Which Jaguars Shined vs. the Dolphins?
We are about a fortnight away from the NFL regular season kickoff after the final dress rehearsal that is the last 2023 preseason game. For all the analysis, we’re still in the period where the action is like an episode of Seinfeld. The players are performing in front of a live stadium audience, but at the end of the day as an exhibition, it’s a show about nothing on the scoreboard.
As an added bonus, Jacksonville Jaguar fans who attended the game at Everbank Stadium can dust off their old Jalen Ramsey jerseys as the Miami Dolphins came to town with a currently injured Ramsey on their roster.
With all that in mind, here were the stand-out performers that the Duval Devout should be excited about.
Travis Etienne
The difference between where this 2021 1st round pick’s skills are now compared to this time last year after missing his rookie year to injury is night and day. While the starting offensive line generally controlled the line of scrimmage, Etienne definitely had moments showing he has a full year of action under his belt where he turned potential losses into positive yards.
Whether solid line play or defenses sitting back to account for the Jacksonville passing threat is what set up the opportunity, Etienne’s contribution will be valuable to provide offensive balance.
Calvin Ridley
This preseason has made the trade for the former Atlanta Falcon wide receiver look like a move that has paid off. Whether as a possession target to move the chains on third down or to take shots downfield like the 28-yarder that set up Etienne’s touchdown in the first quarter, Ridley has demonstrated that he will be a threat all over the yard.
Whatever round pick that Jaguars have to give Atlanta (which can be as high as a 2nd-rounder in 2024) it currently seems worth the price.
Yassir Abdullah
Throughout his rookie preseason, Abdullah has been a force pressuring backfields. The 2023 5th round pick can officially boast an interception in game action.
As much as the edge rush has been an area of concern coming into this season, seeing a player produce as a sleeper pick in a way that can convert into regular season impact is promising for any Jaguars fan.
Tim Jones
Maybe Jones saw that the Jaguar report featured him last week with the 48-yard bomb he hauled in against the Lions in Detroit last week. This could have inspired his “hold-my-beer” moment for the 74-yard scamper to paydirt on the pass from CJ Beathard.
Though honorable mention could definitely go to Seth Williams for his two catches for 50 yards featuring a 43-yard connection from 3rd string quarterback Nathan Rourke, Jones’ huge catch could be the play of the offseason.
