A Bit of Reassurance as Jags Win 2nd Preseason Game

For some teams, the preseason is admittedly less important. Notice I said less important, not unimportant. If the Patriots or the Colts lose, no one is going to really get all that upset about it. If the Lions win, no one is going to get that excited. For teams at the absolute top or bottom, in-season results are what will ultimately matter.

 For teams in the middle, teams really vying for credibility and the right to be taken seriously as a contender, the margin of error is smaller in preseason. I would like to think the Jaguars are very much one of those teams. If Garrard isn't sharp, people will think last season was a fluke. If Cleo Lemon looks bad, then you fear for that one twist or pop that takes Garrard out of the game. If the defense isn't solid, then the team could quickly be viewed as an explosive team that's vulnerable to high-scoring losses. If the kicking and return games aren't efficient, then above average is the best is the best they're going to be.

All that said, fans collectively breathed a sigh of relief last night as the Jags effectively won a "war of attrition" type contest last night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expected by most to be a considerably better opponent than both the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, the first two teams Jacksonville unimpressively faced this preseason. Apparently, the Jags were able to get some good work done this past week, despite the lingering Tropical Storm Fay.

While it still wasn't pretty, many Jax first-teamers played their way into the second half (perhaps for rhythm's sake?), and a game-saving defensive stop was needed in the final seconds by the third-string defense, Saturday's night's 23-17 victory on the road was more in line with what Northern Floridians expected from a Jag's club that hopes to penetrate the league's elite.

Garrard hit on 10 of 16 passes with two touchdowns and a pick, Lemon also orchestrated a sustained scoring drive, Fred Taylor looked good, and regulars Reggie Williams (WR) and Reggie Hayward (DE) returned to action after injuries without any further complications. The Jax D forced came up with four turnovers (including two interceptions by Safety Reggies Nelson) courtesy of Tampa Bay's lackadaisical offense. Josh Scobee knocked in three of three field goals, including a 45-yarder.

The season is itching closer, and the Jags--not too mention, every other team--have a long way to go. But last night was really the first signs of encouragement that the Jags could get to where they want to be this year. Playing the Redskins in D.C. this Thursday will be another valuable test before opening day at Tennessee on September 7.