Five Things to Watch as Jaguars Host Panthers in Preseason Week Two

The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Carolina Panthers for the second of three preseason games. After two days of joint practices, the Jaguars are still keeping their conservative approach and resting their starters. However, there’s still plenty the guys who will be on the field are playing for. Here are five things to watch as the Jaguars host the Panthers in Week Two of the preseason.

Is the Offensive Line Depth Improved?

Last week, the Saints had a field day against the Jaguars’ backups, sacking the quarterback four times, while hitting them another six times. The running game was also atrocious in the first half, driving the Jaguars into a 20-6 hole.

The running game emerged in the second half, and the offense did enough to score 18 unanswered points, but the backup offensive line struggled. With the uncertainty that still surrounds this unit, as the start of the season inches closer, a good showing from the second unit would be reassuring.

The Jaguars have invested in reinforcements like Timothy McKay and spent a sixth-round pick to acquire Daniel Faalele, but what will it amount to on the field?

Can Yasir Strike Twice?

The player who helped his stake on this roster the most against the Saints has to be Yasir Abdullah. He had two tackles, both solo, on defense; one a tackle for loss, the other a strip-sack that gave the Jaguars the ball in field-goal range.

Since then, it seems that Yasir hasn’t done enough to unseat Jalen McLeod for the backup role behind Dennis Gardeck at strong-side linebacker. Can Yasir do it again? Can he give another memorable performance against the Panthers?

Who Will Show Out Along the Defensive Line?

Both Ruke Orhorhoro and Albert Regis had impressive showings against the Saints. Both made a solid case for their spots on this roster along the defensive line. But will they be the only ones?

B.J. Green and Wesley Williams had flashes, but could this be the game where they show out on the edge? What about Zach Durfee? The Jaguars have so much talent along the defensive line and have had a great camp; it feels inevitable that someone will break out with a big performance in this game.

Can Jahlani Tavai Do Enough to Make the Roster?

Jack Kiser has been considered week-to-week after his knee injury on the first day of training camp, opening the door for Jahlani Tavai to swoop in behind Foye Oluokun at middle linebacker.

With Kiser still out, this is another golden opportunity for Tavai to make an impact on the position. With a strong showing, Tavai can start to make it interesting.

Who Will Impress in the Secondary?

Last week, Jabbar Muhammad showed he deserved a spot on the roster with his play. Is there anyone else who can stamp their way onto the roster? Jalen Huskey had an impressive showing; can he make the safety battle behind Eric Murray interesting? Can Devon Marshall play his way onto the final 53 or a practice squad spot with his play on defense or on special teams?

There are questions to be answered as the Jaguars get ready to kick off their second preseason game.