The Jacksonville Jaguars will stay home this week and host the Carolina Panthers for their next preseason game. Last week, they withstood some adversity and responded well against the New Orleans Saints. This week, there will probably be more of a focus on getting a jump on the opponent and staying in front. With their performance last week and throughout training camp, three questions persist that the Jaguars need to answer before their preseason game against the Panthers.
Do the Jaguars Need To Look For a New Backup QB?
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Nick Mullens looked abysmal against the Saints; the offensive line didn’t help, as Mullens did not have a lot of time to operate, but even in the moments where he did, Mullens did not show the poise that comes with a nine-year veteran who may be called upon at any moment if Trevor Lawrence goes down.
Neither of the quarterbacks behind him necessarily made you feel much better either, as Carter Bradley came in and struggled in the first half of the game before pulling it together behind the running game, more specifically J’Mari Taylor. Joey Aguilar completed his only attempt of the day, but I’m sure it was intentional that he didn’t get many more.
There are some options out there if the Jaguars do want to spend any of that roughly $8.5 million they have, according to OvertheCap.com. John Wolford spent time with the team two years ago before ultimately being released due to roster cuts. Russell Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo are also names to look out for. Jeff Driskel is also still kicking around at 33; the former Florida Gator may be open to coming back up the road from his old stomping grounds in Gainesville.
Is it Time to Panic About the Offensive Line?
The short answer to this question is probably yes, but head coach Liam Coen seemed to shrug off the injuries as just a “bug” that needs to be continually monitored. The first string of the offensive line didn’t participate in this game, but the backups looked incredibly underwhelming. Pair that with the potential loss of swing tackle Chuma Edoga in the first quarter, and it was downhill from the get-go.
The Jaguars brought in some reinforcements in the form of Timothy McKay, a 2025 Shrine Bowl standout, but given the amount of work that needs to be done before the start of Week 1, expect to see more moves done along the line.
How Does the Defensive Line Stand After Ruke’s Performance?
Ruke Orhorhoro was slated behind Matt Dickerson on the initial depth chart, who sat out the preseason game with the rest of the starters, a testament to how well he’s produced so far. Ruke wasn’t going down without a fight, though. Through the first half, Orhorhoro blew up a crucial third-and-one run play to force the ball back to the Jaguars and showed off his pass-rushing ability, getting constant pressure on Spencer Rattler.
It will be fun to see how Dickerson answers the bell this next week as Ruke doesn’t look to be bowing down anytime soon.
Also, Albert Regis had his moments, chasing down Zach Wilson (at 310 pounds!) for a 14-yard sack.
