JACKSONVILLE – This was a memorable day – and a productive one.
Safety Andre Cisco discussed just why it was memorable following a two-hour practice Saturday morning – and he talked, too, about just why he feels really good and optimistic as Jaguars 2024 Training Camp continues.
The good feeling is about perspective – and circumstance.
"Just mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, it kind of has all come together for me this year," he said.
Cisco, entering his fourth NFL season, spoke shortly after Day 9 '24 camp practice Saturday. The practice was held in 88-degree temperatures. That it was held inside EverBank Stadium with military and fans attending was one reason it was cool.
Another reason: Players following practice gave their practice jerseys to military members on the field, with the jerseys specially made for the event.
"I love it," Cisco said. "It's a good way to interact with the fans. Training camp is for the fans as much as it is for us because they want to know what the team is like. Bringing them out and being able to interact and do hands-on stuff is cool."
Cisco, a third-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, said his good feeling entering '24 camp is a culmination of the past several seasons. He played just two games in his final collegiate season at Syracuse – 2020 – because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, then started three games as a rookie before starting 30 over the past two seasons.
"I think I had to go through everything I've been through throughout the last three-to-four years, even coming out of college, tearing my ACL, then coming into the league, going through the things I went through," he said. "Not that it has been a bad three years. It's just things are up and down sometimes.
"I've learned a lot, just in terms of even my approach every day, being a little more consistent."
Cisco – like all returning Jaguars defensive players – is adjusting to a new defensive scheme and approach under first-year coordinator Ryan Nielsen, whose attacking/aggressive defense has replaced the 3-4 scheme of former coordinator Mike Caldwell.
"I actually have more progressions in this defense than I did in previous defenses," he said. "Not that it makes me play slower, but you're saying, 'If he does this, I have to look this way to because my other safety is reacting this way.' It's a little bit more quarterbacking than before, which makes it easier, honestly, once you do read it right.
"I think I make the most out of every situation. It does feel right. I'm really embracing the new coaches, really embracing the new guys they brought in as well. We've just meshed well."
Within that growth, and within a new scheme, is what Cisco said he hopes is a chance for an increased role with increased opportunities.
"I've grown as a player, so I can take a little more responsibility now," Cisco said. "I think coaches will embrace that when the time comes for game-planning. Half the battle is all 11 guys doing their job. What we're doing as a unit right now is helping everybody to make plays when it comes.
"It's the guy that catches the ball, but it's also other the other 10 guys."
Here's a look at Saturday's practice:
PLAY OF THE DAY
- Wide receiver Christian Kirk and quarterback Trevor Lawrence combined on the day's most memorable play late in practice. Lawrence after scanning the field in an 11-on-11 drill threw into the back of the end zone, where Kirk – covered well by rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones – caught the touchdown pass as he tapped his feet in the back of the end zone. …
STANDING OUT
- Rookie running back Jalen Jackson leaped for a perfect pass from quarterback Mac Jones and caught the pass with outstretched arms as he fell on his back near the sideline for a 20-yard gain. Jackson had a 15-yard run earlier in practice.
- Rookie kicker Cam Little continued a strong camp by converting four consecutive field goals from 41, 44, 48 and 52 yards in an early-practice drill. He also converted field goals of 51, 46 and 57 yards with a miss from 51 yards in team drills. …
- Running back Travis Etienne Jr. had multiple quick, strong runs for five-to-eight-yard gains in a late team drill. …
- Cisco and veteran safety Darnell Savage had pass breakups Saturday. …
- Lawrence completed touchdown passes to wide receiver Gabe Davis and tight end Evan Engram in a mid-practice seven-on-seven drill. …
- Rookie defensive lineman Maason Smith had back-to-back strong rushes in one-on-one pass rush. …
INJURY WATCH
Left guard Ezra Cleveland (leg) and cornerback Greg Junior (knee) sustained injuries in practice Saturday, with seven players missing practice:
- Right tackle Anton Harrison (concussion)
- Offensive lineman Cooper Hodges (back)
- Tight end Patrick Murtagh (ankle)
- Rookie offensive lineman Steven Jones (calf)
- Safety Andrew Wingard (knee)
- Tight end Josh Pederson (ankle)
- Linebacker Ventrell Miller (hand)
Four players practiced limited: Cam Robinson (shoulder, individual drills), running back Keilan Robinson (toe, individual drills), defensive lineman Adam Gotsis (stinger, no contact) and rookie defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson (ankle, individual drills). Defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee) remains on the physically unable to perform list to start camp.
