Allison: 19-0. A shutout. In the preseason finale. And it wasn't even close, folks.
Derek: Allison, that defense looked like they were playing for a roster spot, and it showed.
Allison: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, Jaguars fans! I'm Allison, and with me is the sharpest mind in football, Derek.
Derek: Appreciate the intro, Allison. We're coming off a dominant 19-0 win over the Buccaneers, and we've got a lot to break down.
Allison: Today we're reacting to the final preseason game, the offense, the defense, and what it means for the regular season. Stick with us!
Allison: Alright Derek, let's start with the offense. Carter Bradley got the start and went 8-for-15 for 77 yards and a touchdown. Not eye-popping, but efficient.
Derek: Yeah, and that touchdown was a 1-yard pass to DeeJay Dallas. But the real story was the running game. J'Mari Taylor had 12 carries for 44 yards.
Allison: And Hunter Long led the receivers with 2 catches for 47 yards. That's a big play down the field.
Derek: Absolutely. But let's be honest, the starters didn't play. Trevor Lawrence was on the sideline, and we didn't see him throw that touchdown we predicted.
Allison: Right, we predicted that on the last episode. So that's a miss. But we also predicted the defense would force a turnover. Did they?
Derek: They didn't force a turnover, but they pitched a shutout. That's even better, and we didn't see Ameer Abdullah break a 40-yard run either. So we went 0-for-3 on predictions.
Allison: Maybe we should stick to analysis and leave the predictions to the betting folks. But seriously, Bradley showed some poise in the pocket.
Derek: He did. He managed the game well. But the bigger question is who's the backup quarterback behind Trevor Lawrence. Nick Mullens and Joey Aguilar are still in the mix.
Allison: And what about the offensive line? We were worried about depth, but they held up pretty well.
Derek: Yeah, but we still have some injuries on the line. Patrick Mekari and Wyatt Milum are questionable. That's something to watch.
Allison: Right. So the offense did enough to win, but we need to see more from the starters when the real games start. Let's move to the defense.
Allison: Derek, that defense was dominant. Bryan Thomas Jr. had 2.5 sacks, and Jalen McLeod led the team with 7 tackles.
Derek: That's a statement. They held Tampa Bay to zero points. The pass rush was relentless, and the secondary held up.
Allison: And it wasn't just the defense. Special teams came up huge. Michael Wortham returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown.
Derek: That was a momentum swing. And Cam Little nailed a 61-yard field goal. That's a weapon.
Allison: So the defense and special teams were the stars. But there are still some key roster battles going on.
Derek: Exactly. The backup quarterback spot, the running back committee, and the receiver depth. We saw a lot of guys get reps.
Allison: And injuries are a concern. Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers are both questionable. That's a big deal for the regular season.
Derek: Absolutely. And we have Parker Hughes and Dennis Houston on injured reserve. Depth is going to be tested.
Allison: But the defense looks like they're ready to make some noise. They've been improving all preseason.
Derek: Yeah, and that's a good sign. They need to carry that into the regular season.
Allison: So what's next for the Jaguars? The regular season is right around the corner.
Derek: We don't have the schedule in front of us, but we know they're 2-1 in the preseason. They need to build on this defensive performance.
Allison: And we need to see Trevor Lawrence get some real reps. He only played a little in the preseason, and he didn't throw that touchdown we predicted.
Derek: Yeah, but I'm not worried about Trevor. He'll be ready. The bigger question is the running back by committee. No clear No. 1 rusher.
Allison: Right, we talked about that in a previous episode. They're going to try to split carries, but will it work?
Derek: I think it can, especially with the receivers they have. Travis Hunter is a weapon, and Hunter Long showed he can stretch the field.
Allison: And what about the defense? Can they keep this up against real starters?
Derek: That's the million-dollar question. But if Bryan Thomas Jr. keeps getting pressure, they'll be tough to beat.
Allison: Alright, let's wrap this up. We've got a lot to look forward to. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and share it with your fellow Jags fans.
Derek: And as always, Duval till we die.
Allison: That's all for today's episode. We'll be back with more Jaguars coverage. Until next time, stay locked in with the Beatline Podcast Network.