JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars as they prepare to play the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in a 2024 Week 1 game in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday at 1 p.m.
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
- Trevor Time. We've spent the offseason discussing multiple themes around the Jaguars' 2024 season, but the reality remains that the key to this season – and to the franchise's future – remains the development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is an important storyline. So is the interior of an offensive line that must run-block better than it did in 2024. But Lawrence's ability to play consistent and raise teammates is the No. 1 storyline, and the good news for the Jaguars is he appeared poised to do that during what by any measure was the best and most consistent of his four NFL preseasons. The biggest issue for Lawrence is reducing turnovers. We won't know his progress on that front until the regular season begins. But as Sunday's regular-season opener approaches, there's every reason to feel optimistic about this critical storyline.
- The Big Four. While the Jaguars' offensive line was correctly a major offseason and preseason storyline, the thought here is that the Jaguars' defensive front may be just as important in 2024. This was a strong area for the first three months of 2023, then faded late in the season. The thought here is that this may be best area in 2024 with four players – defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker and Arik Armstead and nose tackle DaVon Hamilton – capable of disrupting and drawing double teams consistently. Hines-Allen and Walker led the NFL with 27.5 sacks as a tandem in 2023 and are both strong against the run. Armstead signed as a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers and is a high-end player against the run and pass. Hamilton, hampered by a back issue last season, in 2024 Training Camp appeared close to the disruptive form he showed late in the 2022 season. This group has an elite feel. If that feel is correct, the Jaguars' defense will be a vastly improved group in 2024.
Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent…
- On message. Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has been on message since the first day of 2024 Training Camp, and that message is perfect for this week's opponent. I talked to Nielsen this week and couldn't get him to talk about facing Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill or how Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards last season or the speed of the Dolphins' offense. He acknowledged those things but stayed steadfastly with the storyline he's espoused since July – that the Jags are focused on themselves and getting the job done by doing their jobs. I heard it in the locker room after practice Wednesday from cornerback Tyson Campbell, who didn't want to talk about the particulars of facing Hill or Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle — only on knowing his assignment, executing the proper techniques and being ready for whomever lines up across from him. Safety Darnell Savage said essentially the same thing – that this week isn't about Miami but about the Jaguars playing their best and doing their jobs. The Jags' defense knows how talented the Dolphins' offense is and how big a task it will be to beat them in Miami, but layers aren't fazed by it. I walked out of the facility on Wednesday thinking that Nielsen has this defense right where he wants it heading to South Florida this weekend.
- Comeback time. Lawrence is ready to make this a comeback season. I'm not sure he would use that exact word, but he has said more than once that the way last season ended drove him through the long offseason to be ready to take this team further in the regular season – and deeper into the postseason – in 2024. He looks bigger and more muscular than in his first three seasons, which is a good indicator of that focus. And while he's calm and collected in front of the media, his teammates talk about a player whose desire to win is at an entirely different level this fall. We might not see it much. Lawrence isn't prone to jumping up and down in the locker room before the game or getting in guys' faces on the sideline during the game. He knows that it doesn't matter what he says. It matters what he does. On that count he seems prepared and poised to do a lot this season.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ..
- Two of a kind. Days from the season opener, Head Coach Doug Pederson said he still hasn't decided who will be the main play-caller for this season. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor called plays last season, while Taylor and Pederson split the play calling in 2022. Pederson went on to say he believes there isn't much difference between how he and Taylor call plays. The last question of Pederson's press conference Wednesday pretty much summed it up. He was asked about the use of "or" on the Jaguars' defensive depth chart. Pederson said those starters can vary by situation, then quipped, "It's Doug Pederson or Press Taylor."
- South Florida Shootout. It's difficult to know exactly what we will see Sunday, but I feel safe assuming two things: It will be hot, and we're going to see both teams scored a lot. The Dolphins have been one of the league's most dynamic offenses for a while and their depth of talent allows them to beat you in myriad ways. The Jags have added some new targets for Lawrence this season, and a healthy offensive line opens up a lot of possibilities they were unable to execute last season. Both teams have new defensive coordinators looking to establish new schemes. Normally in the NFL, the defense comes together sooner than the offense. This game may prove an exception to the rule.
Working for the weekend! View top photos of the Jaguars preparing to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon for regular-season week one.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter (99) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Maason Smith (94) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Tyler Lacy (93) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen (70) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive linemen Anton Harrison (77) and Luke Fortner (79) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars assistant outside linebackers coach Mario Jeberaeel during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Luke Fortner (79) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Anton Harrison (77) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Joe Gaziano (97) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive linemen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars assistant defensive line coach Rory Segrest during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars outside linebacker coach Bill Shuey during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Steven Jones (64) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Shawn Bowman (49) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Maason Smith (94) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight ends coach Richard Angulo during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (95) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars Cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Jalen Jackson (36) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen (70) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell (86) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit (84) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 4, 2024.
