewis interception while surrendering multiple would-be sacks in the teams period. This was probably not the day those in attendance would have preferred for the team’s final open practice to fans, as they prepare for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jaguars’ defensive front was dominant on Tuesday, with multiple defenders with multi-sack days:

• DE Josh Hines-Allen (3)
• DE Travon Walker (2)
• DE Dawuane Smoot (2)
• LB Yasir Abdullah (1)
• DT BJ Green (1)
• CB Jourdan Lewis (1)

While Smoot showed flashes of his 2022-self with multiple sacks in the teams period, his best rep of the day was his 1-on-1 quick win over OT Fred Johnson where he faked a move inside, putting leverage on Johnson’s outside shoulder, eventually beating Johnson to the quarterback around the corner.

Third-string DT Tyler Lacy (listed behind Arik Armstead and Maason Smith on the Jaguars’ unofficial depth chart) forced an incompletion by pushing the offensive lineman back into the quarterback. He then followed that up with a Travis Etienne tackle for loss a few plays later.

Unfortunately, that great day for the defensive line also resulted in a similarly rough day for the Jacksonville offensive line, which honestly, looked reasonably fine in the 1-on-1 period, before later struggling in pass protection in the teams period.

Notably, LT Walker Little went 2-0 in the 1-on-1 period with both wins over DE Josh Hines-Allen. Coen, in his post-practice availability, notably stated that Little has improved as a run blocker since his 2024 tape, but needs to continue to improve as a pass blocker.

WR Joshua Cephus again made a major play with a 40+ yard, over the shoulder catch down the field with Christian Braswell draped all over him. He later brought in another long reception on the day, his second from QB John Wolford.

Another day, another Jourdan Lewis diving interception. In what feels to be a daily trend, Lewis made what was, in a day of dominant defensive plays, easily the play of the day defensively in his superman interception of Trevor Lawrence. He also had an early-period sack of Lawrence, beating RB Travis Etienne around the edge.

It wasn’t all negative for the Jaguars offense, however as RBs Bhyshaul Tuten, Travis Ettienne, and Tank Bigsby all had moderately productive outings. Tuten seemed fully recovered from his early camp hamstring, looking extremely explosive out of the backfield. He had two good runs in this one, both called back due to holding or illegal formation penalties. Etienne also had two long runs, plus a 15-yard catch and run on a checkdown. However, on the negative side, he also gave up a likely sack in pass protection to Jourdan Lewis in the 11-on-11 teams period. Finally, Tank Bigsby, while bottled up on the ground for much of the day, made himself known in the receiving game with a big catch and run, beating S Andrew Wingard on the route out of the backfield.

In today’s practice, WR/CB Travis Hunter played on both sides of the ball in consecutive plays for the first time. After starting the day on offense, Hunter would throw on a white jersey over his teal one and run over to play defense for a few plays, then immediately return to the offensive huddle for the following series – all without a breather. He finished the day with 3-4 catches, two of which were quick hitters with room to run 10-15 additional yards.

K Cam Little went 5/5 on field goals in today’s practice, with a long of 56-yards after making all 4 of his warm-up kicks early on.

Injuries:

• S Caleb Ransaw is week-to-week (lower body)
• CB Montaric Brown is week-to-week (lower body)
• OL Cole Van Lanen is out for training camp (shoulder)
• LB Jalen McLeod is week-to-week (lower body)
• DT Arik Armstead is day-to-day (sore back)

While it was previously noted on Friday that DT Arik Armstead would be day-to-day with a sore back, Coen advised that he hopes that DT Arik Armstead will be ready for week 1 against Carolina. However, he also clarified that he doesn’t know for sure at the moment.

Pressers notes

Head coach Liam Coen and QB Trevor Lawrence both spoke with the media today after practice. Below are a few notable quotes from each.

Coen on Jourdan Lewis: “I mean, as you guys see, it’s every day, something. It’s every day, it’s making a play. There’s only so much, within a scheme that you can teach and coach. Ultimately, they have to go out and make plays and he just continues to be a steady, consistent professional that communicates at a high level. He brings calmness to our back end, a playmaker to our back end and a great leader for the guys to be able to continue to listen to back there.”

Coen on the difficulty of deciding what players should play in preseason: “That is the ultimate debate. Obviously came from being in LA, it was, shoot, your ones and twos don’t really play. So you’re ultimately, playing with a lot of younger guys … you know you’re going to get a lot of great quality reps in film. Whereas in Tampa, we played some of the guys and got some quality work. So, it’s definitely a difficult decision that we’ve been wrestling, back and forth with a little bit.”

Coen on what he’s seen from OL Walker Little at left tackle: “I think his run blocking has improved a lot since last year. Coming off the rock, finishing better. I think he’ll also be the first one to tell you he’s got to work a little bit more on some of the pass pro in terms of just timing up his hands, using his hands, using his length to his best abilities because he does have some length. He’s a long dude that is athletic as well. So he needs to continue to improve, but I have been I’ve been pleased with, like you mentioned, some of the consistencies.”

Lawrence on today’s offensive performance: “Today was definitely one of our worst days as an offense. Even speaking just personally, I felt like I maybe didn’t see it as great today. I just felt like we were moving a little slow coming off the off day. Just need to bring a little more juice next time. One play at a time, it takes one play to kind of get you back going. I think we could’ve brought a little bit more energy. A little sluggish today coming in. We’ll watch the tape, though, and see what it was.”

Lawrence on if he’s preparing to play in Saturday’s game vs. Pittsburgh: “Yes, I’m expecting to play. Preparing myself to play. Not sure exactly what the plan is yet. I think we’re still evaluating some stuff, but yeah, I’m ready to go if so … If not, the other guys will be ready to roll.”

You can watch the full press conference here.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 training camp!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...e-landmark-on-day-10-of-jaguars-training-camp

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Welcome to the new Big Cat Country: A fresh look, fewer ads and a new feature

Things will look a little different around here today.

A few weeks ago we told you something new was coming to Big Cat Country and today it’s here. Things are cleaner, faster and easier to use. There are the same writers, coverage, comments, and community you’ve come to rely on, now with less clutter and clunkiness.

Let’s dive in. If you scroll down the page on your phone or computer, it’s smoother. You’ll notice that the most talked-about stories have a bigger font displaying the number of comments. You’ll also see a section called Active Conversations to point you to the busiest conversations right now.

But there’s two changes we’re most excited to tell you about:

Fewer ads for logged-in users​

Our loyal readers and commenters are the heartbeat of our communities, and with this new design we’re excited to offer them fewer ads when they’re logged in. Specifically:

• Video players will no longer chase you down the page. Just scroll past one and it will be gone.
• Full page pop-ups that would sometimes interrupt your commenting experience have been disabled.

You can log in or sign up here and check it out.

A new feature by the community, for the community: The Feed​

Today we’re launching a brand new space for you to come together. The Feed is a running stream of posts and updates from you, the community, mixed in with links and updates from the team and our staff. Think of it as our community’s group text where you can easily grab your phone and share a link to a story, post a question or write your own post on the day’s news.

You can find it in two places:

• On the homepage, adjacent to the top stories. Community participation is core to who we are, so we want it right on the front page to share your stuff.
• A devoted homepage for The Feed where you can see the full stream of posts coming in from the community. You might want to bookmark that.

Log in or sign up here and you can start posting on The Feed and seeing fewer ads immediately.



Today’s launch is a big deal for our community, and it’s also a kickoff of broader efforts to build around the community we have here. Soon you’ll get alerts when someone replies to your comment or your post on The Feed, with more to come thereafter. We want to put the community in the driver’s seat, so let us know what you want in the comments below or in The Feed.

If you want to dig into more of this updated experience, head over to this post on sbnation.com from SB Nation’s Head of Product Ed Clinton, where he expands on the changes in our ads and design. Ed will be responding to questions in the comments. If you have any questions about how to log in to our new system, check out this article from last week.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ntry-a-fresh-look-fewer-ads-and-a-new-feature

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

No Holding Back: Jaguars to Play Starters vs the Steelers

Fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten their wish.

Head coach Liam Coen, in his post-practice media availability at Day 12 of training camp, confirmed that the team has decided to play their starters for Saturday’s 7 P.M. preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"A lot of the guys WANT to play."

Coach Coen on starters playing on Saturday@Dream_Finders | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/abZlgjsAuw

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 7, 2025

Over the past week, team leadership had been mum on the subject as they continued to evaluate their stance. However, Coen confirmed that his players’ desires to play partially contributed to the decision to allow them those snaps. Coen specifically pointed out center Robert Hainsey and quarterback Trevor Lawrence as players who expressed their desires to play, among others.

“[Hainsey] was one of the guys that kind of convinced me, actually. Came into the weight room the other day on the day off, and we talked about it, and he wanted to play. A lot of the guys want to play. You’ve got two new systems on both sides of the ball, and the one joint [practice] … kind of everything leans that way, to it probably being the best thing for our team right now.”

“Trevor called me the other night, and we talked about it as well on the ride home a little bit. I appreciate that and definitely more of what you’re looking for in terms of the communication and the ability to be honest and have a real conversation. Ultimately, those guys have a pulse so much more for what the locker room is than I do on a daily basis. That’s just the reality. So, it was good to hear from those guys.”

Additionally, Coen provided confirmation that Travis Hunter would play on both sides of the ball in this matchup. Coen noted that he has not yet confirmed how many drives or snaps the guys will play, as that may be fluid, based on performance.

“We will play everybody. So, how long that is, we’ll kind of determine how things are going a little bit. Everybody’s going to play in this game.”

Jaguars HC Liam Coen says we'll see Travis Hunter on both sides of the ball in the preseason opener, but slightly more on defense @heykayadams | @Jaguars #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/HWb5WQP6xS

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 7, 2025

Coen also noted that the offseason installation of the playbook has been completed.

“We don’t play for a month, so you’ve got now the install is in, we’re done with the installs on both sides of the ball. So now, for the next three weeks, we can hone those fundamentals, techniques, concepts and schemes, and also play with rotations.”

Meanwhile, the Steelers subsequently announced that several of their starters — including defensive end T.J. Watt, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and wide receiver DK Metcalf — would not play in Jacksonville for Week 1 of the 2025 preseason.

You can catch the full Liam Coen and Jourdan Lewis’ full media availability here.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...back-jaguars-to-play-starters-vs-the-steelers

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars vs Steelers: Three matchups to watch

The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Stadium this Sunday in the first preseason action of the 2025 season for both teams. Here are three key matchups to look out for:

Travis Hunter vs Brandin Echols, Robert Woods​

Travis Hunter is one of the most FLUID athletes the NFL has ever seen.

Hunter has reportedly been “nearly impossible” for Jaguars defenders to guard.

Since OTA’s, Hunter’s footwork and route tree have reportedly seen “immense” improvements, to the point where they might be the… pic.twitter.com/hc3eq43GqZ

— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 7, 2025

Having to double up opponents for Travis Hunter will undoubtedly become a theme of this season’s matchups series. With head coach Liam Coen confirming that the Jaguars’ starters will all see action on Sunday, we know that Hunter is about to make his debut in black & teal. The number two pick in this year’s NFL Draft is the most anticipated rookie to come into the league in some time, a true two-way player that could earn Pro Bowl or even All-Pro honors on either side of the ball. Having impressed in training camp thus far, you can feel the excitement growing in Jacksonville; the Jags have another superstar on their hands, and Hunter will no doubt want to meet expectations with a strong performance this weekend.

Knowing who he will be going up against is difficult. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that approximately 20 players will be held out of the game on Sunday, the majority of whom would be considered starters. Daunting cornerback trio Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey are all out, meaning that the wide receiver version of Travis Hunter will likely be going up against Brandin Echols. Echols is a recent addition to the Steelers roster, coming over from the New York Jets this offseason. He racked up 57 games with Gang Green – only starting 19, but 122 tackles tells you he’s no slouch. A 5th-year veteran, he should be able to give Hunter at least something to think about when they go head-to-head on Sunday.

