JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars 2024 Training Camp continued Monday.
It was the fifth day of the third training camp under Head Coach Doug Pederson, featuring a practice with helmets and shells at the Miller Electric Center. Each day throughout camp, members of Jaguars Media – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick and team reporter Kainani Stevens – will share an observation.
Here are Monday's campservations:"
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
Aaal-moooooost theeeeeere. We're close to the real stuff now – and make no mistake: There is a feeling around Jaguars '24 camp of being very ready for the start of the "real" practices, which begin on Tuesday's Day 6 with the first day of padded work. The Jaguars on Monday went through what was essentially the final day of the NFL's acclimation period – and from this view, an offense that was inconsistent at times in Week 1 started Week 2 with more efficiency along with a few more big plays. One highlight: A long touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in one-on-one drills. As pads go on this week, we'll get a first look at one-on-one pass rush drills – and Head Coach Doug Pederson said Monday this week will be the first chance to practice and evaluate what he hopes will be an improved running game. Center Mitch Morse on Saturday summed up how players feel as the padded work approaches, saying: "You get a little anxious. Everybody does in their stomach, but it's a good thing. You do a little more football-specific stuff. No one looks forward to it. If they do, they're insane, but they're necessary."
Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent …
Lawrence had a good day Monday. He looked sharp and played with great energy. That should be enough of a "Campservation" for anyone. My Hot Take on Jags A.M. Monday was about using the adversity of a few rough spots on the practice field to help "sharpen the edge." It looked as if Lawrence was ready for a good day, and he had one. It's also worth noting that after practice when the team ran gassers, backup quarterback Mac Jones led the way – by a longshot – on the first two sprints. But it was Lawrence who paced the final sprint, which is probably the toughest.
J.P. Shadrick, Jaguars Senior Reporter/Editor…
Coming out of the first off day of '24 camp, the focus was primarily on how the offense was going to perform coming off a few days with turnovers and balls on the ground. That continued a bit early Monday, with at least three punch-out forced fumbles from the defense in 7-on-7 drills. It got better as the practice moved along from the offense. However, Pederson in his pre-practice press conference seemed to not be too concerned about the slow start from the offense, saying they haven't schemed anything yet and are working on a few key things. It gets real starting Tuesday, with shoulder pads on for the first time, and this will be the week where we start seeing players separate themselves while vying for roster spots.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...
I caught up with wide receiver Christian Kirk after practice Monday to discuss his offseason rehabilitation and the struggles we've witnessed during training camp. Kirk missed five games at the end of last season with a core injury, but said he is now back to 100 percent and not dealing with any lasting effects. As for the struggles so far during camp, Kirk chalked them up to a learning curve. Kirk said the first few days of camp are about getting acclimated and then getting into a groove as camp progresses. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay are all new additions to the wide receiver room. Kirk is doing his best to help his new teammates get acclimated here in Jacksonville and get on the same page with Lawrence. We saw some flashes in team drills Monday from Davis and Thomas Jr. Hopefully that continues to progress throughout the week.
