Cole Pepper

One Week Into Camp, What Do We Know About Jags?

The Jaguars took the weekend off after a week of training camp. Now, the focus turns to the preseason opener Saturday at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium against the Falcons (coached by former Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith).

One week into training camp, what have we learned about the Jaguars?

Have any opinions changed from the start of camp?

Why, those are some fine questions. Here are some answers.

I think that Khalif Barnes is going to remain as the starter at left tackle. The competition, of course, is still on going, but Barnes seems to be motivated by the competition. I have had a sneaking suspicion that Jack Del Rio wanted to light a fire under Barnes by focusing on the competition. That's not to say that Richard Collier is without potential, but he's still too heavy to have the kind of endurance that the position demands, as far as I'm concerned.

I also think that Chauncey Washington has a chance to make the team. The rookie running back from USC isn't going to be a big star right now, but he has some speed, and showed good vision on the touchdown run in Friday night's scrimmage.

If I were a betting man, I would say that the undrafted rookie with the best chance of making the team is Brian Witherspoon, the speedy punt returner and cornerback. I also like the looks for former Gator center Drew Miller. Miller may be kept around while Brad Meester works to return from biceps surgery.

I can't be the only one to think that if he stays healthy, Mike Walker could make a big difference this year. I do have the worry about his knee, though. Call me a skeptic, but I want to see him stay on the field.

David Garrard looks so comfortable as the starting quarterback to me. It's hard to believe that 12 months ago, there was some talk about letting Garrard go.

Tony McDaniel has been very good in camp so far. He has a Marcus Stroud style of play at defensive tackle and it looks like he'll be able to add depth to the equation.

I'm ready for a pre-season game. I think that this year, maybe more than eny in the past, performance in the games could impact the cuts more than ever. Jack Del Rio feels that he has a good, experienced team and the last guys on the roster are going to have to fill a specific role (special teams, for instance), and its tough to judge that in practice.

I also don't think that the Jaguars are in serious trouble if they don't get Derrick Harvey in camp. Quentin Groves looked good on Friday night, and with all of the blitzes that new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is installing, I think the Jaguars defense will put more pressure on the quarterback this year.



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What others are saying

  • sounds good
    so it sounds like a 1st good week, let's keep up the good work boys
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