The Jacksonville Jaguars had a strong showing in the opening joint practice session against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But, Brian Thomas Jr. did suffer a minor injury.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a strong offseason, with various players showing immense growth and the team focusing on building on last year's successes.
Sitting 1-1 in the NFL Preseason, the Jaguars close out their August slate on Friday against the in-state rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Tuesday, the two teams participated in their first joint practice session, where Jacksonville looked the part as a physical, dominant team heading into the year.
"They gave us some good looks and were playing with their hair on fire," Bucs starting quarterback Baker Mayfield said about Jacksonville's defense. "If this was a full game, I don’t think we would have come out on the winning side. A little eye-opening."
Mayfield said that he felt the Bucs were "out-physicaled," giving the Jaguars credit for their intensity.
24-year-old defensive back Anthony Johnson was one player who shined, according to WJXT4 Sports Anchor Jamal St. Cyr, who noted the former Texas A&M standout's pick-6 recorded against Mayfield.
This was one of a few interceptions for Jacksonville's defense, who finished second in the league last season with 31 takeaways.
Johnson led the charge as a ball hawk in the Jaguars' secondary, recording a career-high five picks.
With another big season, Johnson could cash in next offseason, as he is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Offensively, head coach Liam Coen applauded multiple players who stood out, including second-year tailback Bhayshul Tuten.
Tuten is entering his first season as Jacksonville's lead back, with Coen being very positive about his growth throughout the offseason.
"When he can get going and get downhill, I mean, he was 4.28 coming out. So he can fly. Now just go be you, like go do what got you here," Coen said in a recent interview. "Go be special, that's who you are. And we're definitely expecting Tuten to have a big year for us."
Emanuel Pregnon, rookie offensive lineman out of Oregon, was another player who received positive remarks from Coen.
With Jacksonville's injuries and recent moves on the O-line, Pregnon may work his way into a starting role in Week 1.
Coen said he was pleased with how Pregnon looked against Tampa on Tuesday, adding that he looked comfortable against the Bucs' big, athletic offensive line.
Brian Thomas Jr. was a player who was injured in practice after a jump ball touchdown, coming down awkwardly on his shoulder.
Thomas was helped off the field and remained on the sideline in pads, with Coen saying his lead receiver will be held out of remaining practices and should be ready for Week 1 against Cleveland.
Entering the season, Thomas' presumed return to rookie form will be a metric for how far Jacksonville can go, as the offense should be explosive with a healthy Thomas on the outside.
Having a dominant day like this at practice is a good start to the practice sessions with Tampa and should give the team confidence heading into Friday's matchup.
