JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars finally got a chance to see exactly what they had during Saturday's intra-squad scrimmage. Here are 5 thoughts from their scrimmage:
1) The offensive line has a lot of work to do
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To be kind, the offensive line wasn't very good. During the first two plays from scrimmage the defensive line completely dominated the offense. Luke Bowanko got the start at center but Gus Bradley said not to read too much into that. He and Stefan Wisniewski have been rotating on who works with the first team offense each day, and on Saturday it happened to be Bowanko's turn.
Bradley on the offensive line:
"I thought they did a pretty good job and this is why: I thought the backs tied in with the offensive line as far as protection. I saw the backs come across, pick up the blitzes. The defense brought some pressure at them and it's really good work for the running backs, so there were some things that we missed, but I thought the overall when they worked together, and the running backs tied in the offensive line, it's coming. Still got a ways to go, though."
2) Blake Bortles made some really pretty throws
When Bortles got time he was able to make some big time NFL throws. His 25-yard touchdown pass to Allen Robinson was placed in a position where only Robinson had a chance to make the catch. Same could be said for Bortles 14-yard touchdown pass to Julius Thomas. Bortles throw to Thomas was put over the correct shoulder and Thomas made a great catch.
3): Defensive line created havoc
Not sure if it was the great play or the defensive line or the bad play of the offensive line, but the Jaguars defensive front created pressure during the entire scrimmage. Ryan Davis made a tremendous diving grab to pick of a pass from Chad Henne.
4) Competition at running back
Denard Robinson was in the first group when the offense took the field. Toby Gehart and T.J. Yeldon also got plenty of repetitions with the first team offense. Because the defense wasn't bringing ball-carriers to the ground it was hard to see if any of them stood out. Yeldon did look good in pass-blocking situations. His ability to pick-up blocks was a concern coming out of Alabama.
5) Sigh of relief on Yeldon
Late in the scrimmage Yeldon left the field with a left-hand/finger injury. The rookie running back later returned to the field, with his entire left-hand wrapped in ice. Bradley said that it's not a serious injury and he doesn't expect Yeldon to miss any time.