Hunter’s introduction on defense might be a bigger challenge. DK Metcalfe is out, but Robert Woods looks set to play; with eleven seasons, 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns under his belt and a Super Bowl ring on his finger, Woods has made a living beating cornerbacks despite not possessing elite size or speed. As far as getting acclimated to the NFL level, Woods will provide an excellent barometer for just how special Hunter can be in the secondary.

Walker Little vs Alex Highsmith​

It is officially Walker Little season in Jacksonville. After being drafted out of Stanford in the second round four years ago, Little has mostly played understudy to Cam Robinson whilst deputizing at other spots on the offensive line. His versatility has proved useful, his injury proneness less so. But with the team inking him to a 3-year, $45m extension last December and James Gladstone not going out and acquiring a new blindside protector, it’s a demonstration in trust that Little can be the long-term answer at left tackle.

We have a fairly good idea of what Walker Little is, even if he still has to prove some doubters wrong and manage to stay on the field for a full season. On Sunday, he’s one of the few likely to be facing a starter, with edge rusher Alex Highsmith set to suit up. Highsmith has proven to be a steal since the Steelers took him with the 102nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, offering a dangerous foil to TJ Watt and chipping in with 287 tackles and 35 sacks in five years. If Little can look comfortable against an opponent of Highsmith’s calibre, then it’s a good sign heading into the season.

Jack Kiser vs Kaleb Johnson​

Kaleb Johnson has been “inhumane” at Training Camp and a anonymous reporter even had regarded him as a “Walking TD”…

The #Steelers found their RB pic.twitter.com/cdR3CIgfKf

— Playoff NFL (@_PlayoffNFL) August 3, 2025

With it being preseason, the likelihood of us seeing the starters in for too long is remote. And really, August is for fans to get a glimpse of the new additions to the team right? So I thought it would be interesting to focus on a pair of rookies who will both fancy themselves to challenge the depth chart this season.

Jack Kiser was one of my favourite draft selections this year. A high-character, high-production linebacker, James Gladstone praised Kiser for his mental acumen and pre-game preparation, calling him ‘intangibly rich’. As an older rookie I imagine the step up to the pro level will not faze him in the slightest, and if you play a record-setting 70 games for Notre Dame you are attuned to the standards demanded from an elite level of football. With some question marks over the linebacker group and preseason affording opportunity, Kiser should get a healthy amount of snaps on Sunday.

With Jaylen Warren another Steelers veteran not playing, Kiser’s first taste of NFL football should be against Kaleb Johnson. Johnson has impressed in Pittsburgh through training camp, already entrenching himself as RB2 ahead of veterans Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon. ‘Bruising’ would be a good way to describe Johnson, who at 6’1” and 224 lbs is a big man to bring to the ground when he gets going. In his final season at Iowa State, Johnson posted 1,537 rushing yards and 21 TDs in just 12 games at a rude 6.4 yards per carry. He’s also no slouch in the passing game either, and as such should offer Kiser a stern, diverse test. I expect both these names to make their mark in 2025, and it all starts on Sunday.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...4/jaguars-vs-steelers-three-matchups-to-watch

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars vs Steelers: How to Watch Preseason Week 1

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers square off in Week 1 of the 2025 Preseason.

It will be the first game as an NFL head coach for Liam Coen, who will play his starters.

“We will play everybody,” he said after training camp practice on Thursday. “So, how long that is, we’ll kind of determine how things are going a little bit. Everybody’s going to play in this game.”

“We have moving parts and pieces on the offensive line, new ones, obviously multiple different receivers, quarterback playing in a first-year system, all of that is kind of what points to that. Look, if we had three joints and two days of work by each of those joints, then we probably wouldn’t be playing. But that’s just kind of where we’re at. So, we’ve got to go and probably take advantage of these opportunities.”

As for whether Travis Hunter will play both sides in tonight’s game? “Yep.”

How to Watch​

When: Saturday, August 9, 7:00 p.m. EST

Where: EverBank Stadium

Live Stream: FOX and Jaguars TV Networks

Radio Broadcast: WJXL 1010AM/92.5 FM and Jaguars Radio Networks

Odds: Jaguars are 4.5-point favorites, per FanDuel Sportsbook

What are you looking forward to seeing tonight, Jaguars fans?

Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ers-how-to-watch-the-preseason-week-1-matchup

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Self-Inflicted Wounds Sink Jaguars in Preseason Opener vs Steelers

The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off the Liam Coen era with a day of offensive promise. However, penalties, drops, and early defensive struggles ruled the day, with the team falling 31-25 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the team’s lone 2025 home preseason game.

Here’s everything you need to know from Jacksonville’s Preseason Week 1 loss.

Live blog:

Catch up on all the big plays and best moments from tonight’s game in our live blog!

Game Recap:

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin seemed to prefer the route of resting his key players, with a total of 23 Steelers sitting out this one, namely:

• QB Aaron Rodgers
• WR DK Metcalf
• RB Jaylen Warren
• TE Pat Friermuth
• DT Cam Heyward
• LB TJ Watt
• LB Patrick Queen
• CB Joey Porter Jr
• CB Jalen Ramsey
• S Darius Slay

1st Quarter

The Jacksonville preseason action kicked off with an early penalty, a false start by RT Anton Harrison before a play had been run. However, the starting offense was able to overcome the 1st and 15, converting a midfield fourth and 1 via a Dyami Brown rush. The 12-play, 44-yard drive would eventually stall after a Walker Little block in the back penalty forced another behind-the-sticks scenario, this one 1st and 20. K Cam Little would convert the 41-yard field goal to open up the scoring. (Jaguars 3, Steelers 0)

With little resistance, the Steelers offense, led by backup QB Mason Rudolph, would immediately advance down the field on a 65-yard drive. The Pittsburgh second team offense would convert two third-down conversions with ease against the Jacksonville starting defense with Rudolph capping the drive with a 19-yard touchdown throw to TE Darnell Washington. (Jaguars 3, Steelers 7)

2nd Quarter

The opening preseason drive would be the only one for the Jacksonville offense on Saturday, with Nick Mullens and the Jaguars’ second team offense taking the field after the Pittsburgh touchdown. Mullens would open the drive with the first explosive offensive play, an 18-yard throw to a wide-open Joshua Cephus. However, that 12-play, 36-yard drive would also stall on third down with a Tank Bigsby incompletion. The team would make the field goal attempt just a little more difficult after being flagged for 12 men on the field on the initial attempt. Nevertheless, Cam Little would eventually drill the 40-yard attempt. (Jaguars 6, Steelers 7)

The Jacksonville defense would fare better on their second drive, with the second-team defense facing the Pittsburgh second team. Jacksonville would give up an early first down before a Dawuane Smoot sack of Rudolph would force a second and 20. CB Travis Hunter, while not making the stat sheet on the drive, seemed to be the primary read for Rudolph, forcing Mason to hold the ball and force the sack. The Steelers would not convert the third and 20, punting back to Jacksonville.

The Steelers would then rest Rudolph for the remainder of the game, going with third-string QB Skylar Thompson. The Jacksonville defense would force a quick three-and-out after declining a second-down offensive holding penalty. However, the Jacksonville offense would also go three and out, with a dropped first down, would be reception by Trenton Irwin, from Nick Mullens. The pass from Mullens was underthrown and slightly behind Irwin, allowing the defender a chance to make a play on the ball. Mullens would then additionally underthrow the third-down attempt, intended for Parker Washington to force the punt.

The second quarter flurry of action would then begin to ramp up with the Thompson-led Steelers offense, while facing the Jaguars’ third-stringers drove down the field on an 11-play, 85-yard touchdown drive where the Steelers QB would go 7/8 on the drive for 74 yards, and a 3-yard touchdown pass to Pittsburgh RB Max Hurdleman. (Jaguars 6, Steelers 14)

The Jacksonville offense would receive the kickoff with just 19 seconds remaining in the half. Yet, things like time and distance don’t matter much when you have a weapon such as Cam Little. After picking up just 16 yards, Liam Coen made the decision to attempt a would-be NFL-record 70-yard field goal attempt with time expiring. Little drilled the kick, with 3-4 additional yards to spare. As a note, the NFL’s longest regular season field goal is 66 yards. (Jaguars 9, Steelers 14)

3rd Quarter

The Jacksonville defense would open the half with a turnover on downs, after the Steelers would decide to go for it on fourth and 1 from their own 44-yard line. After the fourth down stop, Mullens seemed to have thrown a deep interception to Pittsburgh. However, a personal foul, roughing the QB penalty provided a mulligan on the play. Mullens then led the offense the full 44 yards on a 3-play, 44-yard touchdown drive capped by a nice 11-yard touchdown throw to Irwin. Jacksonville would miss the two-point conversion, however. (Jaguars 15, Steelers 14)

Pittsburgh would answer with a touchdown drive of their own, a 9-play, 69-yard drive that featured a 29-yard reception on third down and an 11-yard Trey Sermon screen pass for the touchdown. (Jaguars 15, Steelers 21)

That would wrap up the day for Nick Mullens, with the QB John Wolford taking over on the drive. Unfortunately, the offense would go three and out after a third and three attempt would turn into third and eight due to a Joshua Cephus false start before the conversion attempt. The pass attempt would fall incomplete forcing a Jacksonville punt. Pittsburgh would again drive down into the Jacksonville redzone, before DE Danny Striggow would sack Thomson to force a third down fumble and a subsequent field goal. (Jaguars 15, Steelers 24)

4th Quarter

Jacksonville would answer, led by QB John Wolford on a 7-play, 74-yard drive with explosive receptions by Dorian Singer (28 yards, 15 yards) and Eli Pancol (27 yards). The drive was capped by an angry Bhyshaul Tuten 8-yard touchdown run, with a late push from the offensive line. (Jaguars 22, Steelers 24)

Pittsburgh would then drive straight down the field on a 10-play, 67-yard drive capped by a 26-yard touchdown by Ke’Shawn Williams with recently re-signed DB Aydan White in coverage. (Jaguars 22, Steelers 31)

Jacksonville would again answer with another Cam Little field goal. This one was a 52-yard bomb after a 14-yard Cam Camper reception got the team within his range. (Jaguars 25, Steelers 31)

Jacksonville would then get a much-needed stop on the following drive, holding Pittsburgh to a quick three-and-out. However, with time ticking away and Jacksonville driving down the field, Eli Pancol would catch the second down reception, but fail to get out of bounds.

Best highlight:

Whether it had the biggest impact on the game or not, there is no world where Cam Little making a SEVENTY (70!) yard field goal isn’t the best play of the game.

The NFL record is 66 yards.

Cam Little just made this kick from 70 yards

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sknpN0SBCP

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025

Biggest play(s) of the game:

Mullens throws a strike and Irwin reels it in #PITvsJAX on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/T2MsZqlmg6

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 10, 2025

.@LoganCooke2 lays the boom #PITvsJAX on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/veSJazZP2c

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 10, 2025

Key stats (traditional):

• QB Trevor Lawrence: 6/7 for 43 yards (6.1 YPA) with no interceptions and no turnovers – 92.3 QBR
• RB Tank Bigsby: 6 rushes for 24 yards (4.0 YPC) and a long rush of 7 yards. 0 catches on 1 target.
• RB Travis Etienne: 2 rushes for 6 yards (3.0 YPC) and a long rush of 3 yards. 1 10-yard catch on 1 target (10.0 YPR).
• RB Bhayshul Tuten: 6 rushes for 24 yards (4.0 YPC) and a long rush of 8 yards. 2 catches on 2 targets for 16 yards (8.0 YPR). 1 rushing TD and no turnovers.
• DE Emannuel Ogbah: 4 tackles, 2 solo
• DE Dawuane Smoot: 1 sack, 1 solo tackle for loss
• LB Jack Kiser: 4 tackles, 1 solo
• S Antonio Johnson: 4 tackles, 1 solo, 1 tackle for loss

View the full box score here

Game balls:

• Special Teams: Cam Little: 4/4 on field goals with a long of 70 yards; 1/1 on extra points
• Defense: DE Dawuane Smoot: 1 sack, 1 solo tackle for loss
• Offense: Cam Little. It was between Trevor Lawrence, Cam Little, and Bhayshul Tuten. Little scored 9 points, one from half-court. That makes him the offensive MVP in this one in my book.

