Ten Things I See in the '09 Jags

1. The Emergence of Second Year Defensive Ends

Last night, and in every preseason game, Groves and Harvey have done an exceptional job at defensive end. 

True, neither have registered a sack, but the two defensive ends have created pressure and seem to be right in the action.  Especially Derrick Harvey, who was in the right place at the right time for much of last night.

2. Wide Receiver Play

I don't know if I have seen one bad drop, besides Mercedes Lewis, from the Jaguars receiving core. 

Sure, the Jags aren't perfect in the passing game (far from it), but once Garrard gains seasonal form, the Jaguars should not be plagued with the drops that have been an issue for years.

3.  Troy Williamson Continues to Impress

Williamson is becoming a solid threat for the Jags, and although he may have only caught one ball on four pass attempts, the other three balls last night were poorly thrown. 

If you look at the first pass of the game, Williamson had a step and had plenty of open space, had Garrard put the pass on the money.

4.  The Linebackers are Deep and Solid

Against one of this year's Super Bowl favorites, the Jaguars held the Eagles to just six points at the half, with all three backup linebackers in.  The Jaguars will be a much more physical team this year, and it starts with the linebackers.

5.  The Defense Will be Much Improved

Rashean Mathis is playing very well and the secondary had a decent night last night against the Eagles.  The run defense has been stellar against the Dolphins and Eagles, two teams with plenty of RB talent.

6. David Garrard Will Be Fine

Sure, he hasn't had a stellar preseason, but it certainly has not been bad.  And when you watch other quarterbacks, like Donovan McNabb, they make some of the same preseason errors that Garrard makes. 

7. The Jags are a Big Second Quarter Team

The Jaguars have made a living in the second quarter, scoring 30 of the teams 64 preseason points just before the half. 

8. Tyler Thigpen Would be a Fantastic Addition

We saw last night that Paul Smith can barely throw the ball, and Bouman has a problem with getting balls batted down.  Although Thigpen may have been 1-10 as a starter, he kept the Chiefs in games.

9. Special Teams May be the Achilles Heel

The Jaguars are struggling a bit in special teams.  Although the performance last night was much improved, you can almost see the Jaguars squandering a late game lead on a kick or punt return.

10. Chauncey Washington has Taken a Big Step on Rashad Jennings

Sure, Jennings is hurt, but when you watch Washington run, you can almost see a MJD in him.  Almost.  But still, Washington has looked FAR better than he did in his rookie year.

Five Predictions

1. In 2010-11, the Jaguars will possess a three-headed monster (Jennings, MJD, Washington).

2.  The Jags will win their first game against the Colts (Bob Sanders won't be playing and neither will the two starting DT's...can you say HUGE day MJD?).

3.  Garrard will throw 18 TDs; 10 INTS.

4. The Jags will have the number 12 offense in the NFL and the number 10 defense.

5.The Jaguars will average around 21 points per game.