We’ve officially reached the mid-way point of the preseason and finally will get to see the Jacksonville Jaguars starters temporarily see the field as they take on the Miami Dolphins. In addition to seeing the starters for the first time, there are also some battles between the reserves in which fans will be looking to see unfold, too.
All that in mind, here are six players to watch Thursday as the Jags look to take the Dolphins down on their home turf:
QB Nick Foles
Clear, cut and dry, the team will only go as far as he takes them and the front office’s fate should be ultimately in his right arm as they made a huge commitment to him. After months of anticipation, he’ll take the field for the first time and fans will be looking to see his superb work from training camp translate to game day.
Mid-way through the preseason it appears Dede Westbrook will enter Thursday’s game as his favorite target after the two built a strong rapport during training camp. Needless to say, the connection between the two will be the most important to watch because it’s ultimately the connection that could carry the team after a 2018 campaign in which the Jags finished 26th in passing.
WR Chris Conley
While Westbrook will be a key player to watch when on the field with Foles, most shouldn’t have any doubts in terms of his ability. After all, he was able to be the Jags’ best receiver with Blake Bortles throwing to him.
However, one player who is a little bit more of an unknown to Jags fans is Chris Conley. Like Westbrook, he too had a great connection with Foles and it was likely due to the two playing with each other in Kansas City. Now, it’s a matter of showing fans how strong their bond is on the field.
Conley has elite speed and his role will likely be to serve as a deep threat for the offense. The Jags may choose not to show that off until the regular season, but it would still be nice to see him and Foles make a few connections before we get to the regular season.
WR DJ Chark
DJ Chark played in the first two preseason games, but not with Foles who he’s received a majority of his snaps with. For that reason, a lot of fans are curious to see what the two can do on the field together.
The Jags are somewhat starting to see some results from their 2018 draft class as Ronnie Harrison looks like a promising member of the secondary and Will Richardson is on the heels of A.J. Cann to start at right guard. Now, it’s Chark and Taven Bryan’s turn to step up as the Jags’ top-2 selections of last year’s class.
Chark had a strong training camp and was arguably the MVP of minicamp and organized team activities. All that said, the talent is clearly there as he’s been strong on the practice field dating back to his rookie season, however, Thursday’s game marks an opportunity for him to start becoming the playmaker the Jags need on game days.
RB Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette has had a quiet training camp, however, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Jags’ staff has often stressed his importance to the offense and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo has admitted he’ll be the engine of the offense.
Although DeFilippo is known for his passing expertise, making Fournette the Jags’ go-to guy isn’t that bad of an idea. It wasn’t that long ago that the Jags were the No. 1 rushing attack in football with Fournette, and they were able to come within a game of the Super Bowl.
Of course, when looking at his history with injuries, getting him out of the game healthy should be the team’s top priority, but it would be nice to see him break off a few long gains against the Dolphins, too.
OL Will Richardson
Week 3’s game will be the most important of Will Richardson’s career because it seems to be the game that will decide his fate as a starter. As most are aware, he’s currently battling A.J. Cann to start at right guard and a solid night should get him the nod in the eyes of most.
It seems as though Richardson should be crowned the starter in the end because we have yet to see his best. Meanwhile, it would seem Cann has reached his ceiling as he’s started in over 60 career games and hasn’t shown a ton of growth in the process.
WR Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor had a decent enough camp to the point where many felt he could end up being the Jags’ No. 6 receiver, but a hamstring injury has hindered him from playing in the Jags’ first two preseason games. As a result, he’s missed valuable time on the field and quite possibly lost his grip on the team’s last receiver position.
While Pryor has been dealing with his hamstring injury, Tre McBride has been the notable name gaining ground on the No. 6 receiver spot as he leads the team in preseason receptions with seven receptions for 89 yards. That said, the two will compete with each other over the next two weeks and Pryor needs to show up to have a chance in the battle.
