Jacksonville

The Jaguars look to play their first preseason game of 2007 tonight, at 7:30 PM. Yes, you're excited, and yes, regardless of how much you can't wait for the game, you're going to get bored quickly because it's preseasonf... unless of course you know what to watch for. Thankfully, I've got the sit-iations right here for ya.


What to watch for:

• Safeties Reggie Nelson, Jamaal Fudge. Fudge is a player that has looked good at times in the past, but has yet to move up to a starting role on the depth chart. Expect him to get a lot of playing time when Gerald Sensabaugh steps out, as Scott Starks wont make the game due to injury. I would also expect Reggie Nelson to get a good deal of reps, despite being the supposed starter this year, as it will be very important to see how improved the Jags pass D is with a coverage player like Nelson, as opposed a pure run stopper like Donovin Darius was.

• Usage and health of fullback Greg Jones.

• Justin Durant. This guy, just like Mathis, was from a small school and was drafted based on his abilities, not necessarily what he's proven. He was drafted for the future, with his most praised feature being his instinct. Watch to see what kind of plays he can make, if he gets the amount of time he's expected to.

• Dennis Norman starting for injured Brad Meester at center.

• TE Greg Estandia, and others. Kyle Brady is gone, and our TEs look to be used more pressingly in the offense this season. Also, what effect will this have on the running game? Find the TE with good hands, and that doesn't just mean during receptions. Our TEs need to block, and block well to lessen the loss of Kyle Brady and keep our running game as good as it was last season.

• Every player at WR -- specifically Mike Walker, Dennis Northcutft, Charles Sharon and John Broussard.

• QB Leftwich, obviously.

• Also pay close attention to Garrard and the second team receivers. On the depth chart for this preseason game, all our rookie WRs are moved to the back, but in reality they have as good a chance at starting than Reggie Williams and Matt Jones.

Watch how the receivers perform with Garrard, not necessarily how Garrard plays. Also watch for Ernest Wilford, if he plays. He's been injured for a little bit of camp, and is trying to fight for his spot on the roster.

• Quinn Gray still appears to be hurting, so don't expect him to play too much in this preseason game, if at all. This leaves the opportunity for Tim Couch to make his argument as a valuable 3rd/2nd string QB. If he plays, compare him with either Garrard or Gray. If he plays better than either of these two, he's given himself a great chance to stay on the roster.
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• Watch the return game. Dennis Northcutt will handle punt returns on first team, but if Alvin Pearman performs better than him, expect Pearman to keep the role as Northcutt is delegated to focus more exclusively on top WR role (something that may be very likely).