Jags Practice In Shells For Second Consecutive Day
Tuesday’s practice had the Jaguars in shells again for the second consecutive day for a practice that lasted over two hours.
“I thought we were a little tired,” head coach Joey Jones commented after practice. “We are at that midway-point of camp. We hit the weights pretty hard yesterday on their legs and they came out a little tired, but they fought through it. We just have to keep fighting through it. I told them it’s like the light at the end of the tunnel is coming, we just have to keep working.”
Though they appeared tired, Jones said that the team has improved on both sides of the ball. “We have gotten sharper offensively,” Jones explained. “Since the scrimmage, we have come back and had two good days of practice defensively. It’s kind of hard to tell on special teams. Our kickers are doing well, but we’ll find out a little more about it this weekend in the scrimmage.”
One position Jones said that has stood out is running back. “We feel like we have four or five guys who can really play at running back,” Jones said. “It seems like every one of those guys has stepped his game, and that has been encouraging. Defensively we didn’t know how many defensive ends we might have, but I feel like we are creating some depth there.”
Offensive player of the day was awarded to Xavier Johnson. Offensive coordinator Robert Matthews said that he had a good day and has progressed during preseason camp. “He made some really good cuts today, and continues to run the ball well for a young guy,” Matthews observed. “We’re hoping he is going to be able to contribute some for us on Saturdays.”
Defensive player of the day was awarded to Roman Buchanan. Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson said that Buchanan was been a consistent player and understands the defense. He is a good communicator as well. “I think he is really starting to understand the defense,” Pearson explained. “His role is very important. He has to make a lot of checks and be in a lot of different places, and he understands that.”
Play of the day went to Shavarez Smith for the second day in a row after making a one-handed touchdown grab over a defender in the back corner of the end zone during 7-on-7 drills.
Other highlights included Matt Floyd and Claude Garrett hooking up for a touchdown in the back of the end zone during 7-on-7 drills. Margo Reed intercepted a Brandon Bridge pass in the back of the end zone to end a drive. Defensive end Theo Rich tackled Bridge in space to stop what looked to be a big gain during one of the team drills. DeMarion Harper recorded back-to-back sacks of Hunter Vaughn during the team period as well.
The Jags will return to practice on Wednesday.