JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars opened 2024 Training Camp Wednesday.
It was the first day of the third training camp under Head Coach Doug Pederson, featuring an non-padded practice at the Miller Electric Center. Each day throughout camp, four 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 Wednesday's "campservations:"
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…
With early camp practices non-padded, Campservations were limited Wednesday. What you can gauge is focus and vibe, with fourth-year cornerback Tyson Campbell early Wednesday afternoon setting the tone for Day 1 of camp by saying: "You don't forget." Campbell, speaking after a 90-minute practice, was discussing how the team's 1-5 finish in 2023 that cost them a playoff appearance was affecting the team's 2024 mindset. "It's motivation; it's fuel," Head Coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday. "It was a disappointing way to end our season. As high as it was for the first 11 games, it was just as low the last six. It's all stuff we can learn from – how it motivates guys, how we can lean on those experiences, coaches and players. With the addition of the new guys, hopefully, that helps us get through those times." The Jaguars this offseason focused on signing experienced free agents from winning organizations such as the Buffalo Bills (center Mitch Morse, wide receiver Gabe Davis), the Baltimore Ravens (returner Devin Duvernay, cornerback Ronald Darby), the Green Bay Packers (safety Darnell Savage, tight end Josiah Deguara) and the San Francisco 49ers (defensive lineman Arik Armstead). This team doesn't want a repeat of last season. The tone is set. The task is clear.
Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent …
There was an energy about the Jaguars on Day 1. A lot of that can be attributed to being back on the field and having a game in 18 days. Call it the "first day of school effect." But there were also equal parts the energy of a team that knows it missed its opportunity last season, a team that has been retooled with new coaches and veteran players brought on to get them over the top and a touch of the chance to play for a team that has paid its guys. Don't underestimate the energy that can happen when players see the money paid to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, edge defender Josh Allen and Campbell. They know why those guys got paid and it absolutely creates a sense of urgency to go get theirs. "It shows the belief he has in us and that feels really good as players," Lawrence said of Owner Shad Khan's offseason investments. "The expectations are high, and they should be around here. He has put the time and money behind us. He has high expectations of us, and we have high expectations for ourselves. It's time to win and we've kind of lingered around a little bit the last few years, but this is our opportunity and we have to take advantage of it." This team sees what has been done since the end of last season and the players are determined not to disappoint again.
J.P. Shadrick, Jaguars Senior Reporter/Editor…
Day one of Jaguars training camp definitely had a back-to-school feel, with Pederson setting the tone in his first press conference before practice, plus Lawrence and Campbell laying out expectations after practice. For the practice itself, the team worked a lot of red-zone in the 7-on-7 time and team work, and it felt overall like the defense had a good day with a number of interceptions – including from Ronald Darby off Lawrence in the 7-on-7 drill by the front right pylon. There were moments where Lawrence found connections that you would expect, including a touchdown toss to Christian Kirk in the front left corner of the end zone when Kirk dragged his toes inside the boundary. Overall, a good first day as the ramp-up period is underway.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...
Defense wins the day as '24 camp is officially underway. Even without pads, the uptick in physicality was clear on the defensive side of the ball Wednesday. Campbell shut down rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. during 11-on-11 work. The defense struggled at the end of last season and dealt with the injury bug throughout the season as well. The team addressed that with some offseason additions, and it seems the defense is already in a better position in terms of depth. I look forward to seeing the competition in the secondary. Keep an eye on third-round pick Jarrian Jones out of Florida State. He looks poised to play a key role in new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's system.
We are so back! Players hit the grass and Jaguars fans fill the stands at the Miller Electric Center for the first day of camp. 🏈