What did we see during the first half of Jaguars vs. Chiefs?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering halftime with a 20-10 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in Saturday's preseason opener.The biggest play from the Jaguars' first half -- other than Parker Washington's giant kickoff return -- was Brian Thomas Jr.'s 41-yard catch downfield. Despite an underthrow from C.J. Beathard, Thomas Jr. was able to throttle down and bring in the catch against tight coverage, drawing a giant reaction from the Jaguars' sideline.
For context, this huge play came right after Thomas struggled with press coverage on an out-breaking route on the previous throw. These two plays summed up what we have seen from Thomas in camp and likely what his role and value will be this year. He is still growing in many areas of his game, but he will be able to stretch the field right away.
The two impact players from the defensive side of the ball in the first half were clear: Roy Robertson-Harris and Chad Muma. Robertson-Harris got the start next to DaVon Hamilton due to Arik Armstead's injury, and he used the opportunity to make a splash. The veteran defender was stout against the run and recorded a tackle for loss, while also getting a quick pressure on Carson Wentz that led to a Yasir Abdullah sack.
Muma was all over the field for Jacksonville, taking snaps at both strong side and weak side linebacker. Muma collected three solo tackles and made a terrific hit in coverage on a running back after a checkdown, stopping him in his tracks and delivering one of the best hits of the night. He was active, athletic, physical, and around the football.The Jaguars' run blocking was among the worst in the NFL last year, and Saturday's small sample wasn't much better.
After two drives, Travis Etienne had four carries for three yards with a long gain of five yards. So on his other three carries, he lost two yards and more or less had zero room to work with. If this wasn't also the case for most of training camp, this would be less concerning. But it is, for the most part, what we have also seen on the practice field.John Shipley has been covering the Jacksonville Jaguars as a beat reporter and publisher of Jaguar Report since 2019.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Campbell Among InactivesSeveral Jaguars will not appear tonight against the Kansas City Chiefs, including Tyson Campbell.
Read more »
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars FREE NFL preseason live stream: Time, channelThe defending two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs take their first steps toward a title defense with a Saturday preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Read more »
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 3 Things to WatchWhat will we keep an eye on when the Jaguars and Chiefs meet on Saturday?
Read more »
Kansas City Chiefs vs Jacksonville Jaguars - August 10, 2024View the Kansas City Chiefs vs Jacksonville Jaguars game played on August 10, 2024. Box score, stats, odds, highlights, play-by-play, social & more
Read more »
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Players to WatchWhich Jaguars should the focus be on this Saturday vs. the Chiefs?
Read more »
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs: How to Watch, Stream and ListenHow can you watch the Jaguars preseason opener vs. the Chiefs?
Read more »