FOXBORO, Mass. – The Jaguars worked against the World Champions again Tuesday.
The Jaguars and defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots practiced about two and a half hours Tuesday morning at the Patriots' practice facility outside Gillette Stadium. They worked in 64 degree temperatures before about 20,000 fans.
Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin and quarterback Blake Bortles both spoke to the media Tuesday, and we also caught up with left guard Patrick Omameh. We'll have more from Bortles later on jaguars.com and more from Coughlin and Omameh in this story.
Coughlin as expected said little about the Branden Albert issue, and we covered that story in First off the Field here.
Coughlin spoke on several topics, emphasizing that the work against the Patriots will benefit the Jaguars. He discussed it when asked about the team's ability to run against the Patriots.
"We're not tackling, so you're not going to see that," Coughlin said. "I only wish we had a nine-on-seven [run-oriented work] today, which we didn't have. It's been a good experience and I think guys are getting better. Probably the best way to explain it is improvement comes in increments; there's not a huge jump. We're taking it all in stride."
Coughlin was most expansive when addressing the physical training camp of Head Coach Doug Marrone.
"You can see how Doug wants to do it," Coughlin said. "Doug's got them in pads, practices are long. The situations are there. We have an outstanding number of reps that these guys are taking. They're adjusting to their pads, and this has helped.
That's the purpose and his idea is to maximize our repetitions. So far, at home, working has been very good. One of the issues has been that we haven't had it as hot as you like it and I'm sure that'll be the way it is when we get back."
Notes and observations from Day 11 Jaguars Training Camp Tuesday:
*As Marrone did Monday, both Coughlin and Bortles on Tuesday emphasized that for them this week was not about the Patriots but about the Jaguars. The Patriots as defending Super Bowl champions are the NFL standard, and it was clear this week the Patriots had an edge in several areas. That was noticeable Tuesday during 11-on-11 team work, when the Patriots were efficient and scored several touchdowns on passes from quarterback Tom Brady. The Jaguars, after having multiple flash moments in individual and 7-on-7 drills, struggled through much of 11-on-11 work Tuesday. Bortles started the session with a pair of sacks and two passes broken up by cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore. ….
*Tuesday was difficult for the Jaguars on several fronts. Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. was removed from practice twice – after a face-mask penalty and after arguing with Patriots players. Bortles – despite not being intercepted – finished the day completing less than 50 percent of his passes. A few highlights came from the receivers, with Allen Robinson making a long reception downfield despite interference by Gilmore and wide receiver Marqise Lee making a spectacular catch over a defender on a high pass down the sideline from Bortles that was called out of bounds on a close call by the official. Lee also had a touchdown reception later in 11-on-11 drills. Overall, though, this was a tough day for the Jaguars' offense. …
*Omameh continues to work with the starters at left guard, with Marrone saying Sunday he likes what Omameh has done there in camp. "Every day I come out and try to put my best foot forward and show I'm someone that can be dependable," Omameh said. "I know that's an everyday thing." …
*The defensive line also flashed at times for the Jaguars, and defensive tackle Malik Jackson continued a very good training camp with a goal-line stop of running back James White. Jaguars cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste had an interception for a second consecutive day, this one off Patriots third-team quarterback Jacoby Brissett. …
*The Jaguars improved in goal-line work compared to Monday. After going 0-for-4 in that situation Monday, they scored two touchdowns Tuesday – on runs by rookie Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon. The Jaguars' defense stopped the Patriots on three of four plays in goal line Tuesday after allowing two touchdowns Monday.
*Coughlin on rookie left tackle Cam Robinson: "He has had two good days of work. He has had some good, some bad. He's improving as a result of that. This is good stuff." Robinson has worked extensively with the starters at left tackle this week, alternating at times with veteran Josh Wells. …
*Coughlin on being on the field during drills and practices: "It gives me a better opportunity to evaluate. I can see firsthand and not listen to somebody else tell me about them. I'm able to make my own evaluations, which are a part of a number of evaluations, but nevertheless, this is a good part of it for me." …