PFF Notables:

The team over at Pro Football Focus noted the following in their post-game write up:

• Travis Hunter plays significantly with the first team offense: Hunter played every snap with the Jaguars’ firs-team offense when it utilized three-receiver sets. Hunter started the game for Jacksonville and played in 11 of 12 snaps with the starters. The one play he missed was a two-wide receiver set with Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown on the field.
• Travis Etienne Jr. starts for the Jaguars: Etienne played 100% of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps on their first drive.

Notable absences:

The following players did not participate in Saturday’s matchup due to noted injuries throughout the week or for precautionary reasons:

• DB Caleb Ransaw
• CB Montaric Brown
• LB Jalen McCleod
• LB Dennis Gardeck
• OL Patrick Mekari
• OL Cole Van Lanen
• TE Johnny Mundt
• DT Arik Armstead
• DT Maason Smith

The following players left Sunday’s game due to injury:

• N/A

Full highlights:

• You can watch the top plays of the preseason Week 1 matchup on the NFL’s YouTube channel here.

Post-game observations/questions:

1. Offensive penalties continue to be an issue.

After struggling with offensive penalties in the Friday night scrimmage and in one day of practice last week, getting behind the sticks twice on your opening drive due to penalties seems both familiar and problematic. However, it wasn’t just the offense, as the special teams unit also joined in the action with a 12 men on the field penalty on the second drive. For those keeping count, that’s 3 penalties on the first two drives for the Jacksonville offense and field goal unit. In total, the team racked up a total of 8 accepted penalties for 49 yards. This is something that must be cleaned up. However, this is also notably something that the 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggled with in training camp, before eventually settling in. Coach Coen stated that he thought it the opening offensive drive was “well-executed in terms of the majority of it and then the theme of the day showed up”, which was self-inflicted wounds.

2. Promise in the run game? Maybe?

With an understanding that the Jaguars would need some time this season to solidify their starting offensive line grouping to improve on their 2024 26th-ranked rushing offense (101.7 yards per game), I still expected a little more in the run game Saturday versus the Steelers without three of their top front seven defenders (DT Cam Heyward, LB TJ Watt, and LB Patrick Queen). Tank Bigsby and Bhayshul Tuten both averaging 4.0 yards per carry is promising for the evolving unit, but the lack of explosive rushes in this one was also notable. The run game will obviously be a work in progress as the offseason ticks toward regular season week 1. Coach Coen also provided his thoughts of the offensive line’s performance:

“I thought zero sacks is always nice to have. I didn’t feel like the quarterbacks were always under duress all that much until kind of the end there where you felt it. I didn’t think we got great movement in the run game, but I thought we tried to lane on them a little bit and had some good runs. I’d like to be able to see us run it a little better than we did, but I was pleased with their overall effort.

3. Drops popping up again

The team suffered from at least four drops in Saturday’s affair. And as many fans of the team probably has seen during the public days of training camp, the team has been extremely hot and cold in this are, with some days being clean on drops, while certain days are ripe with drops. While today’s matchup wasn’t chalk full of drops, it likely wasn’t the day the pass catchers would expect of themselves.

4. What happened to the starting defense?

The Jaguars starting defense allowed the Steelers backups and second-string offensive players drive immediately down the field with no resistance. What happened to the aggressive front, the dominant secondary, the turnover-hungry group we’ve become acclimated to seeing day in and day out? While playing an offense without starters at nearly every level, this wasn’t the expected outcome, giving up an easy touchdown drive to Mason Rudolph. Coach Coen gave his thoughts on the defense post-game:

“I think there’s a little concern with I think we were playing a little loose in some of our coverage system, you know? I was a little disappointed with the early third and two I think it was where we’re playing a tight three deep in that situation. We got off coverage to give an easy Omaha away. That was a little frustrating to see. Those are some things when you’re playing a new system, right? They’ve been playing a lot of man coverage over the last year here, and playing a lot more zone coverage, so oftentimes you almost start to do too much the other way where we’re giving up a lot of grass and a little bit of room so I imagine we’re going to want to ask these guys to get a little stickier.”

Catch the full post-game media availability for Coach Coen here.

What are your thoughts from tonight’s game, Jaguars fans? Who surprised you most or disappointed you with their play tonight? Let us know in the comments.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...-sink-jaguars-in-preseason-opener-vs-steelers

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars Winners & Losers from Preseason Week 1: New Defense Starts Slow

Cam Little’s kick may still be in the air somewhere.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are officially back in action after their first preseason game of the year, a 31-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The score was likely the least of anyone’s worries yesterday as most fans, and people across the league, were more so focused on what rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter would do in his first NFL action.

While Hunter played well, he certainly wasn’t the only one. And as always there is room for improvement on both sides of the ball. For a first preseason game, Saturday’s bout was about what was to be expected from the Jags.

Winners​

Cam Little

This one is to be expected, but second-year kicker Cam Little set the NFL ablaze Saturday with his record-setting 70-yard field goal make. It is the longest known field goal make in football, according to Yahoo Sports, and would have been the longest made kick in NFL history had it been in the regular season.

We all knew Little was good. But only Little knew he was THAT good when he called his own number to attempt the kick.

CAM LITTLE 70-YARD FIELD GOAL

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OCIZ1W5M5f

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025

Travis Hunter

Yeah, OK, Hunter got his head dribbled one time (he missed an open tackle). It happens. But for rookie unicorn player Hunter, it was a fine debut.

On offense, he caught 2 passes for 9 yards — with his longest going for 6 — while running with the starters (unsurprisingly). On defense, he ran with the second string. It might not have been the most eye-popping of overall stat lines, but it is the beginning of one of the league’s most interesting experiments.

.@Jaguars @TravisHunterJr 20 plays; 12 on offense 8 on defense…Drafted to play both and he did. #duval #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/XxZIItk5YZ

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 10, 2025

Pass catchers

Every preseason, Jags fans go nuts over who could be the team’s last wide receiver. We all have this fervor for that last dude on the depth chart. Saturday didn’t help any of that.

Second-year pass catcher Josh Cephus looked good with 3 catches for 25 yards. Trenton Irwin looked really solid with his 4 catches for 48 yards and a score. Austin Trammell even flashed on special teams with some solid kick returning. None of these guys are Brian Thomas Jr. or Hunter, of course, but the Jags may have some solid depth and a wealth of backup pass catchers if and when the time comes for them.

How about it, @trenton_4?!#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/HU7bewUwpG

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 10, 2025

Losers​

Defense…

So what was that opening drive all about? The Jags’ starting defense did not look impressive at all against Mason Rudolph as the Steelers’ backup quarterback marched his team down the field for an opening drive score. The opening drive is the most scripted drive of the game, of course, but the Jags did little in the way of stopping Rudolph from doing what he pleased.

That Steelers offense was nowhere near full strength either, as the likes of Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf sat on the sidelines. One preseason drive isn’t necessarily something to sound the alarm about, especially given it is with a new coaching staff, but it isn’t exactly a good omen either. That unit needs a much better start next week.

What are your thoughts on the game, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/gener...from-preseason-week-1-new-defense-starts-slow

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars vs Steelers Rewatch: Observations from Preseason Week 1

After providing our initial takeaways and lingering questions from this week’s preseason home opener, we take a closer review of the performance after evaluating the televised gameplay. In this week’s write-up, we focus primarily on the starting defense, offense, and a few additional notable player performances.

As a note, this review is based on non-All-22 film and (normally) published before PFF grades are released to remain truly uninfluenced and unbiased on what we see. This style of review knowingly places some limitations on evaluating secondary play without confirming the full coverage looks.

With that said, let’s get into some takeaways from the Jaguars’ 31-25 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Offense​

Quarterback Evaluation

• Trevor Lawrence, playing only one drive, had a reasonably sharp day, driving the starting offense down the field despite multiple offensive penalties putting the team behind the sticks. The only potentially negative from his day was the “hospital ball” thrown on the glance route, where Lawrence accurately hits Brian Thomas Jr. and doesn’t really stare him down. The safety makes a great read and break. However, I do question if the timing could have been slightly better, with the outbreak of Etienne’s route to pull the LB out of the throwing lane sooner, or a faster break by Thomas. This obviously can’t be the norm, with your WR1 taking to many hits such as this, wherever the issue lies.

Brian Thomas Jr. gets LIT UP! Going across the middle

Trevor Lawrence pic.twitter.com/3WbCwuPANy

— Underdog (@Underdog) August 9, 2025

• Outside of this play, Lawrence’s throws were decisive and accurate, getting the ball out quickly and allowing the receivers to use their legs to work down the field.
• Backup Nick Mullens had an up-and-down day, with the good being his two field goal drives and being generally efficient at getting the ball to his playmakers. However, his Trenton Irwin underthrow that was dropped and the Parker Washington underthrow on third down stick out. The Irwin drop would have likely been a touchdown if thrown both out and in front of the receiver, and the Washington underthrow resulted in a PBU.

Run Game Evaluation

• Upon second watch, I actually think the offensive line did generally well in opening holes on the opening two drives (considering the Steelers’ defenders not playing). However, a missed assignment by Dyami Brown on an early Travis Etienne run resulted in a tackle just past the line of scrimmage. Chuma Edoga and Robert Hainsey worked well together on their initial combo block that should have sprung the Etienne rush. Hainsey did fail to hold his block on the second Etienne rushing attempt, which may have gone for much longer. Walker Little and Anton Harrison, for the most part, held their own in the running game.
• Etienne rushed for just 6 yards on two carries. He arguably missed a cutback lane on his second rushing attempt that likely would have gone for a longer rush. Etienne had a much bigger day in the passing game in this one, catching a 10-yard reception – the second longest reception of the starting group behind Brenton Strange (11 yards). Travis broke two tackles on the play to pick up a first down and showed his explosiveness out of the backfield.
• Tank Bigsby ran pretty well. When presented with a similar play to Etienne’s, he found the cutback lane on his first rush, going for 6 yards after initially hitting a logjam at the line of scrimmage. He would then gain 3 yards on his second rush, where he forced a missed tackle again at the line of scrimmage. However, he also missed a big cutback on his third rush, created by Jonah Monheim (at LG) and backup center Luke Fortner. Unfortunately, Bigsby suffered a dropped third down attempt that would have resulted in a four-yard gain where the team may have opted to go for it in the red zone.
• I thought both Jonah Monheim (manning the LG spot) and Wyatt Milum (at RT) did well in creating lanes in the run game on nearly all of Bigsby’s rushes in the first and early second quarter. Milum later flipped sides to LT also.
• Bhayshul Tuten created much of his own running room, forcing two missed tackles on his first carry to turn a rush for no gain into a 6-yarder. Tuten forced another missed tackle on his 13-yard catch-and-run that allowed the team to attempt Cam Little’s 70-yard field goal. Finally, on his touchdown rush, look closely. He forces FOUR tacklers to glance off him before needing help from the offensive linemen to get over the goalline.

BHAYSHUL TUTEN DID NOT GIVE UP ON THE PLAY

He powers his way in for the TD

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sQ5iIMUSLh

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025

Receiving Game Evaluation

• The Jaguars’ starting receiving core and tight end group had a reasonably effective day. The Jacksonville offensive line kept Lawrence clean, giving up zero sacks and zero pressures on the opening drive. Travis Hunter caught all three of his targets (a fourth was called back due to penalty – a bad penalty, at that). Hunter probably could have picked up a first down on his first catch, but tried to create a bigger play, stopping one yard short of the first-down marker on 3rd-and-5. Hunter also forced a missed tackle.

• Dyami Brown picked up a first down on 4th-and-1 via a jet sweep. Thomas Jr. and Strange both caught their shorter targets. Lawrence’s throw to Strange may have been my favorite throw of his on the night, as he scanned his first two options before making his way back to Brenton as his third option to pick up the first down.

