Jacksonville stifled Tampa Bay in a dominant shutout, fueled by rookie Bryan Thomas Jr.’s monster performance and a relentless pass rush that likely determined roster spots.
The Jacksonville Jaguars ended their preseason with an impressive 19-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday night.
It was a thoroughly dominant performance from the Jaguars' defense, which held Tampa to 87 total yards on 45 plays, an astonishing average of only 1.9 yards per play. Jacksonville recorded five sacks, 2.5 of which came from rookie defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr., who likely earned a spot on the 53-man roster after having a monster game.
Not counting their one-play drive to end the game, the Bucs had 11 offensive drives on Saturday. Eight of them were over in three plays (or less). Aside from the one that ended with the Jaguars recovering a fumble on the first play, the other 10 all ended with a Riley Dixon punt, one of which Michael Wortham returned for a beautiful 63-yard touchdown.
After Jacksonville failed to pick up a fourth down from their own 42 with under a minute to go in the game, Tampa took over and ran one play before the clock hit all zeroes.
That was the only play the Bucs had in Jaguars' territory all night.
Thus brings an end to the offseason. Let's check out who did, as well as who did not, help their case for a roster spot.
Bryan Thomas Jr. Has Earned A Spot
The Jaguars are hoping to find complementary pass rushers behind star edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. They may have found a good one in Bryan Thomas Jr.
The undrafted rookie from South Carolina had already notched a sack this preseason. He added another 2.5 tonight, likely cementing his spot on the 53-man roster. Thomas had five total tackles, four QB hits, and even knocked down a pass for good measure.
In a game featuring many players fighting to make the team, nobody make a bigger statement than Thomas.
Last Running Back Spot Goes To J'Mari Taylor
In each of Jacksonville's first two preseason games, running backs J'Mari Taylor and Ameer Abdullah took turns looking impressive. They appeared to be in a close battle for the potential last roster spot at RB behind Bhayshul Tuten, Christ Rodriguez Jr., and LeQuint Allen Jr.
However, an injury to Allen may have opened the door for both to enter the season on the active roster, provided they could show enough to earn it.
Abdullah, who is a better one-for-one fit for Allen's role, did not see the field tonight, a good sign for his roster chances.
Taylor, on the other hand, saw plenty of action. He carried the ball 12 times for 44 yards, adding one catch for seven yards. If he still needed to do more to prove he belongs on the team, Taylor likely accomplished that tonight.
For the third straight game, veteran DeeJay Dallas was given plenty of touches, but failed to do much with them. Tonight, he was only able to turn 15 carries into 34 yards, though he was able to find the end zone on a one-yard TD catch.
Carter Bradley vs Joey Aguilar For QB3
Despite being outplayed by Joey Aguilar over the first two games, Carter Bradley still got the first call after backup Nick Mullens exited tonight.
Carter, in another game where the entire offense didn't do much, finished 8-for-15 for 77 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he didn't turn the ball over for the first time in three games.
Aguilar was again the more efficient quarterback, going 7-for-9 for 57 yards. He didn't throw a TD or an INT. The undrafted rookie finished the preseason having completed 17 of his 20 passes for 230 yards, with zero turnovers.
While it is possible that Jacksonville could try to put both Carter and Aguilar on the practice squad, the edge likely goes to Aguilar should they only keep one. His upside and impressive preseason make him a very intriguing QB to develop.
Quick Hits
Jalen McLeod was very impressive tonight. He registered seven tackles in the first half, including one for a loss and a QB hit. He made a very strong case for the roster.
Rookie WR Trebor Pena added three more catches tonight, giving him 10 over the three preseason games. With a loaded WR room, there simply isn't room for Pena to make the team, but he should be one of Jacksonville's top priorities for the practice squad if he isn't poached away by another team.
It is going to be a lot of fun watching Cam Little kick this season. The NFL record-holder, after kicking a 68-yard field goal last season, showed off his leg again tonight, drilling a 61-yarder with ease. It's such an advantage to know that just crossing midfield means you are now in scoring territory.
Final Thoughts
The offseason is finally over.
The Jaguars head into the regular season on a high note and should feel pretty confident about their roster this year.
While the offense didn't look very good in the preseason, none of the starters played, and many of the individual players the team was hoping to see flashes from came through at times. The defense looks strong, and the preseason may have uncovered a few hidden gems.
The team must cut down to 53 players by 6:00 PM Sunday, meaning the next 48 hours will be especially nerve-wracking for everyone, including Liam Coen and James Gladstone.
