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Jaguars defeat Lions in preseason but suffer O-line injuries. Here are our takeaways
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- Jaguars defeat Lions in preseason but suffer O-line injuries. Here are our takeaways
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Detroit Lions 25-7 in their second game of the preseason .
After participating in joint practices this week, most of the starters for both teams were held out of the contest, putting a spotlight on the reserves as the preseason and training camp rolls on.
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C.J. Beathard got the start for Jacksonville with players like rookie running back Tank Bigsby getting the opportunity to show their skills and put out "game film" as they competed against the reserves of the Lions.
Aug 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws a pass against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
It was a game that coaches and players will be able to watch and learn a lot from. But the biggest takeaway is how quickly the Jaguars have put together depth after picking No. 1 overall in consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.
Postgame recap: Jacksonville Jaguars roll past Detroit Lions in second preseason game
They're going to need to lean on that depth as injuries ravaged Jacksonville's offensive line unit Saturday. Cooper Hodges , Chandler Brewer and Blake Hance all headed to the medical tent during the game.
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The extent of the Hance and Brewer's injuries isn't immediately known, but Hodges suffered an injury to his patella, per the team.
He had a brace on his right knee as he exited the field on a cart during the game. He'll undergo further testing when the team gets back to Jacksonville.
Jeremiah Ledbetter raises stock, defensive reserves pressure Lions
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is sacked by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter (99) during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field, Saturday, August 19, 2023.
No player did more for their stock than Jeremiah Ledbetter, who finished the game with five tackles, two quarterback hits, a sack and a forced fumble, where he exploded into the backfield to break up a handoff.
Jacksonville can use added depth along the defensive line and if Ledbetter can repeat the performance he had on Saturday, he'll be a roster lock for the team.
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Along with Ledbetter, former first round pick K'Lavon Chaisson had multiple plays where he put pressure on the quarterback.
On the first snap from scrimmage, he corralled Lions' quarterback Teddy Bridgewater before the veteran escaped. Chaisson has been touted for his growth this offseason by the coaching staff and had a good performance to show off some of the praise he's received.
Walker Little starts at left guard
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Walker Little (72) celebrates after teammate place kicker Riley Patterson (10) kicked a field goal with 5 seconds on the clock to tie up the game and send it into overtime against the Cowboys. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Dallas Cowboys at TIAA Bank Field Sunday, December 18, 2022. The Jaguars trailed 21 to 7 at the half but came back to win 40 to 34 with a pick six by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) in overtime. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
The only offensive starter who saw action in the contest was lineman Walker Little. The third-year tackle out of Stanford played at left guard next to Cam Robinson , who was occupying the left tackle position.
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It's a lineup the Jaguars are hoping to see for the duration of the season after Robinson returns from serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance enhancing drugs policy.
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The Jaguars — already down two players at left guard with Ben Bartch recovering from a season ending injury from last year and Tyler Shatley still working back from Afib he suffered earlier in camp — got a taste of the pairing and will have game film to review.
The line overall struggled against Detroit's pass rush with Beathard routinely seeing pressure in the pocket during the early stages of the game.
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With the injuries, it'll be something to watch how the team handles the final weeks of the preseason and what lineup starts in their first game of the season.
Jaguars' wide receivers jockeying for roster, make flashes in matchup against Detroit
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Elijah Cooks (84) catches a pass Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Miller Electric Center at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Today marked the first day of training camp for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In one of the fierces position battles for Jacksonville, several wide receivers made strong arguments to their case for making the roster as a depth player.
With four positions set in stone, and a fifth slot presumably going to rookie Parker Washington , the Jaguars are going to have a tough decision to make for their sixth receiver selection.
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From Tim Jones, Kevin Austin, Seth Williams , Jacob Harris , Elijah Cooks, the Jaguars are going to have to decide who to keep on the roster and who to put on the practice squad.
Cooks led the game with 69 yards on two catches including a long of 47 yards, a stiff arm springing him free for the big gain. Jones was second with a 48-yard reception on a bomb from Beathard in the first quarter.
Williams snagged three catches for 36 yards, including a pair of first down gaining grabs to move the chains for Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tim Jones (15) hauls in a reception during training camp Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at Miller Electric Center at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. This was the 11th day of training camp.
And Harris got the start out wide, seeing three targets and pulling in one reception for a 23 yard completion.
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The unfortunate part for Jacksonville is that with the film most of the players put out through training camp, if they put them on the practice squad there'll be a team likely to come scoop up the player.
Rookie Report: Bigsby shows promise, Washington scores touchdown
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Tank Bigsby saw a chunk of carries in the first half and made the most of his opportunities. He was able to break several runs outside to pick up extra yards and impressed with his toughness. (13 carries, 70 yards)
The Jaguars play their final pre-season game Saturday at EverBank Field.
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Brenton Strange saw time on special teams, making the first tackle of the game on the opening kickoff. Strange also had a nice first down pick up on a reception from C.J. Beathard.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) smiles during training camp Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at Miller Electric Center at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. This was the 11th day of training camp.
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Parker Washington scored the first touchdown of the game in the second quarter. He also handled return duties with Jamal Agnew sidelined and did a nice job of not having fielding issues outside of a late muff that was recovered by Jacksonville.
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Christian Braswell had a nice pass breakup in the opening quarter and a solid open field tackle to prevent a big gain during the second.
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Erick Hallett had a diving pass break up to prevent a first down in the third quarter.
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Ventrell Miller saw limited snaps but was able to get a sack during the fourth quarter.
Juston Lewis is a sports reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter at @JustonLewis_ .
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars takeaways from 25-7 preseason win vs. Detroit Lions