• Washington was also involved in a few high-leverage moments, creating space and picking up a short first down on a bubble screen, and getting open on the third-down underthrow from Nick Mullens. He did, however, drop a short pass from Mullens in the first quarter. He, Irwin, and Joshua Cephus were pretty heavily involved in the first half.

• Miscues in the passing game were a common denominator in this game, with Washington, Irwin, Hunter Long, and Bigsby all suffering bad drops.

Defense​

Pass Rush Evaluation

• The starting defense began the day with the Steelers going max protection, running only a two-receiver route. Nevertheless, with Jacksonville playing a softer, three-deep coverage, their three defenders to two receivers advantage was moot with Tyson Campbell getting beaten by Roman Wilson for 19 yards. Normally, with max protection and the backs and tight ends chipping, your primary pressure will need to come from the interior defensive line or a blitzing defender.
• Unfortunately, there was little to no interior pass rush on the entire opening series from Tyler Lacy and DaVon Hamilton. Things did not seem to improve with the second group of Austin Johnson and Jordan Jefferson.
• Jefferson, the top defensive tackle in the clip below, must stay active.

Possible coverage sack for Travis Hunter?
Looking forward to the all22 pic.twitter.com/gRnPh7EnOE

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 9, 2025

• With the depth of the interior defensive line room still in question, extra eyes and extra scrutiny will be on this group this offseason. The edge play, however, was pretty active with Dawuane Smoot staying busy to collect a coverage sack courtesy of Hunter (we’ll come back to this later).

Run Game Evaluation

• The starting defense only faced two run plays. Safety Eric Murray had a nice, shoestring tackle in the first quarter, sifting through the crowd and bringing down Kaleb Johnson. However, on the same play, Devin Lloyd seemed unable to find a gap to shoot, getting lost in the crowd. Later, with a center coming at him on a 3rd-and-4 rushing conversion, Lloyd attempted a swim move on the blocking center — in the opposite direction away from the run. The second defense also gave up a 7-yard rush with Hunter giving up the edge and missing a diving tackle attempt.

Might just be my angle but even live I didn’t think it was a stiff arm. More of missed tackle. pic.twitter.com/cM38D2ptwI

— Logan Bowles (@PhotoBowles) August 10, 2025

Linebacker Evaluation

• I made a note to watch the linebacker play closely early on. The Jaguars’ opening defensive drive featured multiple plays where it seemed that the linebackers were just one or two steps off from making a play on the ball in the passing game, or one step slow in the run. For example:

Darnell Washington scores the @Steelers' first TD of the preseason

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/RkRDyRnC3Z

— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025

• Watching the above play on half-speed, it would seem that Foye Oluokun wasn’t able to get a hand on Darnell Washington to re-route him closer to the outside cornerback (Campbell), who has to cover both the streaking outside TE and Washington in his zone. With Oluokun getting two yards less depth in his drop than Devin Lloyd at the top of the screen and not getting a reroute on the TE, this unfortunately put Campbell in no-man’s land. The angle below shows the play slightly better.

DUNKIN' DARNELL #NFLPreseason on NFL+#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/qsZUe2LMgt

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 10, 2025

• Overall, both starting backers left a few plays on the field, with Foye having opportunities in the passing game and Lloyd in the run game. The second group of Chad Muma and Lloyd had minimal opportunities to make a play on drives two and three.

Secondary Evaluation

• While discussing the above touchdown play, I’m unsure where the safety help is on the play. From this rear view, Mason Rudolph stares to the left the entire play, and the middle-field safety Murray is just coming into the frame at the end of the play from the opposite hash. My perspective of that play is that there seemed to be a shared breakdown between the linebacker not walling off the TE and getting more depth in his drop to create a tighter throwing lane, the safety not trusting what the quarterback’s eyes showed him to break on the play sooner, and the corner being unable to get a hand on the ball from a larger and bigger target that had him boxed out. It’s a difficult route concept to cover on that defensive look, but that’s the job: to make the throw and catch as difficult as possible and force the incompletion. The offensive players get paid too, but that drive was simply too easy overall.
• In general, CB Tyson Campbell seemed to play a lot looser in coverage than previously seen throughout this training camp, giving up three catches on the opening touchdown drive. Both Jarrian Jones and Jourdan Lewis had quieter days in coverage, sans Jones being flagged on the opening play for defensive holding declined).

• Things seemed to improve going forward, for the next two series of second team versus second team. On the following two drives, with Hunter now playing corner, the team forced consecutive punts. As noted above, the Smoot sack was arguably a coverage sack forced by Travis Hunter in coverage, as he baited Rudolph to hold the ball when eyeing the deep crossing route.

• Andrew Wingard was also in deep coverage, but this is my personal perspective of the play from the in-stadium view. I thought Dewey played a great overall game in his three drives that I saw him on the field. He was safe on the back end when over the top and was not targeted. He rallied to secure a tackle on the opening drive to limit the yards after catch as the box safety, and was the deep safety on the Smoot sack working in tandem with Hunter.

• Baldy came through with his breakdown, giving a better/longer view of the play, confirming Hunter throttling down while eyeing the crosser as Rudolph pumpfakes.

.@Jaguars @TravisHunterJr 20 plays; 12 on offense 8 on defense…Drafted to play both and he did. #duval #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/XxZIItk5YZ

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 10, 2025

Special Teams​

Kicking

• Cam Freakin’ Little. 70 yards. Wow. You’d almost forget that he also made his other three field goal attempts, with his next longest kick being 52 yards.

pic.twitter.com/us5qksj2T4

— 𝓓𝓸𝓽𝔃 (@5Dxtz) August 10, 2025

• Not to be left out, punter Logan Cooke also had a 60-yard punt and averaged 50.0 yards on his three punts, with one downed inside the 20.

Return Game

• Austin Trammell returned the game’s first two kickoffs for 28 and 37 yards. Unfortunately, on both kick returns, Joshua Cephus (the opposite returner and lead blocker) legitimately blocked no one, just running down the field. As a player fighting for a roster spot that’s buoyed by special teams plays, these are things that may matter. Notably, Trammell also had two punt returns for 10 and 6 yards in this one.

• Dorian Singer also returned two later kickoffs for 28 and 24 yards. Irwin had a 24-yard kick return and a 5-yard punt return.

Miscellaneous​

Penalties

• The 8 penalties speak for themselves. This is something that will have to be addressed with the team. I will note, however, that the first quarter block in the back penalty (on Walker Little) was likely called on Ezra Cleveland. Either way, it was a pretty bad call by the refs.

Coaching/Scheme

• On 2nd-and-19 on the initial defensive drive, Jacksonville put DE Josh Hines-Allen in coverage with a total of three defenders chasing the QB: a blitzing Jourdan Lewis, DT Austin Johnson, and DE Emmanuel Ogbah. With no pressure on Rudolph, the Steelers picked up 15 yards to make it 3rd-and-manageable. With eight total defenders in coverage, Pittsburgh’s Scotty Miller was somehow still wide. DE Travon Walker was not on the field. As this is preseason, I’m sure the team is looking into all their varying packages, with limited opportunities to test them out against opponents. I just thought this was a notable wrinkle. However, it was also an unsuccessful one, with no pressure on the QB resulting in an easy Pittsburgh pitch-and-catch. Defensively, the team seemed to (understandably) want to keep it vanilla.
• However, when facing a later 3rd-and-2 with the starting defense against the Pittsburgh backups, Jacksonville again went with a three-deep coverage, with both corners lined up 8 yards off their respective receivers. The Steelers easily picked up the first down on a short completion.
• Offensively, I thought the team was pretty clean schematically for a preseason game. While the run game seemed to be limited, that primarily seemed to fall on a player failure here or there. The passing game opportunities seemed to be stunted by drops and penalties, primarily — not scheme or questionable play calls.

That’s it from me for Preseason Week 1! What were your takeaways from the game, Duval? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...rs-rewatch-observations-from-preseason-week-1

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars All-Time Team: Vote on Defensive Line

The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their 31st season as an NFL franchise.

To commemorate their history — and to provide content during the dry part of the offseason — we’d like your help in naming the team’s greatest players at every position.

Here are the nominees for Jacksonville’s All-Time Defensive Ends.

Tony Brackens (1996-03)​

Stats: 55.0 sacks, 304 solo tackles, 53 tackles for loss, 55 Approximate Value

Bio: Drafted in the second round in 1996, Brackens became the most prolific pass rusher in Jaguars history. He recorded double-digit sacks in three different seasons and remains the franchise leader in sacks, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries. A one-time Pro Bowler, Brackens’ blend of speed and power made him the centerpiece of Jacksonville’s defense during its late-’90s playoff runs.

Josh Hines-Allen (2019-present)​

Stats: 53.0 sacks, 188 solo tackles, 63 tackles for loss, 42 Approximate Value

Bio: Selected seventh overall in 2019, Hines-Allen — then known as “The Good” Josh Allen — made an immediate impact with 10.5 sacks as a rookie. He broke out in 2023 with a franchise-record 17.5 sacks to earn his second Pro Bowl nod. Hines-Allen is just a few sacks behind Brackens’ all-time team record. The face of the defense in the post-Sacksonville era, Hines-Allen is one of today’s premier NFL edge rushers.

Calais Campbell (2017-19)​

Stats: 31.5 sacks, 137 solo tackles, 44 tackles for loss, 39 Approximate Value

Bio: Signed as a free agent in 2017, Campbell immediately became the heartbeat of the Jaguars’ defense and locker room. He set a (then) single-season franchise record with 14.5 sacks in his first year, earning All-Pro honors and helping lead the team to the AFC Championship Game. “The Mayor” of Sacksonville earned three Pro Bowls in three seasons in Jacksonville. Campbell was also named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2019.

Yannick Ngakoue (2016-19)​

Stats: 37.5 sacks, 105 solo tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 35 Approximate Value

Bio: A third-round pick in 2016, Ngakoue developed into one of the NFL’s most consistent strip-sack artists. He tallied at least 8 sacks in each of his four seasons in Jacksonville, which included a Pro Bowl campaign in 2017. Ngakoue ranks top five in franchise history in sacks and forced fumbles despite never signing a second contract with the team.

Time to vote!

Please do not pick the same player twice

Now, here are the nominees for Jacksonville’s All-Time Defensive Tackles.

John Henderson (2002-09)​

Stats: 29.0 sacks, 333 solo tackles, 58 tackles for loss, 72 Approximate Value

Bio: The ninth overall pick in 2002, Henderson was a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the most intimidating defensive tackles of his era. Known for his size, strength, and relentless motor, he anchored the interior alongside Marcus Stroud for much of the 2000s. Henderson started 124 games in nine seasons and ranks first among all Jaguars defensive tackles in games played, sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss. He also had a pretty mean pregame routine.

Marcus Stroud (2001-07)​

Stats: 22.0 sacks, 218 solo tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 58 Approximate Value

Bio: Drafted 13th overall in 2001, Stroud teamed with Henderson to form one of the league’s most feared defensive tackle duos. He earned three straight Pro Bowl nods from 2003 to 2005 and was a key piece of the stout defenses that defined the Jaguars’ mid-2000s teams. His power and disruption in the run game made him one of the franchise’s best interior defenders.

Gary Walker (1999-01)​

Stats: 22.5 sacks, 121 solo tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 28 Approximate Value

Bio: A member of the Jaguars’ inaugural roster, Walker became a steady starter at defensive end before moving to defensive tackle. He posted 10 sacks in 1999, earning his first Pro Bowl selection while helping Jacksonville reach the AFC Championship Game. Walker spent five seasons in Jacksonville before later earning another Pro Bowl nod with Houston.

Tyson Alualu (2010-16)​

Stats: 17.5 sacks, 177 solo tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 38 Approximate Value

Bio: Taken 10th overall in 2010, Alualu brought versatility and professionalism to Jacksonville’s defensive front. Capable of playing multiple positions along the line, he started 88 games over seven seasons with the Jaguars. His stat sheet never quite popped, but Alualu’s durability, effort, and locker-room presence earned him respect.

