After facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener, the Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for their game against the New Orleans Saints. Based on how they looked in the 31-25 loss and their second scrimmage game, the Jags have their work cut out.
Couple that with the fact that Travis Hunter may not suit up against the Saints, and there suddenly are a handful of reasons to tune in.
The Jaguars may not have Travis Hunter vs. the Saints
In the last day of training camp, Travis Hunter didn't practice. Head coach Liam Coen says that the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is dealing with an upper-body injury and the team kept him out as a cautionary measure.
Coen is unsure if Hunter will play in Week 2 of the preseason. If he doesn't he will miss valuable snaps, as he gets closer to becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to play two-ways full-time basis (or the closest possible to it.
The good news is that this isn't a make-or-break kind of situation for the West Palm Beach Native. He should have no trouble picking up where he left off once he resumes practing.
This begs the question, what other storylines, aside from Hunter's health, will be worth monitoring in the Saints game? Glad you ask.
Can the Jaguars offense bounce back after a rough game vs. the Steelers?
Saying that the offense has struggled the past few days is an understatement. The first-team unit committed three penalties on their first two drives in the opener. Jacksonville then held a second scrimmage, just ahead of the Saints game, and the offense once again looked underwhelming.
The Jags had better fix those issues that have been holding the offense back if they don't want them to carry over into the regular season. They'll have a prime opportunity against the Saints.
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How many carries will the Jaguars give to Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne?
After giving the lion's share of the workload to Tank Bigsby in training camp, the Jaguars gave Travis Etienne the starting nod against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Granted Tank Bigsby ended up playing more snaps and ultimately had six carries, whereas Etienne toted the rock just twice for 6.0 yards.
There's a rumor making the rounds that the Jags may be showcasing Etienne to teams who may be interested in trading for him. If that's the case, they'll get yet another look in Week 2. If the speculation isn't true, the former Clemson Tiger will get another chance to show he deserves to be RB1.
Who will start at safety for the Jaguars? Does Andrew Wingard have the edge?
Safeties Andrew Wingard, Antonio Johnson, and Darnell Savage are in a three-way battle for the starting job next to Eric Murray. All three have a compelling case to get the nod, and they all will have a chance to separate themselves from the bunch when Jacksonville faces the Saints.
The competition could come to the wire and up until the finale, but if one of them stands out in Week 2 of the preseason, maybe the team's brass will decide to put an end to it.
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