The Jacksonville Jaguars were pretty much outmatched in every way Thursday night as they lost their first preseason game to the Baltimore Ravens in a game that got ugly and ended with a final score of 29-0. With a score like that, of course there were some players who didn’t look so hot, while a handful managed to shine despite the overall concerning performance.
Here’s a quick look at six players whose stock rose or dipped after the game:
Stock up: DE Josh Allen
Allen had a penalty early in the game, but he balled out for the most part. In fact, on his first play he was able to record a tackle in the backfield on running back Gus Edwards. It ended up being his only tackle of the game, but head coach Doug Marrone raved about his stoutness against the run and told the media that he likes where the rookie is at the moment.
Stock down: DL Taven Bryan
Prior to the game we listed Taven Bryan amongst those who needed to stand out because he’s been quiet in camp. He unfortunately remained that way in Week 1’s game after receiving significant play time. While seeing the field for over 30 snaps, he didn’t register a single tackle on the night and simply couldn’t get off blocks at times.
That’s certainly not the way you would like to see a first-round pick start the season being that the Jags invested a lot into him. It also didn’t help that the quarterback the Jags passed on to draft Bryan, Lamar Jackson, was on the other side of the field successfully moving his team down the field.
All that said, Bryan has to show some life sooner rather than later as his struggles are beginning to become concerning.
Stock up: Safety C.J. Reavis
Those watching the game Thursday couldn’t help but notice Reavis, who was flying all over the field. He led the team in tackles on the night with six, but it felt like hew was around the ball more than the stats indicate. As a result, he was one of many Doug Marrone also singled out after the game.
Reavis’ performance couldn’t come at a better time as there are concerns about the Jags’ depth at safety behind starters Ronnie Harrison and Jarrod Wilson. Heck, who knows, maybe his performance on Thursday could put him in the discussion to start if Wilson struggles this preseason.
Stock down: The reserve QBs
With Nick Foles sitting out, Thursday was a night for Gardner Minshew, Tanner Lee and Alex McGough to show everyone what the hype was about as Tom Coughlin raved about the group back in May.
Long story short, they left something to be desired.
It’s worth mentioning that none of the three had the starting offensive line in front of them, but the argument could be made that those are often the circumstances for most reserve quarterbacks during the preseason. Simply put, the good ones (and there aren’t many in the trios defense) find a way to impress regardless of the circumstances.
Of the three backups, Minshew was clearly the best player, but even he made some inaccurate throws and showed questionable arm strength while ending the night 7-of-14 (50 percent) for 46 yards. Meanwhile, McGough (3-of-8 for 18 yards) and Lee (0-of-3) had even rougher nights as both threw picks and couldn’t find their rhythm.
Luckily, there is still a little time for the group to put Thursday past them. However, they’ll have to do it with less snaps in Weeks 2-3 as Foles might see a little more play time.
Stock up: CB Tae Hayes
Hayes has been impressive in camp and transferred that same success to the field Thursday. He acquired the lone pick for the Jags’ defense late in the second quarter after stepping in front of receiver Miles Boykin who was looking to link up with quarterback Trace McSorley on a hitch route. Hayes also had two tackles on the day and two pass breakups, too.
Sure, he wasn’t perfect and gave up a touchdown (which was actually called back), but Hayes has proven to be scrappy all summer. Additionally, at 5-foot-9, 188 pounds, the Jags probably aren’t viewing him as a guy they’d put on the outside in the future, so he wouldn’t be put in the predicaments we’ve seen in the preseason. Besides it would appear he’s more of a player who could end up on the Jags practice squad, where the could maybe develop him as a nickel guy who could predominantly play on special teams.
CB Breon Boarders
The Ravens targeted Boarders occasionally and had some success against him and there even was a pass interference penalty call against him in the game. That said, with the No. 5 cornerback spot potentially available, and players like Hayes and Picasso Nelson impressing, Boarders will need to rebound against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Like Hayes and Nelson, Boarders has made plays in camp, and if he can’t make the team, a practice squad spot could be up for grabs for him. That in mind, the next three weeks will be big for him as he looks to bounce back from a preseason Week 1 game that wasn’t horrendous, but also wasn’t his best.
