Jag camp

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Jags have learned these lessons

 

The defense might be improved, David Garrard has shown he isn't a one-year wonder, and the running game should continue to be strong. However, the wide receiver position still isn't fixed, and there were some ominous developments on the offensive line. Those were some of the conclusions reached during the first week of Jaguars training camp. Here are some of the pluses and minuses entering the week of the first preseason game:

 

 

THE DEFENSIVE LINE This unit appears to be upgraded. John Henderson might be ready to rebound after a subpar season, and Reggie Hayward has more bounce in his step than he did a year ago when he was coming off a torn Achilles tendon. Paul Spicer and Rob Meier are solid starters, and Tony McDaniel and James Wyche are coming off injuries. Add in rookie defensive end Quentin Groves and assume that Derrick Harvey's holdout eventually will end, and this should be a solid group.

 

THE SECONDARY Drayton Florence has smoothly stepped into a cornerback slot, freeing Brian Williams to move to safety and improving both positions. The key now is whether Florence can cover Indianapolis Colts star Reggie Wayne, who went 14-for-14 against Williams last season.

 

THE RUNNING GAME Fred Taylor seems to have sipped from the fountain of youth while training in South Florida. At 32, he shows no signs of aging. Maurice Drew hasn't even reached his prime in his third NFL season and is content teaming with Taylor, so the Jaguars once again should have a strong 1-2 running punch.

 

THE LINEBACKERS This might be the best unit on the team. Four players - Mike Peterson, Daryl Smith, Clint Ingram and Justin Durant - are capable of starting, but there are only three positions. And Peterson appears to be using the Jaguars' failure to give him a new contract as incentive for a highlight season.

 

THE QUARTERBACK A big-money contract doesn't appear to have spoiled David Garrard. His throws have been on target in camp, and he looks like he'll pick up where he left off last season. He's one player the team can't afford to lose.

 

MINUSES

 

THE OFFENSIVE LINE There's an old adage that offensive linemen are only noticed when things go wrong, and they were noticed too much in the first week of camp. Center Brad Meester is out for 8-to-10 weeks after biceps surgery, so another injury to the unit could be devastating. Vince Manuwai didn't make it at right guard and was moved back to the left side. Richard Collier hasn't provided much of a challenge to left tackle Khalif Barnes, about whom there are questions. This group is the team's biggest worry.

 

THE WIDE RECEIVERS Jerry Porter will miss camp because of a hamstring injury, Reggie Williams had knee surgery, Mike Walker is only practicing once per day, and Troy Williamson must prove he can catch the ball during the regular season. However, the Jaguars proved last season that they could make the playoffs with a pedestrian receiving corps, and they should do it again.

 

THE HOLDOUT Derrick Harvey's holdout isn't expected to end any time soon because both sides are convinced their contract negotiating positions are right, so it's difficult to split the difference. It remains to be seen whether a long holdout will impede Harvey's rookie season, but don't look for the team to trade into the top 10 of the draft again any time soon.