Our workers discusses which Jaguar they’ll be watching most, Ridley, Richardson, and extra.
Welcome to Big Cat Country’s weekly roundtable, the place our workers 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 strain off the sting for the Lions of their Thursday evening win over Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, it might be a nasty look if Walker got here out and made little influence towards a rookie quarterback. In yr two of his improvement, I count on to see Walker being decisive on the point-of-attack and I must see him out-physical his matchup frequently.
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 intent on proving it. I feel the scenario might see him go off large too; up towards a suspect secondary in a highway recreation towards a divisional opponent. I count on Trevor Lawrence to get the ball in his arms 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 reveals on Week 1 towards the Colts will go a great distance in figuring out his 2023 season.
Joseph Henry: I’ll be watching Devin Lloyd so much on Sunday. Many individuals have been raving about his enchancment from final season already, however I’m not offered simply but. I must see Lloyd play at a excessive degree 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 check.
Travis Holmes: With the Jaguars’ protection exhibiting a propensity to wrestle versus RPO/operating quarterback programs (see 2022 Jags-Eagles) my focus will probably be on DaVon Hamilton’s harm alternative, Adam Gotsis. If Jax permits Indy to play the RPO recreation and run the ball efficiently, this will probably be a better match than many are predicting.
Gus Logue: I’m making an attempt to mood my expectations about Ridley’s return so my essential focus will probably be Anton Harrison on Sunday. The rookie proper sort out can also be making his Jaguars debut with the workforce relying on good play from the leap. Harrison ought to profit from a weak Colts defensive depth chart in Week 1, similar to Ridley. Ugh wonderful you satisfied me I’ll watch Rid.
Henry Zimmer: The Jaguar I will probably be watching the closest is Foley Fatukasi. He is practising in the course of the week however how a lot he’ll really play will probably be attention-grabbing 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 will probably be seeking to show one thing in his first recreation again in two years. I count on a big-time efficiency.
Simon: This is an attention-grabbing one. Richardson is uncooked and could have some robust moments in 2023. But when he has time to organize he could 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 follow Calvin as a result of I consider his expertise, expertise and starvation will prevail. But AR5 undoubtedly brings the X-factor…
Caitlin: I feel Calvin Ridley could 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 could be tough for rookie QBs, particularly of their first begin. So I feel Calvin Ridley will probably be extra spectacular in his debut. After what Ridley confirmed in the course of the preseason, I don’t suppose 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 count on Pederson to seek out loads of methods to get Ridley the ball early and sometimes. Building sturdy, in-game chemistry between Trevor and Calvin proper out of the gate must be a precedence for Pederson and Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor.
Travis: Richardson could have some flashes, however will flip the ball over a number of occasions. I count on Calvin Ridley to place up over 120 yards and a landing versus the Colts, so I’ve to lean that method.
Gus: Most individuals wouldn’t count on both participant to have a sizzling begin in 2023, however most individuals haven’t paid sufficient consideration to the summer season No. 0 had.
Henry: Calvin Ridley will shine greater than Anthony Richardson, because the Colts’ offense will doubtless 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!
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