Time to vote!

Please do not pick the same player twice

Last week: Interior Offensive Linemen / Next week: Linebackers

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...-jaguars-all-time-team-vote-on-defensive-line

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars vs Saints Matchup History: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The preseason continues as the Jacksonville Jaguars head to New Orleans to face the Saints. The Jags and Saints have played each other eight times, and the Saints currently lead with a 5 – 3 record. Let’s take a stroll through franchise history to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from the team’s series against the Saints.

Series results

Date	Visitor	Home
10/19/2023	Jacksonville Jaguars	31	New Orleans Saints	24
10/13/2019	New Orleans Saints	13	Jacksonville Jaguars	6
12/27/2015	Jacksonville Jaguars	27	New Orleans Saints	38
10/02/2011	New Orleans Saints	23	Jacksonville Jaguars	10
11/04/2007	Jacksonville Jaguars	24	New Orleans Saints	41
12/21/2003	New Orleans Saints	19	Jacksonville Jaguars	20
11/21/1999	New Orleans Saints	23	Jacksonville Jaguars	41
10/06/1996	Jacksonville Jaguars	13	New Orleans Saints	17

The Good

Week 11: at Alltel Stadium on November 21, 1999
Final score: Saints – 23, Jaguars – 41
Attendance: 69,772

Reggie Barlow, Damon Jones, Jimmy Smith, and James Stewart scored touchdowns. Mark Brunell completed 19 out of 30 attempted passes for 351 yards. James Stewart led the team with 87 rushing yards, and Jimmy Smith led with 220 receiving yards. Mike Hollis made both attempted field goals. Fernando Bryant recorded an interception. Brant Boyer and Larry Smith registered sacks.

Honorable mention: Foye Oluokun’s pick six during the Jaguars’ Week 7 win in 2023

FOYESADE OLUOKUN PICK SIX!!!#JAXvsNO | #TNFonPrime | @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/Bx7xtTwFut

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 20, 2023

The Bad

Week 4: at EverBank Field on October 2, 2011
Final score: Saints – 23, Jaguars – 10
Attendance: 62,471

Zach Miller scored a touchdown. Blaine Gabbert completed 16 out of 42 attempted passes for 196 yards. Maurice Jones-Drew led the team with 84 rushing yards, and Mike Thomas led with 73 receiving yards. Josh Scobee made the attempted field goal. Paul Posluszny and Austen Lane recorded sacks.

The Ugly

Week 9: at the Louisiana Superdome on November 4, 2007
Final score: Jaguars – 24, Saints – 41
Attendance: 70,009

Reggie Williams, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Dennis Northcutt scored touchdowns. Quinn Gray completed 20 out of 33 attempted passes for 354 yards. Fred Taylor led the team with 54 rushing yards, and Reggie Williams led with 128 receiving yards. John Carney made the attempted field goal.

Players who have played for JAX and NO

Player	Position	Years in JAX	Years in NO
Arnold, Dan	TE	2021-2022	2018-2019
Bouman, Todd	QB	2010	2003-2005
Brown, Malcom	DT	2021	2019-2020
Brunell, Mark	QB	1995-2003	2008-2009
Carney, John	K	2007	2001-2010
Chase, Martin	DT	2005	2000-2002
Clark, Danny	LB	2000-2003	2006-2010
Clark, Vinnie	DB	1995-1996	1994
Craft, Jason	DB	1999-2003	2004-2008
Davis, Akeem	DB	2016	2015
Dawkins, Sean	WR	2001	1998
Deaderick, Brandon	DE	2013	2014
Dunbar, Vaughn	RB	1995	1992-1995
Forbath, Kai	K	2018	2015
Glenn, Aaron	DB	2007	2008
Herndon, Tre	DB	2018-2023	2024
Ivory, Chris	RB	2016-2017	2010-2012
Jackson, Grady	DT	2007	2002-2003
Jackson, Willie	WR	1995-1997	2000-2001
Knight, Sammy	DB	2007	1997-2002
Knox, Kyle	LB	2013	2013-2014
Manhertz, Chris	TE	2021-2022	2016
Martin, Jamie	QB	1998-2000	2006-2007
Massey, Robert	DB	1996	1989-1990
McCown, Luke	QB	2009-2011	2013-2016
McCray, Bobby	DE	2004-2007	2008-2009
McDaniel, Tony	DT	2006-2008	2017
Mitchell, Keith	LB	2003	1997-2001
Naeole, Chris	OG	2002-2007	1997-2001
Nesbit, Jamar	OG	2003	2004-2009
Omameh, Patrick	OG	2016-2018	2019
Ozigbo, Devine	RB	2019-2021	2021
Prioleau, Pierson	DB	2008	2009-2010
Reed, Christopher	OG	2016-2018	2024
Reyes, Tutan	OG	2007-2008	2001
Robinson, Josh	DB	2019	2018
Robinson, William	OT	2011	2012
Rosas, Aldrick	K	2020	2021
Royals, Mark	P	2003	1997-1998
Slaughter, T.J.	LB	2000-2003	2005
Smeenge, Joel	DE	1995-2000	1990-1994
Stanley, Montavious	DT	2006-2009	2008
Stupar, Nathan	LB	2013	2016-2017
Summers, Ty	LB	2022	2022-2023
Terrell, Daryl	OT	2002	1999-2001
Terry, Corey	LB	1999	2000
Washington, Mickey	DB	1995-1996	1997
Weatherford, Steve	P	2008	2006-2008
Williams, James	LB	1995	1990-1994
Wynn, Renaldo	DE	1997-2001	2007

Please share your favorite moments from the Jaguars vs Saints series with us in the comments or on social media. Not following us on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...matchup-history-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars get roster relief: Maason Smith activated from PUP

The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced that defensive tackle Maason Smith has been activated from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have activated DT Maason Smith from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the team announced today.

— JaguarsPR (@JaguarsPR) August 14, 2025

Smith was initially placed on the PUP List on July 22nd with an undisclosed injury to kick off training camp. He has been working to the side with trainers during practices for the past month and a half, working his way back to the field.

Smith, a second-round pick from the 2024 draft, came on strong towards the end of the 2024 season, racking up 3 sacks and 3 tackles for a loss in the last seven games in which he was active for the Jaguars. Last season he lead all Jaguar defensive tackles with a 9.7% pressure rating and will be a welcome addition back into the room.

ICYMI, my story on Maason Smith!

Maason Smith’s rank among IDL (Wks 13-18)
– 11 Pressures (T-32nd, 2nd among Rooks)
– 2 Sacks (T-14th, T-2nd among Rooks)
– 248 Snaps (21st, 3rd among Rooks)

Full Story: https://t.co/26gUzKFloI pic.twitter.com/DeDMViB2lw

— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) March 27, 2025

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...roster-relief-maason-smith-activated-from-pup

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

‘We Have to be Sharper:’ Jaguars’ Scrimmage Highlights & Observations

After Wednesday off, your Jacksonville Jaguars took to the Miller Electric practice fields on Thursday to kick off their preseason, week two, mid-week simulated scrimmage. As a note, a preseason week two scrimmage feels unique, and a first that I can recall in recent Jaguars’ offseason history. After a physical Tuesday practice, a Thursday, closed-to-the-public scrimmage may be the teams’ attempt to prepare for Sunday’s 1 P.M. matchup against the New Orleans Saints while also establishing a more physical culture in Jacksonville.

Liam Coen was not bluffing when he said today would be an intrasquad scrimmage: benches on both sides of Field 1 have been set up.

Travis Hunter beginning the day warming up with DBs. Tyson Campbell (day-to-day) has been seen in uniform but is off to the side with trainers.… pic.twitter.com/pibEC32KqG

— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) August 14, 2025

Here are our notes from Thursday’s Jacksonville Jaguars training camp scrimmage.

Practice Observations

The early arrow for the Jaguars’ starting offensive group seemed to be pointing up, as the offensive line unit kicked off the day with what was arguably their best period of OL vs DL 1-on-1s, with quality wins from Anton Harrison over Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, Walker Little over Hines-Allen, Robert Hainsey over Davon Hamilton, and a few others. The day really seemed to be shaping up as a day belonging to the offense.

However, on the other field, Jaguars 1-on-1s were occurring between the receivers and defensive backs, where defense pretty convincingly won the day, with the best play coming from Travis Hunter versus Dyami Brown.

Hunter vs Brown pic.twitter.com/1lRPwFkOtg

— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) August 14, 2025

Trenton Irvin beat Christian Braswell for a touchdown catch. Otherwise, it was pretty much all defense, with Jarrian Jones forcing an incompletion to Brian Thomas Jr and Jourdan Lewis having similar success against Parker Washington.

The full team, scrimmage action then kicked off with Lawrence’s opening pass to Brian Thomas Jr falling incomplete – a drop by Thomas, with a defending Travis Hunter in coverage. However, the starting offensive group would quickly rebound, moving swiftly down the field via accurate throws from Lawrence sprinkling a heavy dose of Travis Etienne in the run and passing game. The early drive would end with a beautiful Tank Bigsby walk-in touchdown, using his vision to find the cut-back lane, with nothing but green grass in front of him.

However, it was at this point that the day began to go downhill for the offense, with the defense and the referees owning the remainder of the scrimmage. The sound of dead ball whistles filled the Duval air as the sacks continued to roll in from Josh Hines-Allen, Yasir Abdullah, Jordan Jefferson, Ethan Downs, & Danny Striggow (who also had a sack last week vs Pittsburgh). To add to this list, Dawuane Smoot also had a sack that was called back for pass interference.

The front four didn’t stop at sacks, either. DT Austin Johnson also secured a tipped ball interception off of Nick Mullens on the day. S Daniel Thomas also almost came away with a near interception as collided with WR Joshua Cephus, popping the Mullens’ pass in the air for the incompletion. Additionally, S Andrew Wingard had a diving Trevor Lawrence interception called back due to the defense jumping offsides, resulting in the free play pass attempt. The defensive highlight of the day had to have been CB Jarrian Jones wrapping up the day with a magnificent pass breakup on a deep, Brian Thomas Jr pass attempt from Lawrence where Thomas had Jones stacked, yet Jarrian found a way to get his hand in there to impact the ball. Jones had two other pass breakups on the day as the starting corner role with Campbell out.

When he wasn’t fighting for the ball Jarrian was, well…fighting. For consecutive days, the team had a camp skirmish – today between Jones and RB Bhayshul Tuten. After a 15-yard Tuten rush, where Bhayshul lowered his shoulder on Eric Murray, Jones knocked Tuten over late in the play. After a few words, punches were thrown and then they were then separated by teammates.

QB Trevor Lawrence spoke with the media about the story of the Jaguars’ 2025 training camp so far, penalties:

“A little sloppy offensively. I thought we started great, had a long – I don’t know how many plays it was – had a long drive to start. Went and scored. And then from there, the defense picked it up a little bit, and we had some mistakes. Just self-inflicted wounds. It has kind of been the story of camp, trying to clean up some of that stuff pre-snap. Just have to clean up the operation, the mistakes that the defense doesn’t inflict on you, you do on yourself. So all those mistakes, we’ve just got to get better and cleaner, but I thought there was some good competition, guys flying around. So, there were some good, some bad. We’ll watch it. We’ll learn from it all.”

To Lawrence’s point, after an EverBank Stadium scrimmage with many flags, a Tuesday practice the following week with eight flags, and the Pittsburgh matchup with an additional eight flags, the team on Thursday had 9-10 penalty flags thrown, including:

• Walker Little false start
• Wyatt Milum false start
• Illegal formation

Unfortunately, the team also had anywhere from 6 to 9 drops (depending on your perspective of a drop vs PBU):

• Joshua Cephus (2-3)
• Hunter Long (1-2)
• Brian Thomas Jr (1)
• Trenton Irwin (1)
• Austin Trammel (1)
• Tank Bigsby (1)

And while Lawrence’s day was pretty sharp, independent of the drops, Lawrence later continued, discussing the team’s offseason season of miscues and penalties:

“It’s pre-snap stuff. There’s always a little bit of that in camp, but the amount we’ve had has been a little too sloppy for the offense that we want to be. If we want to be a great offense, you have to be really smart, not make those mistakes that hurt yourself. Obviously, execute. And I think the execution has been actually decent once the ball is snapped, but the other stuff before the snap, you don’t ever get a chance if you don’t do that right. So, there’s been some stuff that we just have to lock in on the details. For me as a quarterback, have to operate a little cleaner. Let’s get up to the line faster so guys can communicate and think and have time to process and remind each other of the cadence. All those things. It’s all of us in it. We just have to be sharper.”

