FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Jaguars practiced against the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday.
The joint practice at the Falcons' facility was in full pads, with a second practice between the teams scheduled Thursday. Members of Jaguars Media – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick and reporter/host Ashlyn Sullivan – will share an observation from each practice.
Here are Wednesday's "campservations:"
John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer
Wednesday's practice wasn't the most intense work of Jaguars 2022 Training Camp, but it featured multiple storylines. One was the camp debut of Jaguars rookie inside linebacker Devin Lloyd, who looked fast and athletic in his first full practice since a pre-training camp hamstring injury. Another was running back James Robinson, who seemed to run with confidence as he continues to return from an Achilles injury that ended his season last December. The biggest on-field Jaguars storyline came during late-practice red-zone work. The Jaguars have struggled to finish drives in the preseason, with the first-team offense scoring just one touchdown. The first-team offense scored a few red-zone touchdowns Wednesday, with two passes from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to wide receiver Christian Kirk particularly encouraging because they showed Kirk's continued ability to get open in tight situations.
Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent…
Former Falcons quarterback and current Falcons radio analyst David Archer told me Wednesday's joint practice session was much more productive than the Falcons' joint sessions last week with the New York Jets. He thought practice was well-orchestrated with quality work for both teams. There was plenty to like, with Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell breaking up a pass intended for 6-feet-7 tight end Kyle Pitts being one example. Another: Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen, proving difficult to block during one-on-one pass rush drills against the Falcons' offensive front. The tape will tell the story of the day because the coaches were looking for good reps for their starters in lieu of them playing on Saturday afternoon. Did they get what they wanted? Will they get more of what they want on Thursday? The answer is likely yes because there were no fights to disrupt the practice and no injuries, which are always important considerations.
J.P. Shadrick, Jaguars Senior Reporter/Editor …
I like having different looks for the team against another team for a couple of days as the Jaguars and Falcons are doing in Flowery Branch. That's as long as it's productive and not going over the line with after-the-whistle activity. Wednesday seemed to be a productive environment. The Jaguars continued alternating right tackles Walker Little and Jawaan Taylor with the first team Wednesday, and offensive coordinator Press Taylor before practice said there's truly no hurry to name the starter because both will be on the team and can contribute throughout the season. Lawrence drew some Atlanta media in his post-practice availability and said he enjoyed a different look from the Falcons. Also, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is good. Really good. And really huge.
Ashlyn Sullivan, Jaguars Team Reporter…
It took a while for the Jaguars to get going on both sides of the ball Wednesday. For the offense especially, it was not until the last half hour of practice that we saw red-zone success. It was great to see Robinson get more action on Wednesday. Wednesday's practice was the most snaps I have seen him since last season; he ended his day with a touchdown, running untouched into the end zone during goal-line period. Jaguars outside linebacker Travon Walker – the No. 1 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft – showed his freak athleticism, twice batting down passes at the line of scrimmage – with the first nearly an interception. Lawrence spoke about how great he feels with his grasp of the offense as the preseason approaches its end. One more chance to see the starters play Thursday for the last joint practice. After that, it's on to the regular season.
