The Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the Miami Dolphins on Saturday of their third and remaining recreation of the preseason. Listed below are three key matchups to look out for:
Anton Harrison vs Matthew Judon
The format for the Jaguars this preseason is to provide the starters a sequence or two of motion earlier than wrapping them up forward of the true motion in September. I very a lot count on that sample to proceed on Sunday, accidents however. The offense appeared fairly slick within the early going towards the New Orleans Saints, significantly the run recreation – and far of that was to do with a dominant exhibiting from the offensive line. Anton Harrison didn’t swimsuit up for that contest, with Fred Johnson getting the nod and searching a greater than succesful backup. However after full participation in coaching on Tuesday I think about Liam Coen will wish to get some stay reps into his beginning proper sort out’s legs earlier than the common season.
The method for the Dolphins could also be slightly completely different this weekend; rumors suggesting most if not all of the starters will probably be held out. That would and may open the door for brand spanking new acquisition Matthew Judon to get important gametime as he seems to familiarize himself with Miami’s playbook. Judon at his peak was one of the harmful move rushers within the league, significantly out of a 3-4 alignment. This will probably be 12 months 10 for the previous Baltimore Raven and New England Patriot, who noticed little in the way in which of dropoff in a one 12 months stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Providing higher rotation alongside Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb, Judon will probably be relied upon by the Dolphins this 12 months, in order that they want him to rise up to hurry rapidly. A stern take a look at towards Harrison will assist knock off the rust.
Jonah Monheim vs Jordan Phillips
It was a vote of confidence in Jonah Monheim that the Jags determined to commerce Luke Fortner to the Saints in trade for defensive sort out Khalen Saunders; the seventh spherical choice from USC has had a really sturdy preseason, with the rookie standing out within the two video games to date. Go safety has been a selected spotlight, assuring the entrance workplace that, ought to something occur to Robert Hainsey, Monheim will probably be able to step in.
Because it’s preseason, we’ll little question get one other prolonged take a look at the rookie middle on Saturday. While predicting the rotation amongst the Dolphins’ defensive entrance in an exhibition recreation is difficult, I think about he’ll come up towards a fellow rookie in Jordan Phillips, a fifth spherical choose on this 12 months’s NFL Draft. Phillips spent a 12 months at Tennessee earlier than ending up at Maryland, and was lauded all through the draft course of for his work ethic and management expertise. His calling card is his first step quickness, which suggests there’s some inside move rush to be unlocked in him regardless of meagre stats on this regard in school.
Phillips made a giant impression versus the Detroit Lions final weekend, recording 4 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a sort out for loss and two quarterback hits. Monheim may have his arms full, however can win if he will get his arms on the nostril sort out early; kryptonite to Phillips, who must get higher at shedding blocks. An intriguing battle between two very promising first 12 months gamers.
Jourdan Lewis vs Dee Eskridge
Demise, taxes, and the Jaguars secondary being banged up. A change in entrance workplace personnel and the teaching employees hasn’t appeared to eradicate Jacksonville’s endless harm checklist on protection. With Tyson Campbell and Montaric Brown being joined on the sideline by Travis Hunter towards the Saints, it was a possibility to check the depth on the cornerback place. Issues bought slightly shoddy as the sport went on, however starters for the night Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones had been nearly impeccable; going up towards New Orleans’ starters they yielded no catches, giving confidence that this unit can survive the gauntlet of a full season.
Lewis is an attention-grabbing one to regulate – the previous Dallas Cowboy got here to Jacksonville this offseason, and has been pencilled in for the beginning nickel function when everyone seems to be wholesome. His versatility to be deployed on the skin will probably be helpful, and on Saturday he’ll face a receiver who has had a very good preseason with the Dolphins to date. Dee Eskridge won’t have lived as much as the billing when he was chosen within the second spherical by the Seattle Seahawks in 2021, however he’s taking a look at a contemporary begin in Miami the place his pace compliments one of many quickest offenses within the NFL. After sitting on the apply squad final 12 months, he’s making a run on the 53 this time round.
Eskridge caught 3 passes for 53 yards and a landing towards the Lions. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill possible being restricted if taking part in in any respect, Saturday represents one remaining likelihood to stake his declare for a roster spot. Jourdan Lewis will probably be decided to maintain him quiet.