The most underrated part of today's scrimmage?

Trevor Lawrence looked good, yet the offense still somehow found a way to look terrible.

So many of their best plays either resulted in drops, flags, or tipped balls. Some of that falls on the QB, but not a significant amount today https://t.co/KjFeyEwfL1

— 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤 🅓. ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕞𝕖𝕤 (@TravisDHolmes) August 14, 2025

As a key note, Lawrence confirmed that while the decision doesn’t fall on him, he expects to play on Sunday versus the New Orleans Saints:

“Yeah. I expect to play. And that’s kind of the mindset in the preseason is expecting to play, and it’s always kind of a variable number of snaps. You don’t really know exactly what it’s going to be, but expecting to play. I’m not sure if the result of today’s practice would or wouldn’t have changed that, I don’t know as far as what Coach [Head Coach Liam Coen] is thinking, but I’m prepared to play from what’s communicated to us. We’re prepared to go and play a little bit. So, it’s just another opportunity for us to get better.“

On the special teams front, K Cam Little went 3 of 3 on the day with a long of around 40-45-yards with the players running wind sprints after practice.

On the injury front, while not participating in the scrimmage, CB Tyson Campbell was back on the sidelines during practice. However, RT Anton Harrison left the scrimmage early and did not return to play. With Harrison out the team interestingly flipped Walker Little to the right side, with Fred Johnson sliding in at left tackle.

As an additional injury note, the team announced prior to the scrimmage that DT Maason Smith has been activated from the teams’ PUP list.

Presser Observations

Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and quarterback Trevor Lawrence both met with the media post-scrimmage. Here are a few additional key quotes from their media availability:

Coach Udinski speaking on the various offensive line combinations the team has seen:

“I think one of the questions you guys asked last week was about the flexibility of the offensive line. I’d probably still look at it like that. We have had some injuries, guys go in and out, even temporary injuries where guys miss a drive, and those have been opportunities for other guys to step up and play different positions. So, you probably see out there today, we have multiple guys play on different sides, play guard, play tackle, inside, outside, different centers. So, it’s great that those guys have the ability to do that, and we have the chance to get that type of work.”

Udinski speaking on Brian Thomas Jr’s visible recent camp frustration:

“I think that he holds himself to a high standard, which we appreciate and when he doesn’t play to the standard that he holds himself to, sometimes that comes out in frustration. This is what practice is about. You’re trying to improve on things. You’re trying to put yourself in challenging situations. If you’re going out there and just succeeding at everything every single day, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough. So we expect there to be some element of frustration with every position, whether it’s a receiver, whether it’s an offensive line, whether it’s mentally or physically. Most guys are going to be in a situation at some point throughout the course of a practice, throughout the course of a training camp where they probably push themselves maybe beyond their limits, or maybe they just don’t perform to their standard. So, I think that frustration for all of us, coaches, players included, it becomes a part of the process of growth, whatever we’re doing.”

Lawrence discussing the LeQuint Allen’s pass protection ability:

“He’s done a great job ever since he came in. It’s been something I’ve noticed is his pass protection. He’s picked it up really quickly. The biggest thing is, yeah, he knows what to do, but the way he does it, he’s really physical, violent, meeting linebackers at the line of scrimmage, and that’s huge. You get these games with these linebackers trying to pick off our centers and guards. The sooner you can meet them, the more physical you are, it knocks them off their game. They’re trying to run, and you can pass it off. And that’s a killer for a group up front. If you get picked on a game, it could be a four-man, five-man rush, and you should be blocked. And if we get picked, then it’s an unblocked hitter on you. So, he’s been a really key blocker for us in pass protection.”

You can watch the full press conference here.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 training camp!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...per-jaguars-scrimmage-highlights-observations

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars vs Saints Key Matchups: secondary to face familiar face?

The Jacksonville Jaguars head to the Big Easy this Sunday to take on the New Orleans Saints in their second game of the preseason. Here are three key matchups to look out for:

Travis Hunter vs Kevin Austin Jr​

Travis Hunter on both sides of the ball in his debut. The main take away is that he just moves differently than everyone else, such a sudden mover and it never looks like he's trying. pic.twitter.com/rEwlFxSxHo

— DeanoTalksSports (@DeanTrombino) August 12, 2025

As it’s preseason, it’s very difficult to know who will be on the field and for how long. And as a result, predicting matchups is tricky. So let’s use these exhibition games to highlight some names flashing as they battle for a roster spot, and who they could potentially be up against.

One such name will be familiar to Jaguars fans. Kevin Austin began his NFL career in Jacksonville, signing as a UDFA after going undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2022. Despite obvious talent he could never quite crack the 53-man roster, and recently had a spell in the UFL with the Birmingham Stallions. Now back in the league with the Saints, he’s pushing hard in preseason to challenge a fairly weak wide receiver group; last weekend against the Chargers, Austin was a rare bright spot in a shoddy performance, reeling in four catches for 43 yards and generally looking lively. Another performance like that at the Superdome on Sunday, and he will be in the conversation as New Orleans’ WR5 or WR6.

Lo and behold, starting corner Tyson Campbell is dealing with an undisclosed injury; a familiar story for the Jags. He’s considered day-to-day by Liam Coen, and as such it would be surprising if we see him suit up on Sunday. That could offer Travis Hunter more opportunities on defense. The early signs suggest Hunter will be a mainstay as a receiver and sprinkled into the secondary in an effort to manage his snap count; no doubt Anthony Campanile will want a good look at him ahead of the real action to get a feel of what he can bring as a cornerback. The big bodied Austin represents a physical challenge for Hunter.

Josh Hines-Allen vs Kelvin Banks Jr​

How much do we really learn from a preseason game? Saturday’s tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a back and forth affair, but what was evident was the lack of pressure on Mason Rudolph. The Jags front seven only really got going once Rudolph left the field, and considering he’s the backup in Pittsburgh who was going up against plenty of starters in black & teal on the first drive, a pass rush improvement will be expected against the Saints.

I imagine we see a little more of Josh Hines-Allen on Sunday as the star edge defender looks to get up to speed ahead of the regular season. Usually aligned on the right, Hines-Allen will likely be facing a rookie; Kelvin Banks was selected ninth overall in this year’s NFL Draft after a stellar college career with the Texas Longhorns. No doubt Hines-Allen will be licking his chops and eager to welcome Banks to the pro game, but the Saints’ new blindside protector comes with a strong resume. The 315lb lineman boasts the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award and Jacobs Blocking trophy in his cabinet. Whilst that doesn’t guarantee success at the next level, it shows he’s played at an elite level to this point. It will be interesting to see if he has to take some early lumps or he can stymie one of the best quarterback hunters in the NFL.

Bhayshul Tuten vs Jaylan Ford​

Bhayshul Tuten flashed last week vs. PIT.

I appreciate his competitiveness as a runner while flashing some reliability as a checkdown option. Explosive cuts and good decision-making.

He could have an argument to be the #Jaguars RB2. pic.twitter.com/xaizpPPTXU

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) August 13, 2025

Whilst the established starters can use preseason for fine-tuning their bodies or familiarizing themselves with the playbook, for most it’s a gruesome battle for a roster spot. It’s a numbers game; teams have an idea of how many they want to carry at each position, and the only goal is to make sure you’re not lower on the depth chart than that number. So it’s always interesting to see talent shine when they have their opportunity – and these two turned some heads last week…

Bhayshul Tuten has already established himself as a fans’ favourite, impressing with his toughness, low center of gravity and burst. He showed promise against the Steelers last week, his 24 yards on six carries not quite doing his performance justice. He was a factor in the passing game with two receptions, and recorded his first touchdown in the 4th quarter with an 8-yard run that was helped with team-effort scrum. If he gets another chance to shine on Sunday, don’t expect him to waste it – Tuten likely has the inside track on the RB3 spot that should see him named to the final 53 once all is said and done.

Someone trying to keep him quiet will be Saints linebacker Jaylan Ford, who like Tuten is also a rookie selected on Day 3 of the NFL Draft this year. Ford seemed to be the only one trying to stop the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday, racking up five tackles as he saw plenty of gametime in the second half. Buried on the depth chart in New Orleans, he’ll be looking for another strong performance on Sunday. Going up against Tuten is an intriguing bottom of the roster battle.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...-key-matchups-secondary-to-face-familiar-face

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars Camp Gets Chippy on Day 14

The Jaguars took to the Miller Electric Practice Fields on Tuesday in one of their most physical practices of the offseason. While it was an overall pretty balanced day for the starting offense and defense, the edge was definitely there for both sides in this one, as the team corrects their opportunities from the preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers while preparing for Sunday’s 1 P.M. matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Louisiana.

Here are our notes from Day 14 of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp.

Practice Observations

It seems that WR Parker Washington has found his groove, as the third-year receiver just continues to chop wood, carry water, and make ridiculous highlight plays. As he did on day 11 of camp, Washington made two highlight reel plays in today’s practice. His day opened with a 1-on-1 winning rep, matched up against CB Jourdan Lewis. After running the deep route in lockstep, Washington won the long rep, despite really tight coverage by Lewis, snatching the ball off of Lewis’ helmet while both fell to the ground. He then caught a 40-plus yard pass from Lawrence where he streaked wide open down the sideline and caught another 20-yard reception against Andrew Wingard. To wrap up his day, he caught this one-hander, beating Jarrian Jones and also forced a pass interference against Travis Hunter in the redzone.

Speaking of Hunter, today may have been the first day Travis has played exclusively on one side of the ball since the team added his ability to switch sides during practice. With Tyson Campbell day-to-day and Montaric Brown week-to-week, the top depth of the cornerback room could understandably use Hunter’s presence. Playing with the first-team defense, Hunter’s day started off in 1-on-1s giving up a sideline catch to Dyami Brown and flagged for pass interference on his second rep against Brown (where he intercepted the ball). In the teams period, he nearly missed out on a diving interception on a Lawrence throw-away out of bounds, dragging his feet just outside of the field of play. He was again flagged for interference against Parker Washington, for holding his jersey during the route.

While it was a highlight day for Parker, outside of Washington, it was a moderately quiet day for the rest of the Jaguars receiving core. Drops by Brian Thomas Jr, Brenton Strange, Dyami Brown in the teams period put somewhat of a damper on the starting unit’s day. Additionally, RB Travis Etienne had a bad drop in his 1-on-1 rep against Andrew Wingard and Brown had a tipped pass that resulted in an Eric Murray interception (though the ball was slightly behind him).

To highlight the day, we had our first (moderately) significant camp skirmish between two rookies: UDFA LB Branson Combs and Seventh-Round RB LeQuint Allen. There was no winner of the scuffle, as the team quickly rushed in to clear the two. Allen has been a hammer throughout much of camp, and it makes sense that tempers would eventually flare.

"That's what football is about, the physical part."

Jaguars rookie RB LeQuint Allen Jr. caught up with @Ballou1010xl to talk about altercations in camp, the Jaguars RB room, and much more!

FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/DbpvZOcjvp#Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/TFolyl7qNw

— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) August 12, 2025

Coach Campanile spoke to the line that players have to walk, being aggressive, fighting in a contact sport, and having an edge in his post-practice availability.

“That’s a good thing. I think I think it means guys are usually competing. You don’t want guys fighting all day and wrecking the practice. There’s not time for that, but sometimes tempers flare. Usually, that means there’s emotion out there, and I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. We don’t want them fighting each other all practice, but the guys are getting heated and competing. I think that’s a good thing.”

