Vikes’ stout defense good test for Bortles
EAGAN, Minn. — Whether it’s a coverage scheme the offense hasn’t seen or a blitz package it has yet to pick up, Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles assumes there will be something unfamiliar coming from the Minnesota Vikings’ defense during today’s preseason game.
In fact, Bortles hoping for it.
There are reasons it may not happen: the Jaguars and the Vikings just practiced together for two days, teams typically don’t prepare much schematically for the second preseason game and starters could be on the sidelines in about the time it takes fans to scarf down U.S. Bank Stadium’s lemongrass meatballs.
But with a little more than three weeks remaining until the Jags’ Sept. 9 opener at the New York Giants, a Minnesota defense that ranked first in points and yards allowed last season should provide the Jaguars’ offense with even a small learning opportunity.
And whatever they can glean now could be helpful later.
“Obviously, they are not going to show us everything during practice,” Bortles said. “I am sure that something will happen in the game.”
The Jaguars’ offense showed some good and some bad during two practices this week at the Vikings’ TCO Performance Center, but the trip to Minnesota will largely be judged on today’s performance.
Can Bortles build on his impressive opening series during the Jaguars’ preseason debut against New Orleans? That lasted 15 plays, chewed up 79 yards and bled more than seven minutes off the clock before he ran in a touchdown. Bortles is unlikely to play the whole first is almost half, but he should be in for several series.
Can the offensive line hold up against a Vikings defensive line that includes end Danielle Hunter and tackles Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson? It’s likely the Jaguars will be without left guard Andrew Norwell (calf ) and right tackle Jermey Parnell (knee). Chris Reed (guard) and William Poehls (tackle) took most of the firstteam reps this week.
And how will the receivers look against a secondary that includes All-Pros in cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith as well as improving cornerback Trae Waynes? Rhodes and Jaguars receiver Marqise Lee, in particular, had several good battles this week.
“You can tell that he loves to attack the ball in the air,” Rhodes said of Lee. “He is a really good guy, and when the ball is in the air, he believes it is his. So with him, you have to be aggressive at the beginning of the play and stay on top of him and try to shut him out to the point where he can’t get the ball.”
The lows haven’t been as low for Bortles this preseason, but he had to rally for really the first time since last year’s playoffs following a disappointing practice Wednesday. Bortles was intercepted by Vikings cornerback Terence Newman during a 7-on-7 period and realistically could have had two or three more turnovers had other passes not clanged off the defense’s hands. Bortles didn’t look sharp, his receivers struggled to create separation and the entire offense looked out of rhythm.
The Jaguars’ offense did do a better job Thursday and should have some confidence coming into the game. Bortles threw crisp passes to tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and found space in the secondary to connect with receiver Dede Westbrook.