Jaguars: Greg Olson's Offense Is Showing Signs of Promise This Preseason

Greg Olson joined the Jacksonville Jaguars staff for the second time in his 28-year career, but the second time around was under much better circumstances: a better staff, a better personnel and Olson coming in as an offensive coordinator rather than a quarterbacks coach.

Olson left in 2012 thanks to two reasons. First, he was offered the offensive coordinator job with the Oakland Raiders—an understandable reason to leave. Second, he had enough of working with QB Blaine Gabbert—an even more understandable reason to leave.

Despite the horror that Gabbert brought to the Jaguars and Olson himself, when the Jaguars offered him a chance to come back as OC, he took it. The team was growing, and having control and influence over a promising group of offensive players must have been attractive.

Olson's efficient offense and quarterback-whispering has seen success in the past. The most recent example is Raiders QB Derek Carr, who had a very solid rookie season, especially when compared to Jaguars QB Blake Bortles' first season, as seen below.

Player	Yards	Completion Percentage	Touchdowns	Interceptions	Rating
Blake Bortles	2908	58.9	11	17	69.5
Derek Carr	3270	58.1	21	12	76.6

Obviously the two QBs were in different situations and had plenty of variables that could be discussed, but one has to attribute some of Carr's rookie success to Olson. His play-calling and coaching set Carr up for an efficient and confidence-building season.

And in the first two games of the preseason, it seems as if Olson's calls and strategy have helped Bortles as well. Much of Bortles' improvement, especially technically, has come from offseason work, but it certainly helps to have an OC who understands young QBs and how to build them.

Bortles' improvement met with Olson's play-calling and created a new look of confidence in the quarterback. He was composed and efficient, and over the two weeks, Bortles completed 19 of 31 passes, threw for 216 yards, threw no picks and ran for a touchdown.

Those aren't top-level numbers, but they are efficient and will not be responsible for losses. Last year was a rough season for Bortles, and Olson realizes that. He's going to put Bortles in places to make easy throws and to continue having those kinds of stats.

Also, it's worth mentioning that Bortles was only sacked twice in those two games, with one being at the line of scrimmage. His offensive system matched with new offensive line coach Doug Marrone's knowledge and experience seems to be paying off well and early.

Adam Hunger/Associated Press

The Jaguars offense hasn't necessarily been explosive, but it has been consistent. Almost every single one of the first team's drives has seen them move the ball, take up the clock and wear down opponents.

The finishing in the final 30 yards or so hasn't been perfect either, but that comes with time. As the Jaguars personnel becomes familiar with each other, so will the touchdowns and explosive plays, as it does for most offenses.

Olson's offense may not be flashy, but it seems like it will be reliable to get a decent amount of points and give a proper break to the defense—something that didn't happen a lot under ex-OC Jedd Fisch last year.

Being competitive has been a theme of the Jaguars offseason, and it's translated to the offense as well. Fewer turnovers, more time with the ball and play-calling that forms to its players will keep the Jaguars in a lot of games this season.

Olson hasn't had a true test yet and won't until the Carolina Panthers travel to Jacksonville in Week 1. But in the meantime, this well-tuned offense will continue to work and impress in the preseason, and that's all one can ask of his OC.

What do you think? Does Olson's offense work out? Or does it lack the punch to win games? Comment below and answer the poll!

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.