Jaguars vs Falcons: Five observations
![Jaguars vs Falcons: Five observations Jaguars vs Falcons: Five observations](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MTY2NTQ5ODYxNjk5NjkxNzQz/0829minshew.jpg)
After losing 31-12 to the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale on Friday, the Jacksonville Jaguars are officially looking ahead to week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Jaguars' preseason went out with a quiet whimper, what did it tell us about the team?
1) Ryquell Armstead should have a role in the Jaguars' offense:
The fifth-round pick out of Temple plays a lot like Jaguars starting running back Leonard Fournette. He runs physical, is explosive running downhill and his awareness has improved as the preseason has gone on. He impressed against the Falcons with six carries for 40 yards, including a 31-yard run. With the situation behind Fournette murky, the Jaguars should seriously consider giving Armstead the role as his backup.
One cut and π¨π¨ π¨@track_chaser breaks off a 32-yard run.#ATLvsJAX | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/PCfwRmpRMJ
β Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 29, 2019
2) Doug Marrone wanted Taven Bryan to hear his message:
Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said Sunday he wanted to see second-year defensive tackle show some fight after having a self-inflicted setback against the Miami Dolphins last week, when he racked up two roughing the passer penalties in one half.
Marrone got that message through to the wildly inconsistent Bryan by starting him against the Falcons on Thursday, despite 40 players on the roster sitting out. Bryan had his struggles against the Falcons, but he probably had his most highlight-filled preseason game as well, albeit against backups, so maybe the message got through. Either way, the Jaguars will need to start seeing improvement out of the 2018 first-round pick.
Tavenβs sack. The physical tools have always been undeniable and they showed up here pic.twitter.com/yc2EzdPBHa
β Jaguars OnSI (@JaguarsOnSI) August 30, 2019
3) Quenton Meeks' issues continued
Second-year cornerback Quenton Meeks impressed when given regular season snaps in 2018, but his play has declined during this year's training camp and preseason. The corner who was physical and always around the ball last season has lacked awareness and technique this preseason, resulting in some lowlights against the Falcons. Meeks' issues may have brought his time as a Jaguar to a close.
Meeks was genuinely impressive in snaps last season, but his play has fallen off a cliff over the preseason https://t.co/bWNRplqDQ3
β Jaguars OnSI (@JaguarsOnSI) August 30, 2019
4) Breon Borders continues to impress:
On the opposite spectrum from Meeks, Borders has been lights out this preseason and has made a case to be included on the team's 53-man roster later this week. Against the Falcons, Borders once again flashed and showed why he has seemingly moved ahead of Meeks in the pecking order. His best play came on a third-down early on when he separated the wide receiver from the ball to prevent a potential first down.
5) Gardner Minshew still has work to do to instill confidence as Foles' backup:
Doug Marrone said Tuesday he wanted to see more from Minshew against the Falcons than what he has shown in prior preseason games, but Thursday didn't work out quite that way. Yes, Minshew had to deal with far too many drops, but he was also off-target too often, and he threw a pick-six that was called back due to penalty.
Quick math: QB Gardner Minshew played 30 series this preseason. In that time, offense produced 20 punts, four turnover-on-downs, three field goals, two fumbles and one missed field goal. #Jaguars
β Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) August 30, 2019
Ultimately, Minshew finished the game 11 for 26 passing for 76 yards without a touchdown, and his struggles to generate points this preseason may force the Jaguars to look into a veteran backup quarterback until he has shown enough to earn the role.