Big Cat Country
The Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the Miami Dolphins on Saturday in their third and final game of the preseason. Here are three key matchups to look out for:
The format for the Jaguars this preseason is to give the starters a series or two of action before wrapping them up ahead of the real action in September. I very much expect that pattern to continue on Sunday, injuries notwithstanding. The offense looked pretty slick in the early going against the New Orleans Saints, particularly the run game – and much of that was to do with a dominant showing from the offensive line. Anton Harrison did not suit up for that contest, with Fred Johnson getting the nod and looking a more than capable backup. But after full participation in training on Tuesday I imagine Liam Coen will want to get some live reps into his starting right tackle’s legs before the regular season.
The approach for the Dolphins may be a little different this weekend; rumors suggesting most if not all the starters will be held out. That could and should open the door for new acquisition Matthew Judon to get significant gametime as he looks to familiarize himself with Miami’s playbook. Judon at his peak was one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league, particularly out of a 3-4 alignment. This will be year 10 for the former Baltimore Raven and New England Patriot, who saw little in the way of dropoff in a one year stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Offering better rotation alongside Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb, Judon will be relied upon by the Dolphins this year, so they need him to get up to speed quickly. A stern test against Harrison will help knock off the rust.
It was a vote of confidence in Jonah Monheim that the Jags decided to trade Luke Fortner to the Saints in exchange for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders; the 7th round selection from USC has had a very strong preseason, with the rookie standing out in the two games so far. Pass protection has been a particular highlight, assuring the front office that, should anything happen to Robert Hainsey, Monheim will be ready to step in.
As it’s preseason, we’ll no doubt get another extended look at the rookie center on Saturday. Whilst predicting the rotation amongst the Dolphins’ defensive front in an exhibition game is tricky, I imagine he’ll come up against a fellow rookie in Jordan Phillips, a fifth round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Phillips spent a year at Tennessee before finishing up at Maryland, and was lauded throughout the draft process for his work ethic and leadership skills. His calling card is his first step quickness, which suggests there’s some interior pass rush to be unlocked in him despite meagre stats in this regard at college.
Phillips made a big impression versus the Detroit Lions last weekend, recording...
