Welcome to Big Cat Country’s weekly roundtable, the place our employees previews and predicts every Jacksonville Jaguars recreation. This week’s matchup towards the Colts kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Which Jaguar will you be watching the closest in Week 1?
Dillon Appleman: I’m completely zeroing in on Travon Walker in Week 1. After watching Aidan Hutchinson create constant stress off the sting for the Lions of their Thursday night time win over Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, it could be a foul look if Walker got here out and made little impression towards a rookie quarterback. In yr two of his improvement, I anticipate to see Walker being decisive on the point-of-attack and I must see him out-physical his matchup usually.
Simon Carroll: Has to be Calvin proper? First recreation again after almost two years away from the sport, Ridley has a severe level to show – and he appears to be like intent on proving it. I believe the scenario might see him go off massive too; up towards a suspect secondary in a street recreation towards a divisional opponent. I anticipate Trevor Lawrence to get the ball in his fingers on some fast throws early, then dial up some downfield daggers as the sport progresses.
Caitlin Connor: I’ll be watching Calvin Ridley and Travon Walker the closest throughout week 1. I’m excited to see Ridley’s return and the way Travon begins off his second season.
Mark Dhooge: I’ll be watching Trevor Lawrence the closest as he enters yr two in Doug Pederson’s offense. How a lot management and command he exhibits on Week 1 towards the Colts will go a good distance in figuring out his 2023 season.
Joseph Henry: I’ll be watching Devin Lloyd lots on Sunday. Many folks have been raving about his enchancment from final season already, however I’m not bought simply but. I must see Lloyd play at a excessive stage within the common season earlier than I can absolutely decide if he’s going to take that subsequent step up throughout his second yr. Facing a dual-threat quarterback like Anthony Richardson will stress the play of Jacksonville’s linebackers, and I hope to see that Lloyd is as much as the take a look at.
Travis Holmes: With the Jaguars’ protection displaying a propensity to wrestle versus RPO/working quarterback techniques (see 2022 Jags-Eagles) my focus might be on DaVon Hamilton’s harm substitute, Adam Gotsis. If Jax permits Indy to play the RPO recreation and run the ball efficiently, this might be a more in-depth match than many are predicting.
Gus Logue: I’m attempting to mood my expectations about Ridley’s return so my foremost focus might be Anton Harrison on Sunday. The rookie proper sort out can be making his Jaguars debut with the staff relying on good play from the soar. Harrison ought to profit from a weak Colts defensive depth chart in Week 1, identical to Ridley. Ugh positive you satisfied me I’ll watch Rid.
Henry Zimmer: The Jaguar I might be watching the closest is Foley Fatukasi. He is practising in the course of the week however how a lot he’ll really play might be fascinating to see.
Will Anthony Richardson or Calvin Ridley have a extra spectacular debut?
Dillon: While Twitter will go loopy when Anthony Richardson inevitably has a 50-yard landing run to chop the Jaguars’ result in 24, the clear reply right here is Calvin Ridley. The Colts’ secondary is a large number and Ridley might be seeking to show one thing in his first recreation again in two years. I anticipate a big-time efficiency.
Simon: This is an fascinating one. Richardson is uncooked and can have some powerful moments in 2023. But when he has time to organize he may be devastating – simply return to Week 1 towards Utah final yr, the place he SHREDDED the Utes protection in simply his second begin, after the Gators had weeks to get him into the sport script. I’m nonetheless gonna stick to Calvin as a result of I imagine his expertise, expertise and starvation will prevail. But AR5 undoubtedly brings the X-factor…
Caitlin: I believe Calvin Ridley can have the extra spectacular debut. They each have excessive expectations, however I used to be extra impressed by Ridley in the course of the preseason than Richardson.
Mark: The NFL may be tough for rookie QBs, particularly of their first begin. So I believe Calvin Ridley might be extra spectacular in his debut. After what Ridley confirmed in the course of the preseason, I don’t assume it’ll take him lengthy to regain his pre-suspension type.
Joseph: Ridley goes to feast on a Colts secondary that merely lacks the juice to comprise him. I anticipate Pederson to search out loads of methods to get Ridley the ball early and infrequently. Building robust, in-game chemistry between Trevor and Calvin proper out of the gate needs to be a precedence for Pederson and Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor.
Travis: Richardson can have some flashes, however will flip the ball over a number of instances. I anticipate Calvin Ridley to place up over 120 yards and a landing versus the Colts, so I’ve to lean that method.
Gus: Most folks wouldn’t anticipate both participant to have a sizzling begin in 2023, however most individuals haven’t paid sufficient consideration to the summer time No. 0 had.
Henry: Calvin Ridley will shine greater than Anthony Richardson, because the Colts’ offense will possible present Richardson no favors.
Final rating prediction?
Dillon: Jaguars 31, Colts 16
Simon: Jaguars 34, Colts 17
Caitlin: Jaguars 34, Colts 14
Mark: Jaguars 31, Colts 17
Joseph: Jaguars 34, Colts 20
Travis: Jaguars 33, Colts 27
Gus: Jaguars 34, Colts 17
Henry: Jaguars 35, Colts 13
What are your Week 1 predictions, Jaguars followers? Let us know within the feedback!
