Jacksonville Jaguars Week 2 Stock Report

With a single week behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, it's apparent that there is work still to be done. The awful 20-9 loss to the Carolina Panthers was a bit of a wake-up call, and the Jaguars need to answer it in Week 2.

One could make the argument that the entire team's stock went down, and on a broad scale, that is likely true. However, it's more important to focus on the individual level for the time being.

There were some positives from the loss, and the players who provided those positives deserve praise. It can be easy to dis the entire team after an ugly loss like Sunday's, but a closer look shows that it wasn't all bad.

The Jaguars need to recoup and rediscover the confidence they were building in the preseason, and take that into the Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. It's not easy, but the Jaguars have to move forward.

Paul Posluszny's Stock Rises After Incredible Week 1 Performance

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

Inside linebacker Paul Posluszny has long been praised for his high tackle counts, incredible work ethic and ability to lead the Jaguars for years. He's been a rock for the defense at his worst and his best, and last Sunday may have been his best.

Poz totaled eight tackles, two passes defended and a very impressive interception to erase a fumble from wide receiver Allen Hurns. He was the defense's most dynamic player, and that is exactly the kind of play the Jaguars defense needs.

The pass rush didn't do as badly as it did in the preseason, and it really started to cause trouble in the second half. Posluszny wasn't in on the pass rush, but he held down the fort admirably to allow it to do its job.

He was a cornerstone of the defense, and he needs to continue playing that way. Injuries have plagued him from performing at 100 percent the past couple of years, but he showed how dangerous he is when healthy on Sunday.

Blake Bortles' Stock Dips After Discouraging Performance

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Quarterback Blake Bortles was impeccable in the preseason. His receivers and their drops were brutal, but Bortles was playing well enough that it minimized the issue and provided hope for offensive success in the regular season.

The hope isn't gone, but the rose-colored tint on Bortles and the passing game is slightly dimmer. Sunday proved that he is still young and will still make mistakes, and the Jaguars just have to deal with it.

That doesn't mean that Bortles isn't free of criticism. The offensive breakdown was largely due to his pick-six thrown to Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, and his lack of composure from that point on was concerning.

Bortles can, and likely will, improve, and that will start with the Dolphins. Before the pick-six, Bortles completed 14 of 25 passes, totaled 125 yards and threw a touchdown. He can perform, but he has to keep a sharp mental mind no matter the mistake.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Bortles have another promising game. If he doesn't make a major mistake, it could be a great offensive day, but if he does screw up, it'll be interesting to see if he responds any differently from this past Sunday.

Greg Olson's Stock Declines with Offense's Struggles

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Offensive coordinator Greg Olson saw success and visual promise in the preseason. The Jaguars needed a change of pace from former OC Jedd Fisch, and it seemed like it would be a smart move after the enjoyable performances from the offense in the preseason.

The same sentiment wasn't felt after the Jaguars offense scored a meager nine points. The offense had moments where rhythm and consistency were building, but it could never reach full stride.

Bortles can be responsible for some of the performance, but both Olson and head coach Gus Bradley also have to take responsibility. 

The most notable decision was the Jaguars' refusing to go to the run after the pick-six. The run game averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and taking some of the weight off Bortles' shoulders and running the ball instead could've brought back some composure.

He'll have another chance to prove that his offensive scheme is a useful and respectable one, but Olson will look to forget Week 1.

T.J. Yeldon Shows Promise, Gets a Stock Rise After Week 1

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

T.J. Yeldon's performance of eight carries for 10 yards and a touchdown in the third preseason game wasn't as hopeful and stellar as many Jaguars fans had hoped for. 

Instead, Yeldon decided to have his standout debut in the regular season's first week, rushing for 51 yards on 12 carries and looking like a viable option at running back at the moment as well as in the future.

The team announced Yeldon as the starter in the days leading up to Week 1, but his absence from three preseason games and his unconvincing showing against the Detroit Lions in preseason Week 3 left many doubtful.

He answered the call and was definitely the Jaguars' all-around offensive MVP. Bortles may have moved the offense and scored the touchdown, but Yeldon provided a much-needed spark in the running game and should've seen more of the ball.

The Jaguars will likely turn to him more against the Dolphins, and they should. Lifting some of the weight off Bortles and allowing Yeldon to get more carries could make for a balanced, more composed attack in Week 2.

Luke Joeckel Does Well, but Injury Causes a Drop in Stock

John Raoux/Associated Press

When backup tackle Sam Young took the field, some wondered whether the offensive line's quality would considerably drop. It did, and it solidified that, while starting tackle Luke Joeckel isn't perfect, he is important to the starting line. 

Joeckel suffered an ankle injury in the second half, and his absence was noticeable right away. Young got hit with a holding call and also struggled to contain defensive end Kony Ealy and anyone else coming from the right side.

Joeckel's recovery date isn't certain, as ESPN.com's Mike RiCocco noted, but the Jaguars will miss him dearly whether it's for a week or a month. He's not the best member of the offensive line, but he was finally starting to improve and now has to focus on recovering instead.

The Jaguars don't have much choice other than Young, although backup center Luke Bowanko has been practicing at tackle as of late. Neither is a preferred starter, but that's what the Jaguars have at the moment.

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.