By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire
The Jaguars recently completed their two-day mini camp under first-year head coach Laim Coen and new general manager James Gladstone.
Since the new duo took over, there has been plenty of buzz around Jacksonville about the prospects of the Jags getting back into contention,
You can throw in new Executive VP and Jags’ legend Tony Boselli to further stoke the fire.
Yet, after the minicamp, the Jags’ outward appearance has changed, but their outlook has remained the same.
It’s still primarily about Trevor Lawrence, the secondary, and the defensive and offensive lines.
Coen – who revitalized Baker Mayfield in Tampa – has been entrusted to get Lawrence over the proverbial hump this season. The once believed generational quarterback is in year five, and it’s considered his make-or break year.
Lawrence is coming off shoulder surgery and has been bogged down with nagging injuries the past two seasons.
But there was plenty of optimism around the Miller Electric Center for the franchise quarterback this week.
For Coen and Lawrence, it comes down to footwork. In Coen’s system footwork is tied to a quarterback’s progress.
” I’ve changed some of my footwork, so I feel a lot more comfortable with that,” said Lawrence after the final day of minicamp/ “Just some subtle changes. I think my footwork, my eyes, just where I’m starting, using my eyes as a weapon, manipulating the defense.
“I thought there was some great stuff on tape throughout the spring of me being able to do that, and the ways I wanted to. So that was a big step.”
In Coen’s world, it’s literally.
Then there’s the never-ending secondary issue.
The Jags’ brass was confident they took a major step to solve the issue with the drafting of Travis Hunter, who was initially seen to form a combo with Brian Thomas Jr.
However, Hunter played on both sides of the ball in minicamp, and that’s a good sign for the future. If he can truly play on both sides, it will be fun, and likely productive, to watch. Currently, the Jags can use him playing as much as possible.
Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has raved about Tyson Campbell, who has been impressive. Newcomers Jourdan Lewis from Dallas and Eric Murray are expected to make a difference in a new zone defense scheme.
On the offensive front, the Jags got their first look at a retooling with guard Patrick Mekari and center Robert Hainsey along with vets Chuma Edoga and Fred Johnson, who have provided valuable depth on first glance.
In Campanile’s new 4-3 alignment, Travon Walker had his first work on the line. Emmanuel Ogbah came in from Miami and has looked good, and Dawaune Smoot is back from Buffalo.
Overall, Jags’ fans can be optimistic with a new regime and plenty of new faces in the mix to re-energize the franchise. The initial returns had mostly favorable reviews for the issues that have plagued the Jags the past couple of seasons.
The Jags haven’t announced their first day of training camp, but their lingering issues have been put on a temporary hold.
