JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars 2021 Training Camp continued Monday.
It was the 14th day of the team's first training camp under Head Coach Urban Meyer, featuring a padded practice at the Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex. Each day throughout camp, four members of Jaguars Media – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, team reporter Ashlyn Sullivan and senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick – will share an observation.
Here are Monday's campservations:"
Oehser…
A couple of lingering thoughts from Preseason Week 1. First: While quarterback Trevor Lawrence's first NFL repetitions expectedly have been heavily scrutinized, the rookie turned in many more positives than negatives in a loss to the Browns. Yes, he must get rid of the ball more quickly than he did Saturday – and yes, that contributed to the two sacks allowed with him in the game. But Lawrence's ability to turn negative down-and-distance situations into first downs – particularly after a first-play sack – was encouraging. Perhaps as encouraging for the Jaguars Saturday: An impressive performance from the defensive front, which helped the defense hold the Browns to 41 yards rushing on 26 carries. That was a good start for an area that must improve this season.
Sexton …
There was a lot of coaching on the practice field Monday. It makes sense, right? Coaches talk all the time about making corrections and learning opportunities, and it was clear that Head Coach Urban Meyer and his staff weren't going to let the littlest thing get by them. That was particularly true on the offensive line, where it looked and sounded as if the message from Saturday was "We expect more" up front. Maybe this is always how it is and I was just more tuned in to see how practice went after a preseason loss. But the look on a lot of players' faces Monday after practice was of being tired and pushed hard on a hot and humid day in full pads. No one said it was going to be easy. In fact, a few players said they knew when they signed on what they were going to get from this coaching staff.
Shadrick …
Meyer put the team back in full pads Monday, two days removed from the Preseason Week 1 loss to the Browns. Before practice, Meyer said the offensive scheme shown Saturday is not how this team will look in the regular season. For example: rookie running back Travis Etienne Jr., who we've been told will line up everywhere and be an offensive weapon, played 13 snaps and had one carry and one target. Meyer also said he wanted to play the starters more, but he will continue to lean on his NFL-experienced coordinators to determine repetitions. If Meyer can't get the reps he wants in the game, I would expect the practice reps to be amped up in the week ahead.
Sullivan …
Monday was another strong day for the secondary during Jaguars 2021 Training Camp. Multiple pass breakups and interceptions took place from the first team to the third team; once one turnover occurs, it is notable how the secondary plays with added momentum to get that next turnover. Cornerback Tyson Campbell and safety Jarrod Wilson had back-to-back pass breakups that made defensive end Jihad Ward so excited he was doing somersaults on the field. With cornerback CJ Henderson back at practice, the feeling is this secondary can be one of the strongest units on the team – if not, the strongest.
