By Hays Carlyon
NEW ORLEANS — An NFL offense isn’t going to accomplish much missing its three best offensive linemen.
The Jaguars were disappointing in a 23-21 loss to the Saints on “Monday Night Football” at the Caesars Superdome, heading into halftime down 17-3. There was little improvement after a dismal opening loss to Cleveland to start the preseason.
But I can’t panic. I can’t read too much into it.
Because this was not an accurate representation of the offense that will play Sept. 12 in Houston when the regular season begins.
The Jaguars were already down their two best offensive linemen in center Brandon Linder and left guard Andrew Norwell. Then, left tackle Cam Robinson was a late scratch because of a sprained ankle.
Factor in that receiver DJ Chark is out as well and you’ve got a depleted offense.
With a rookie quarterback.
Against a quality defense.
I could make this about Jaguars coach Urban Meyer’s astonishing indecisiveness on who his starting quarterback is. Sure, Trevor Lawrence will start against the Texans but he is still splitting first-team reps with Gardner Minshew. That should’ve stopped two weeks ago.
However, I don’t believe that is why the Jaguars couldn’t find a groove against the Saints.
They simply couldn’t block them.
Running back James Robinson’s first three carries went for zero, 2 and zero yards. Carlos Hyde’s first carry gained a yard.
The ineffectiveness led to Lawrence and the line being put in bad down-and-distance situations. Meyer brought up the lack of a ground game in his postgame press conference.
The offense had no chance Monday night. There were times when the protection held up and there were no open receivers downfield. Chark would’ve certainly helped.
I understand that most fans will be ready to panic. The Jaguars have looked awful in two preseason games.
Here’s what I will say with 19 days until the opener.
The offensive line needs to get healthy and it should.
I also hope Cleveland and New Orleans have great teams this season and they should.
(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @HaysCarlyon).