He continued…

“You don’t want to be throwing punches at all, but it’s football. It’s an emotional game. Nobody’s worth 15 is what we say. Nobody’s worth 15 yards. So, we don’t want to do that, but in the heat of the battle in camp, I’d be hard pressed to say I was ever in a football camp where there wasn’t some emotion and then guys pushing and shoving and all that. So, it’s kind of status quo.”

On the ground, rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten had a really nice rush in the teams period where he got small while in the hole, bounced off the back of one of his blocking linemen, then burst through the hole for what likely would have been a 50-yard touchdown. However, a notable for his practice today was that he seemed to struggle in pass protection during his 1-on-1 reps, losing reps to S Eric Murray and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig. Both beat him on an inside swim move to get to the quarterback.

In this back-and-forth battle of offense and defense, the Jaguars pass rush showed up with DE Josh Hines-Allen collecting three sacks in today’s practice. DE Emmanuel Ogbah also got home twice with Devin Lloyd and Dennis Gardeck each joining the party with one sack also. Coach Campanile discussed Gardeck post-practice:

“He’s a high-effort guy if you’ve ever watched him play. He practices physical. He had some really physical reps today. I think he brings a lot of good traits out there on the field with him. He’s a good pass rusher, physical in the run game. So excited to have him out there.”

Presser Observations

Coach Campanile provided a few comments in reference to Saturday’s defensive performance:

“I think we’ve got to do a better job with communication. I think that’s probably the number one thing. That’s just everywhere. Even the sideline operation, all that stuff. So, I think a lot of that stuff, first game, preseason, you see stuff like that, and you get better at everything. That’s what we’re focused on right now. I think the guys have done a great job of that last two days. So, working hard and getting that right. They did a lot of good things, too.”

However, it wasn’t all negatives, as Coach Camp also noted:

“I thought the positives probably were I thought we did a good job in the run game overall. We were physical in the front. The four-minute stop, that was good to see at the end of the game. Thought the guys kept competing that way. Three-and-out early in the game was good. A lot of things to correct, but definitely some positives there. Like I said, I thought the run game, we did a pretty good job overall.”

Coach Camp also noted that the Steelers’ opening touchdown was the result of a missed assignment, which we touched on in our Jaguars vs Steelers Rewatch.

“On that one, we just had a little bit of an M.A. [missed assignment] there in the coverage, something we’ve got to clean up, which we cleaned up when we got back in the next day, and that’s really what happened.”

You can watch the full press conference here.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 training camp!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...camp/76019/jaguars-camp-gets-chippy-on-day-14

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Travis Hunter, head coach Liam Coen discuss first-rounder’s first game

Despite having been the most tantalizing player in college football last year, winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected second overall in the draft, Travis Hunter says he still gets a little nervous.

Prior to his first NFL action, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 31-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers to open the preseason, Hunter said he had some jitters before the first ball on offense was snapped.

“It felt great, a little nervous, but it felt great,” Hunter, who started the game at receiver, said Saturday. “It definitely settled down when I got that first catch, when that first play happened.”

Hunter played 13 offensive snaps, finishing with two catches for nine yards. He didn’t light up the box score, but he did have one catch negated by a block in the back penalty. The starters also played just a single drive. According to Coen, Hunter asked to play more offense but was shut down to focus on his first defensive drive where Hunter joined in with the second team.

“He made a couple good catches on some option routes,” head coach Liam Coen said Saturday. “He missed that one tackle, that I noticed. I will have to watch the tape on how he operated defensively a little more but I thought offensively he made the right decisions. He made a good catch, almost broke out of one.”

While he was on offense, Hunter was used in a variety of ways to get him moving. His first catch of his career came after he was sent in motion, then back to the slot to help diagnose coverage. On his second catch, Hunter broke inside and almost used his signature spin move after the catch to squirt free. Had he kept his footing and made the turn, he had around 10 yards of space and just one defender to beat.

“I did pretty good. If we had more opportunities, we would have shown what we could really do,” Hunter said.

Every Trevor Lawrence preseason dropback from first Jaguars game coached by Liam Coen pic.twitter.com/espOhnCPR4

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 10, 2025

Hunter’s defensive night was less noteworthy for what he did compared to what he didn’t do. The rookie got caught a bit flat-footed around the 48-yard line and was a step behind Steelers’ running back Kaleb Johnson on an outside run. As everyone has seen, Johnson stiff armed Hunter to the dirt. Like with Jarrian Jones making the cover of Madden, Hunter had a good laugh about his play, or lack thereof.

“We can flush it right away and just get back to business,” Hunter said. “I know what I have to do next time.”

The weird thing with corners is the less you hear about them, the better they likely played. During Dawuane Smoot’s sack in the second quarter, Hunter was in coverage on the receiver Mason Rudolph was targeting as one of his last reads. Rudolph turned his attention to Hunter’s side of the field after scanning the left, pump faked, but was forced to scramble out and couldn’t outrun the veteran Smoot. Hunter won’t get any credit for that statistically but did nonetheless help force a coverage sack.

Travis Hunter's coverage sack vs Steelers offense.
He's dangerous in zone. Hes watching the QBs eyes the entire time and passes off his receiver to the safety, great cohesiveness even though hes taking reps on offense. pic.twitter.com/6JC7v9v2Zl

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 11, 2025

One of the best things a rookie can do is stay out of penalty trouble like Hunter did Saturday. The rookie didn’t commit any penalties personally, though his team did plenty of that on his behalf. The Jags as a whole committed eight penalties, including the one that wiped out a Hunter catch.

“We just have to go back to work,” Hunter said. “Self-inflicted wounds we have to clean up. We know what we have to do and make the progress we know we need to make.”

On Monday, Coen was asked about what he learned from going back and viewing his young star’s first game. Coen didn’t hold much back when evaluating Hunter’s game. Offensively, Coen wants Hunter to be crisper on his routes, especially when the coaches have him moving around so much pre- and post-snap. On defense, Coen needs the former Colorado star to work on his angles.

“His route technique we need to continue to work on,” Coen said. “I thought he made the right decisions, his alignment and assignment was all proper and clean. Defensively, we have to clean a few things up from an alignment standpoint and stay in the run, in the fit. That is practice and repetition.”

Even with injuries in the secondary to guys like Buster Brown and Tyson Campbell, Hunter will still work mostly with the offense. During Tuesday’s practice Hunter will take the day to primarily be on defense, according to Coen, but will be back to playing both ways during Thursday’s intrasquad scrimmage.

Saturday’s game was a big moment for the Jaguars, their fans, their coaches and their coveted first-round rookie. It wasn’t a showstopping night but a step towards an unprecedented future for a two-way player in the NFL.

And it made Hunter just a little nervous pregame. At least we know he is human.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...h-liam-coen-discuss-first-rounders-first-game

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jaguars, Saints Tie in Week 2 Preseason Thriller

The Jacksonville Jaguars took to the Big Easy in their first road trip of the 2025 preseason, coming away with a dress rehearsal, tying effort in New Orleans. However, Jacksonville’s starting units have many positives to hang their hats on after dominating the Saints backups in nearly every area of the early portions of the matchup. Here’s everything you need to know from Jacksonville’s Preseason Week 2 17-to-17 tie to the New Orleans Saints.

Live blog:

Catch up on all the big plays and best moments from tonight’s game in our live blog!

Game Recap:

The following Saints did not play in this one, as New Orleans would rest a few players due to injury, precaution, or veteran rest:

• RB Alvin Kamara
• C Erik McCoy
• Trevor Penning (turf toe)
• TE Juwan Johnson
• TE/QB Taysom Hill (knee) – PUP
• WR Brandin Cooks
• NT Davon Godchaux
• DE Cam Jordan
• DE Bryan Bresee
• LB Chase Young
• LB Carl Granderson
• LB Demario Davis
• LB Pete Werner
• CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
• CB Alontae Taylor (groin)
• S Justin Reid
• S Julian Blackmon

Jacksonville would also have a few players out this week, namely at the offensive line and rookie CB/WR Travis Hunter:

• WR Dyami Brown
• WR/CB Travis Hunter (undisclosed upper-body injury)
• RT Anton Harrison (undisclosed)
• OG/OT Chuma Edoga (undisclosed)
• OL Cole Van Lanen (shoulder)
• DL Arik Armstead (back)
• DL Maason Smith
• LB Dennis Gardeck
• LB Jalen McLeod (lower-body)
• CB Tyson Campbell (undisclosed)
• CB Montaric Brown (lower-leg)
• S Caleb Ransaw (lower-body)

1st Quarter

The Jaguars starting offense kicked the game off with the ball, putting together a drive buoyed by a Brenton Strange first down catch to get the team back on schedule after a second-down Brian Thomas Jr drop. Strange wouldn’t be done, however, as he would pick up consecutive first down catches on the drive. Tank Bigsby would then move the team into the redzone with a triple-cutback screen play.

A successful screen play.. Tank in space pic.twitter.com/PU62ZxmqZ3

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 17, 2025

However, the series would end in heartbreak as the offense would turn the ball over via a redzone turnover as Lawrence would trip as Ezra Cleveland would step on his foot. Trevor would lose control of the ball while falling, attempting to hand it off to Bigsby.

WE TAKE THOSE.

Vernon Broughton recovers the fumble & that's the SAINTS BALL

@FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/vdfYtapWiV

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 17, 2025

The Jaguars’ defense would come to play, quickly getting the ball back to the Jacksonville offense after an early Andrew Wingard sack, followed by an intentional grounding call, forced by Travon Walker and Dawuane Smoot, who nearly collected the sack on Tyler Shough.

The following offensive drive would start with a heavy dose of Travis Etienne, who would catch a check down for eight yards on first down before picking up the conversion on the following snap with a 15-yard rush.

https://t.co/GorJ21POMI pic.twitter.com/wsnNHmQT7y

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 17, 2025

After another Strange reception the offense would cap the 8-play, 55-yard, 4:19 drive with a Parker Washington 7-yard touchdown catch from Lawrence. This would be Washington’s second catch of the drive. (Jaguars 7 – Saints 0)

Trevor Lawrence finds Parker Washington for 6 and take the early lead

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Sc9lzpZ0vu

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025

The Jacksonville defense would force a three-and-out with Jourdan Lewis forcing the Chris Olave third down incompletion. The Jaguars’ starting offense would be done at this point, finishing the day for Travor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and many of the first unit.

2nd Quarter

The Jaguars’ Nick Mullens-led offense would ride the hot hand of the Jacksonville offensive line and RB Bhayshul Tuen early into the drive, with rushes of 7, 3, and 2-yards before pulling in a 6-yard catch on the fourth play. However, a Wyatt Milum false start would put the team in third-and-long (7), with a Dorian Singer incompletion to force the punt.

The Saints offense would have their most successful drive of the day, a 10-play, 45-yard, 7:25 field goal drive, capped by a 51-yard field goal. LB Devin Lloyd would make a great second-down tackle on Saints’ RB Kendre Miller, a one-yard tackle for loss. The Saints would miss out on the third-down conversion as WR Chris Olave would drop the third down, wide open catch (DeAntre Prince in coverage). (Jaguars 7 – Saints 3)

The Jaguars would again ride the hot hand of their running back core and offensive line, with RB LeQuint Allen opening the drive with a 14-yard rush. Nick Mullens would then find WR Trenton Irwin and Hunter Long for 16 and 26-yard gains. Also, check out LG Jonah Monheim during the Long catch.

.@NickMullens threads the needle and @HunterLong makes the grab!#JAXvsNO on CBS47 pic.twitter.com/vpuvRFNzRx

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 17, 2025

Bhayshul Tuten would then forcefully close out the drive on a three-yard touchdown rush. As a note, check out LT Fred Johnson on that touchdown rush. (Jaguars 14 – Saints 3)

.@Jaguars rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten punches it in for the score

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/FXmUxynghm

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025

The defense wasn’t done, as the front seven would continue to make things difficult on the Saints offense as they would again force a consecutive three-and-out. This drive would be ended by LB Ventrell Miller and Smoot sharing a split-sack on Tyler Shough.

