It might've been a case of tired bodies. Jack Del Rio thinks it was the result of playbook overload. Whatever the cause, the result wasn't pretty.
The Jaguars offense struggled in 11-on-11 this morning, with several passes having been dropped and David Garrard having had one pass intercepted by cornerback Tyron Brackenridge and returned cleanly for what would've been a sure touchdown.
"It's apparent that installation is overwhelming some guys. It was apparent this morning. It wasn't sharp," Del Rio said of his offense's performance. "We expect to execute at a higher level than that."
Rookie wide receiver Jarett Dillard, a fifth-round draft pick with a good-hands reputation, dropped three passes. Tiquan Underwood, a seventh-round pick, contributed one drop.
The quarterbacks and receivers hope to redeem themselves in an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday night in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. The public is invited to attend and there will be no admission charge.
"We'll put our team through some situations. It'll be a little different in what we do and how we do it, but it'll be a good, spirited work," Del Rio said, who has traditionally capped his team's first week of training camp with a scrimmage and mock game. This year, Del Rio is combining elements of the mock-game into the scrimmage.
Despite Friday morning's failings on offense, Del Rio said he "is pleased with the way this first week has gone."
A crew of NFL officials are to speak to the Jaguars players on Friday night and officiate the scrimmage on Saturday.
Del Rio described his team as relatively healthy. What injuries the Jaguars have would seem to be minor. Rookie defensive tackle Terrance Knighton missed the Friday morning practice with soreness in his left knee, rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas is said to be nearing a return to practice from a hamstring pull, and undrafted rookie linebacker Russell Allen is battling blisters.
Safety Sean Considine was absent from practice on Friday, as he was granted permission to attend a memorial service for long-time Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, for whom Considine played while in Philadelphia. Del Rio said Considine is expected to return to Jacksonville on Friday night and is likely to be removed from the PUP list and will begin practicing either Friday night or Saturday morning.
The Jaguars announced they have re-signed center Drew Miller. Veteran offensive lineman Mo Williams has started working at center, with the hope he could be a swing player at all five offensive line positions.
