JACKSONVILLE – All in all, it was a good Week One.
Not that Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley expected any different from the team's first three organized team activities practices of the 2014 offseason, but Bradley said there was one area he particularly liked.
Bradley, in his second season as the Jaguars' Head Coach, puts an emphasis on teamwork and communication. That was an area where the Jaguars made progress last offseason.
But Bradley said the area is significantly improved so far in this year's OTAs.
"I think that we're coming together as a team and that's what you would hope," Bradley said Thursday afternoon following the third of 10 scheduled 2014 OTA practices at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields.
"We always talk about owning the offense, owning the defense and the players owning it. We're not there yet, but I do feel like there's better communication taking place."
Bradley said the Jaguars appear to be communicating better on the field, saying that area is becoming a strength.
"I think the players really enjoy playing on the field with one another," Bradley said. "Those are all things that we're looking at as a team, too. Those are very important qualities to have as a team and that's what I think we're accomplishing."
OTAs are scheduled to resume Monday, with OTA practices scheduled Monday, Tuesday and Thursday next week.
Thursday's practice is free and open to the public and is scheduled to begin at 10:20 a.m. Fans must register to attend at jaguars.com/register.
Also around the Jaguars Thursday:
*Bradley said he is optimistic defensive end Chris Clemons will be at Monday's OTA practice. Clemons, who signed with the Jaguars as a free agent in March, was the only Jaguars player of 90 on the roster not attending the voluntary sessions this week. Bradley said he had a "really good" conversation with Clemons Wednesday, adding, "I say with really, really strong confidence he'll be here Monday."…
*Bradley said he doesn't worry about Clemons not being in shape or prepared. Clemons spent the past four seasons with Seattle, where Bradley was defensive coordinator from 2009-2012. "I know him well enough," Bradley said. "The one thing I know about Chris Clemons is he'll be ready to go and he's in shape. I feel better now about his situation and he assured me he will be here Sunday and I say that with 98 percent confidence he'll be here." …
*Bradley said he likes the progress during OTAs along the offensive line, particularly along the left side and including center Mike Brewster. Second-year veteran Luke Joeckel is working at left tackle and Brewster is working at center, with each working after rehabilitating injuries in the offseason. Zane Beadles, who signed as an unrestricted free agent in March, is working at left guard. "He (Brewster) has made really good progress with Zane and Luke," Bradley said. "With Austin Pasztor at right tackle we know what he's all about. We feel good there. That right guard spot is highly competitive right now and we're really pleased with our young guys along with Jacques (McClendon) and guys that are battling there."…
*Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles and rookie wide receivers Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson missed the team's Thursday OTA practice to attend the NFLPA's rookie premier in Los Angeles. The players were selected in Rounds 1, 2 and 2, respectively…
*Bradley said he likes how reserve quarterback Ricky Stanzi has played in practice in OTAs, saying, "He has surprised us on his performance thus far." Bradley added, "He's done a really good job. I think that he's really worked hard at owning the offense so he can play with more freedom and he's shown that." …
*Bradley also noted the following players as playing well in the first week of OTAs: quarterback Chad Henne, wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, defensive end Andre Branch and safety Johnathan Cyprien….
*Thursday's practice focused on situations, particularly red-zone and third-down situations. "I thought there was really good teaching going on," Bradley said. "You're seeing victories on both sides of the ball and that's really good."…
*Wide receiver Ace Sanders missed practice Thursday, but tight end Marcel Jensen returned. Linebacker Geno Hayes and wide receiver Allen Hurns also returned to practice after missing Wednesday. Safety Josh Evans (groin), cornerback Aaron Colvin (knee) and safety Josh Evans (foot) remained out.
