JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Let’s start this off by drawing a line in the sand. Any player that didn’t see the field until the second half, their odds of making the roster should be considered a longshot at best.
It was that kind of game. This is was a preseason football for only the most dedicated. Odds are, your favorite player on the roster never saw the field in Saturday night’s 20-7 win over the Buccaneers. Here are my Four cents:
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The curious case of Roy Robertson-Harris
The biggest name on the field for the Jaguars was probably RRH. It is very unorthodox for a veteran player like Robertson-Harris to be playing in a game like that in the preseason, especially when the Jaguars have a pair of rookie defensive tackles that could use those reps. Robertson-Harris did miss time during the offseason with a foot injury so that decision could be that they just want to make up for those lost reps.
Or, and this is a big or, they haven’t been pleased with what they have seen from Robertson-Harris. Remember, the Jags have now switched to a new defensive staff and they just drafted a pair of defensive tackles and brought in Arik Armstead. That’s a lot of competition. I like to think actions speak louder than words and the actions say the Jags want some new blood in the middle of that defensive line. Roy should be safe this year his contract would cost them too much to move on from but this may be the last year he is in Jax.
Believe the hype
Parker Washington has been the most hyped player on the Jaguars roster this offseason and he continues to live up to it. For the second week straight, Washington has shown up with a big play. The coaching staff has applauded his added versatility.
Last season, Washington was limited to only playing the slot and now they feel comfortable also playing him outside. The odds of Washington playing a role as a receiver this year seem slim unless there is an injury, but he could be tabbed as a returner and give them an exciting backup with upside if injuries do hit.
Party like it’s his birthday
Cam Little is finally 21. Yep, Little turned 21 and played a preseason game on his birthday. No crazy kicks but he sent them all through the uprights. For the first time since Josh Lambo was on his hot streak, it looks like the Jaguars have a kicker they can trust to send out for big kicks.
That is a lot to say about a rookie, but Little said when Jacksonville drafted him that he wanted to make sure he lived up to it. So far, he has. Little has looked good during practice and the only in-game kick he has missed was from more than 60 yards away, and it wasn’t short, he just hooked it. This guy has the makings of a kicker who will be putting them through the uprights at the ‘Bank for years to come.
Time to stop sleeping on Darby
I bought into the rookie hype and thought Jarrian Jones would eventually start Week 1 for the Jags at corner. I’m backtracking on that now. I still think Jones will be a good player and start one day but Darby will be the guy against the Dolphins. The veteran sat out the game Saturday night while the rookie played well into the second half. Darby has run with the first team most of camp and it looks like he and Tyson Campbell will be the bookend corners to start the season.
Bonus quick hits
- Mac Jones is the backup quarterback.
- Offensive tackle Javon Foster looks like a practice squad candidate rather than a guy for the 53-man roster.
- Tim Jones is WR 6. Special teams value is real.
- Christian Braswell will be on the 53-man roster.