Nick Mullen would then lead the team on a 9-play, 40-yard, 1:10 drive to close out the half with a 53-yard Cam Little field goal. (Jaguars 17 – Saints 3)

3rd Quarter

The Saints would open the second half with new life, with QB Spencer Rattler leading the Saints on a 9-play, 73-yard, 3:53 drive field goal drive. The Saints seemed to be on the edge of a touchdown drive after a suspect pass interference call on DB Christian Braswell gave the Saints the ball at the 9-yard line. However, the defense would force two incompletions on the three downs to hold New Orleans to a field goal. (Jaguars 17 – Saints 6)

The Jacksonville offense seemed to be putting together another touchdown drive when the Saints linebacker flashed underneath the Joshua Cephus passing lane, intercepting Mullens’ pass. The Jaguars would surrender their second redzone turnover of the day with the interception.

.@Saints LB Jaylan Ford read it perfectly for the pick

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/53DcgLS7aW

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025

New Orleans would pick up a 40-yard field goal on the following drive to cut the Jacksonville lead to 8-points after the Rattler third-down pass would be short of the sticks. (Jaguars 17 – Saints 9)

After a first down pickup on the opening play of the drive by LeQuint Allen in the receiving game, the Jaguars offense would be forced to punt after two short rushes and a third down incompletion.

4th Quarter

Both teams would trade punts before the Saints would put together a promising 58-yard drive before the recently signed CB Keni-H Lovely would step in front of the Rattler redzone pass to secure the Jaguars’ first preseason turnover.

What a Lovely INT #JAXvsNO on CBS47 pic.twitter.com/Jdv1cCwoHZ

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 17, 2025

The Saints offense would make things interesting with an 82-yard touchdown drive to bring the game within two-points with 21 seconds left in the game. Rattler would then run the 2-point conversion in to tie the game. (Jaguars 17 – Saints 17)

However, after Jacksonville would work within field goal range when QB John Wolford and TE Quinton Morris would connect on a 23-yard reception to make it a 58-yard attempt for Cam Little. However, Wolford’s next pass with 9-seconds remaining would be contested, tipped, and intercepted to end the game.

The rook Jonas Sanker gets the INT with no time left #Saints | @JonasSanker pic.twitter.com/suydvt58jJ

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 17, 2025

Jacksonville’s third turnover of the day would end the affair in a 17 to 17 tie, instead of a Cam Little attempt to go home with a victory.

Key stats (traditional):

• QB Trevor Lawrence: 8/10 for 76-yards (6.6 YPA), 1 passing TD, and 1 fumble (131.7 QBR)
• RB Travis Etienne: 3 carries for 24-yards (8.0 YPC), 1 reception for 8-yards on 1 target
• RB Bhayshul Tuten: 10 carries for 35-yards (3.5 YPC), 1 reception for 6-yards on 1 target, and 1 rushing TD
• WR Parker Washington: 2 receptions for 19-yards on 2 targets (9.5 YPR), 1 receiving TD
• TE Brenton Strange: 2 receptions for 22-yards on 2 targets (11.0 YPR)
• TE Hunter Long: 2 receptions for 32-yards on 2 targets (16.0 YPR)
• LB Ventrell Miller: 4 solo tackles, 1 sack
• LB Jack Kiser: 6 tackles (3 solo), 1 QB hit
• S Andrew Wingard: 2 solo tackles, 1 sack
• CB Keni-H Lovely: 1 tackle, 1 interception

View the full box score here

Game balls:

• Special Teams: WR Parker Washington – A kick return for 29-yards and a punt return for 15-yards
• Defense: LB Ventrell Miller: 4 solo tackles, 1 sack
• Offense: QB Trevor Lawrence: 8/10 for 76-yards (6.6 YPA), 1 passing TD (131.7 QBR)

PFF notable player:

The team over at Pro Football Focus noted the following from the game:

• Tank Bigsby starts for the Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars used a two-man committee with Bigsby and Travis Etienne Jr. when the starters were playing, unlike last week when Etienne played 100% of Jacksonville’s snaps with the starters.

• Last week, Brian Thomas Jr. and Hunter split snaps in the slot with the starters. In this game, it was a split between Thomas and Austin Trammell, further suggesting the Jaguars won’t have a clear slot receiver and instead will move their wide receivers around more often than Liam Coen’s offense did with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.

Injury Updates:

The following players left the matchup with injury:

• WR Joshua Cephus was helped off the field with an undisclosed injury at the end of the first quarter (no update provided to date).

Full highlights:

• You can watch the top plays of the preseason Week 1 matchup on the NFL’s YouTube channel here.

Post-game lingering questions:

1. An offensive line bounce back? The Jacksonville offensive line unit would have a slight shakeup on the right side with RG Chuma Edoga and RT Anton Harrison both inactive. However, you’d be hard pressed to tell any difference, with the front five pretty consistently providing Lawrence significant time to climb in the pocket and read the field over the first two drives. Additionally, they were consistent in the run game in that span. Even the backup offensive linemen showed major production with OL Jonah Monheim and OT Fred Jackson both having great games in the run blocking arena – a second consecutive week for Monheim.

2. Miscues a thing of the past?

A notable improvement from week one versus Pittsburgh, the Jaguars’ first penalty of the day came on their third offensive drive of the game, with their backups in the game – a Wyatt Milum false start with 13:36 remaining in the second quarter. Brian Thomas Jr did suffer an early drop from Lawrence, with Stange able to pick up the conversion. This was the only drop of the first half. If this is something the starting group can consistently reproduce, this Jacksonville team may be entering a new phase of their growth and development within this Liam Coen offense.

Nevertheless, it must be noted that the team suffered three total turnovers within scoring range. The two redzone turnovers and the final interception from John Wolford all came within Cam Little field goal or touchdown range. The good news, however, is that two of those three came from the second or third units.

3. Is a Jack Kiser/Chad Muma LB competition heating up?

Rookie LB Jack Kiser, upon initial look seemed to have a great game with a hard near-sack on QB Spencer Rattler. Kiser was neck and neck with Ventrell Miller for my defensive player of the game vote. Chad Muma also looked to put together a bounce back day after giving up a highlight-reel contested grab to the Saints.

.@Saints TE Treyton Welch goes up and makes a spectacular catch

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/45RvYtbbIo

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025

Jacksonville will next head to Miami to face the Dolphins in joint practices prior to their week three preseason away matchup. What are your thoughts from tonight’s game, Jaguars fans? Who surprised you most or disappointed you with their play tonight? Let us know in the comments.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/game-day-threads/76124/jaguars-saints-tie-in-week-2-preseason-thriller

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Trade: Jaguars ship C Luke Fortner to the Saints for DT Khalen Saunders

New Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone continues to flush players brought in by the previous regime.

After being the only NFL team not to re-sign an impending free agent, the Jaguars traded former third-round pick Luke Fortner to the New Orleans Saints for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders — just hours after the two teams played in Week 2 of the preseason.

Fortner started consecutive seasons in Jacksonville from 2022-23 before being benched for 2024 free agent pickup Mitch Morse, who retired this offseason. The Jaguars signed Robert Hainsey to man the pivot in 2025.

According to PFF, Fortner lined up at center on all but three snaps (among 2,297) since he entered the league. He ranked 41st out of 43 centers in overall blocking grade in his first season, and 39th out of 40 centers in his second season. The only centers with more blown blocks from 2022-23 were Drew Dalman and Josh Myers, per SIS.

The former Kentucky Wildcat played decently during the 2025 preseason, albeit not as well as seventh-round rookie Jonah Monheim out of USC. The latter has seemingly earned a backup role on the offensive line.

It’s good work by the Jaguars to trade a player who was widely expected to be released during 53-man roster cuts.

And the Jaguars got back a player who can provide depth on the other side of the trenches.

Saunders is entering his seventh NFL season. Last year, he recorded 2 sacks and 43 tackles, which would’ve ranked second among 2024 Jaguars defensive tackles behind only DaVon Hamilton. Saunders will now rotate in behind Hamilton as Jacksonville’s run-stuffing nose tackle in 2025.

The Jaguars were looking to bolster their DT depth with Arik Armstead (back) and Maason Smith (undisclosed) missing time during the offseason due to injury. Considering they are more of 3-technique defensive tackles, this move is arguably more of an indictment against recent fourth-round picks Jordan Jefferson and Tyler Lacy, who were battling to back up Hamilton at 1-tech.

In Saunders, Jacksonville got a stout interior defender who fits the “intangibly rich” mold that Gladstone covets.

In addition to being a key interior line defender, Khalen Saunders played an important role in the Saints locker room as the host of the weekly Captain’s Corner, following in the footsteps of Craig Robertson & Mark Ingram. Will be interesting to see who replaces him in that role.

— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) August 18, 2025

What are your thoughts on the trade, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...ke-fortner-with-saints-for-dt-khalen-saunders

 

[Jacksonville Jaguars]

Jacksonville Jaguars All-Time Team: Vote on Linebackers

The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their 31st season as an NFL franchise.

To commemorate their history — and to provide content during the dry part of the offseason — we’d like your help in naming the team’s greatest players at every position.

Here are the nominees for Jacksonville’s All-Time Linebackers.

Kevin Hardy (1996-01)​

Stats: 402 solo tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks, 10 pass deflections, 52 Approximate Value

Bio: Drafted second overall in 1996, Hardy became a defensive cornerstone for Jacksonville’s playoff teams of the late ’90s. A versatile linebacker who could rush the passer and drop into coverage, he posted 10.5 sacks in 1999 and earned Pro Bowl honors the following season. Hardy started over 100 games across six years with the Jaguars and still ranks among the franchise leaders in tackles and sacks by a linebacker.

Mike Peterson (2003-08)​

Stats: 413 solo tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 15.0 sacks, 20 pass deflections, 49 Approximate Value

Bio: Signed as a free agent in 2003, Peterson immediately became the heart of Jacksonville’s defense. A tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline range, he averaged over 100 tackles per year across six seasons in teal. Peterson was a key leader during the Jaguars’ 2005 playoff run.

Daryl Smith (2004-12)​

Stats: 540 solo tackles, 57 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, 39 pass deflections, 63 Approximate Value

Bio: A second-round pick in 2004, Smith was a model of consistency over nine seasons in Jacksonville. He became the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles, starting 124 games while excelling in both run support and pass coverage. Overshadowed nationally, Smith was one of the NFL’s most underrated linebackers of his era and a steadying presence throughout his career.

Paul Posluszny (2011-17)​

Stats: 587 solo tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 36 pass deflections, 51 Approximate Value

Bio: Acquired via free agency in 2011, Posluszny quickly established himself as the Jaguars’ defensive captain. Known for his toughness and intelligence, he led the team in tackles in five of his seven seasons in Jacksonville and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2013. “Poz” retired in 2017 as one of the franchise’s most beloved leaders, finishing second all-time in tackles.

Telvin Smith (2014-18)​

Stats: 446 solo tackles, 52 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 26 pass deflections, 46 Approximate Value

Bio: Drafted in the fifth round in 2014, Smith became one of the league’s most dynamic weakside linebackers. He led the team in tackles multiple times and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 while helping power Jacksonville’s run to the AFC Championship Game. Known for his speed and energy, Smith retired suddenly in 2019 but left a lasting impact on the franchise.

Foye Oluokun (2022-present)​

Stats: 299 solo tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 18 pass deflections, 22 Approximate Value

Bio: Signed in 2022 after leading the NFL in tackles with Atlanta, Oluokun has continued that production in Jacksonville. He topped the league in tackles again in 2022 and 2023, bringing durability, leadership, and intelligence to the Jaguars’ defense. With back-to-back 180-tackle seasons, Oluokun established himself as one of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL.

Time to vote!

Please do not pick the same player twice

Last week: Defensive Line / Next week: Secondary

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...lle-jaguars-all-time-team-vote-on-linebackers