The Jaguars played their first road game of the 2014 NFL Preseason. They did so in front of a nationally televised audience. The Monday Night Football crew called the Thursday night tilt between the Jaguars and Bears at Soldier Field. With the game on ESPN, that meant more eyes on the Jaguars from fans and the media, as well as more excitement from the players.
Fan Focus
What a great look!
Football is a family affair for die-hard Jaguars fan, @jaxboz.
It's #Jaguars Gamedaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy!!! pic.twitter.com/TFMkayJICC — Chauffeur Boz (@JaxBoz) August 14, 2014
It was the first Jaguars game for Connor. Caption: "Getting ready to watch Connor's first jags game. @jaguars"
Gameday is exciting, regardless of the time.
Game day baby and my boys are on ESPN tonight. LET'S GO JAGS!!!!!!! @Jaguars @gojaguars @BoldCityBrigade #DTWD #JAGS4LYF #GOJAGS #JAXvsCHI — Andrew Campbell (@mrjag32) August 14, 2014
Time for some @Jaguars football. This just feels right. — Drew (@WhoaItsDC) August 15, 2014
Once the game was underway, Jacksonville made some big plays to get #JaguarsTwitter talking. Two young Jaguars collaborated to lead to a big play. Rookie linebacker Telvin Smith tipped a pass that led to an interception by second-year safety Josh Evans.
A Nole tipped the pass and a Gator caught it! Way to go Telvin Smith and Josh Evans! Teamwork makes the dream work baby!! #Jaguars — Powerline (@neilhendricksss) August 15, 2014
Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles made some nice throws on his way to a game-high 160 yards passing.
Wowza, Blake Bortles over the shoulder pass! #Jaguars — Kate (@ktjagster) August 15, 2014
Defensive lineman Tyson Alualu recorded his second sack in as many games.
Tyson getting lots of reps tonight. He's playing hard. #Jaguars — Matthew (@RealMBB) August 15, 2014
Reporter Roundup
Paul Posluszny is coming off his first Pro Bowl. He missed Thursday's game at Soldier Field, a place that has witnessed many great linebackers.
Too bad Posluszny isn't here tonight. Soldier Field is a shrine for middle linebackers. Butkus, Singletary, Urlacher. He fits right in. — Brian Sexton (@JagsVoice) August 14, 2014
Even senior writers were looking forward to watching Bortles play.
Jaguars QB Blake Bortles pregame Soldier Field. pic.twitter.com/R4ZnqcMz9a — John Oehser (@JohnOehser) August 14, 2014
Jaguars Owner Shad Khan was on hand to watch a battle between his team and the team from his home state.
If you think Shad Khan is popular in Jax, you should see him here in his home state. #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/OW7aaVYIw2 — Sam Kouvaris (@samsportsline) August 14, 2014
Smith, a fifth round pick, has impressed reporters, coaches and fans.
Speed,is why Smith plays a ton as a rookie. Loved him at FSU — Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) August 15, 2014
There is a lot of hype surrounding the 2014 Jaguars rookie class.
It's going to be fun to watch JAX offense grow together. Rookies Bortles, Lee, Robinson & Hurns should play together for a long time. — Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) August 15, 2014
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Allen Hurns has turned heads.
Asked Jaguars staff before Thurs night game if there was a legit rookie sleeper. Yes, WR Allen Hurns, (undrafted, Miami), 4 for 74 yards. — Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 15, 2014
The Jaguars defense got off to another great start.
Guy and Cyprien are going to set the tone for this #Jags D. Big hitters. — Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) August 15, 2014
Bortles chatted with reporter Lisa Salters following his 160-yard passing performance.
"Whenever they call my name" - Blake Bortles to Lisa Salters on when he thinks he should be starting in the NFL pic.twitter.com/NyCsQ5y99H — ESPN Monday Night (@ESPNMondayNight) August 15, 2014
Player POV
With Posluszny out, Nate Stupar got the start.at middle linebacker.
Game day! #JAXvsCHI pic.twitter.com/ALvQEeaIH7 — Nathan Stupar (@thenastynate54) August 14, 2014
Running back Jordan Todman shared this edit on Instagram, with the caption: "It's GAME DAY ...."
Linebacker Geno Hayes spent one season with the Chicago Bears. He returned to Soldier Field on Thursday night, but as a member of the visiting team.
Almost game time....#jagnation pic.twitter.com/bAhokhkkKJ — Geno Hayes (@55_AlwaysLive) August 14, 2014
The leader of the wide receiver group, Cecil Shorts III, congratulated Lee on his touchdown.
I see you @TeamLee1 !!!! Where the shmoney dance at tho??? — Cecil Shorts III (@CecilShortsIII) August 15, 2014
While preparing for the 2014 NFL Draft, Bortles' quarterback coach was Jordan Palmer. Palmer, who played for the Jaguars, is now a member of the Chicago Bears.
Despite getting off to a strong start, the Jaguars lost the game in the final minutes. The players were excited about the team's progress.
Didn't turn out how we would hoped but we definitely took another step in the right direction. #StandUnited #JagNation #CypSquad — Cyp (@J_Cyprien) August 15, 2014
Good night tonight! Making strides every day! Excited about where this team is headed. #Victory #Duval — Zane Beadles (@zanebeadles) August 15, 2014
