Jaguars focus on roster depth as Panthers prevail in preseason
Jacksonville’s Week 2 loss to Carolina highlights internal battles for playing time, with rookies and depth players taking the field while starters rest.
The Jacksonville Jaguars conceded a 34-17 defeat to the Carolina Panthers in their Week 2 preseason match on Friday. The outcome was secondary to the primary objective of the contest, which was to evaluate individual performances and determine roster spots. Consequently, the Jaguars opted not to field their starting lineup, prioritising playing time for depth players and rookies over the final score.
Rookie wide receivers CJ Williams and Josh Cameron continued to stand out during the game. Despite the team possessing significant talent at the top of the wide receiver depth chart, the coaching staff is seeking opportunities to integrate Cameron and Williams into the regular season lineup. Their consistent performance suggests they may secure a role in the upcoming campaign.
At safety, rookie Jalen Huskey displayed strong tackling ability and mobility, continuing to impress observers with his willingness to engage. Meanwhile, quarterback Nick Mullens provided a much better performance compared to his struggles in the previous week, offering a more stable presence at the helm.
Running back Ameer Abdullah started the game, reminding observers of his strong summer performance. This was a notable shift, as J'Mari Taylor had featured prominently in the previous week's match. The competition for playing time remains tight, with the team potentially exploring an in-season rotation between Abdullah and Taylor.
Defensive evaluations revealed mixed results. While the Jaguars' run defence was noted as strong regardless of the depth chart tier, the secondary faced challenges. According to John Shipley, the Jaguars' defensive backs recorded no pass breakups against 34 pass attempts by the Carolina quarterbacks. Additionally, linebacker Jahlani Tavai made an impact as a blitzer, though the pass rush depth was otherwise quiet.
Internal roster battles continue for other positions. The competition between Ventrell Miller and Branson Combs remains tight, with both players seeing snaps in consecutive weeks. Furthermore, the status of veteran Christian Braswell is uncertain, as he is not currently considered a roster lock despite seeing regular snaps late last season.
