Jacksonville Jaguars Experience a Reversal of Fortune in Second Preseason Game

After Monday night last week; I was excited about the defense. After Saturday night this week however, I am slightly concerned.

After Monday night last week; I was concerned about the offense.  After Saturday night this week however, I am very hopeful.

It is truly a reversal of fortune. The Jaguars looked like a totally different team Saturday night, as the offense hit big plays, the running game was solid, and Garrard only got sacked once, and pressured little. 

However, this reversal did not stop there.  It hit the defense hard.  And hitting was something the defense couldn't seem to do right Saturday night.

The Jaguars missed many tackles, didn't play stellar against mediocre quarterbacks, and squandered a 11 point lead in two possessions.  Although this was mainly the fault of the special teams, the defense couldn't stop the Bucs.

Why did this happen? Maybe because of two of the starting three linebackers being out, maybe because Derek Cox has yet to play the game, or maybe the Bucs offense is better then we thought. 

Either way one thing cannot be denied.  The Jaguars' special teams play is simply disgusting.  Enough said.

The only thing that did not change Sunday night was Troy Williamson.  Williamson continues to shine in the preseason, as he caught three passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.  And I thought that Torry Holt was supposed to be Garrard's favorite target. 

And I thought Mike Walker was the next Jimmy Smith. 

In similar circumstances, Smith, who was a reject in Dallas, attained stardom in Jacksonville.  Could Williamson do the same?

Even if Williamson doesn't, his play during the preseason has been sustained and consistent.  He hasn't dropped balls, besides one on fourth down that was a bad ball from Garrard, and his training camp has been solid as well.

Its odd to think that once a long shot to make the team is now competing heavily with Mike Walker for the second receiver spot, a spot that many thought Walker had aced.

Nate Hughes also performed like he did, and looks like a solid third receiver.  And with the probable additions of Walker and Thomas, the Jags wide receiver core looks stronger then ever.

However, I want to see another solid performance from Williamson against the Eagles defense to be sincerely convinced. 

On the same note, let's see how the Jaguars do against the Eagles with Durant and Smith back possibly.  And maybe we'll finally see Derek Cox.

Last note of the day, Rashad Jennings needs to have a solid performance because Chauncey Washington looked SOLID against the Bucs.

If we can get the offense playing like it did against the Bucs and the defense like it did against Miami then the Jags may be well on their way to a very successful season.