He's the Jaguars' ace in the hole, the best hope to revive a passing game that is struggling as training camp turns into its final few days. Torry Holt has spent most of his summer resting veteran legs so they might be fresh for the start of the season, and it's the best kind of news for quarterback David Garrard that Holt's legs are starting to feel young again.
"I'm getting myself ready because we're getting close now. The soreness starts to thin and your legs start to gather. It allows you to play quicker. I can definitely feel myself getting lighter and quicker," Holt said.
Holt is the most esteemed player on the Jaguars offense, a certain-to-be Hall of Fame candidate, but he's been a forgotten player through training camp, as coach Jack Del Rio has elected to save what Holt has left in his tank for when it counts. Eleven years in the league hath its privileges.
His offense, however, needs him. His quarterback especially needs him, for Garrard is having difficulty finding downfield receivers that fit his eye. Thursday morning's practice produced too many check-down completions and too many downfield interceptions.
"What's wrong with the offense?" Holt was asked.
"We have to continue to put an emphasis on executing, everybody doing their job well. Our execution has to be better, way better than it has been in the last week or so," Holt said.
Last week in practice, the passing game came to life. This week, it has struggled.
"I'm not at a point that I'm worried. My thing is to continue to encourage Dave. The same thing with the offensive line. It's not just one person, it's everybody," Holt said.
It would sure lift everyone's spirits, including the fans', if Holt was to do something dramatic in Saturday's preseason game against Tampa Bay. The Jaguars offense needs a lift and Holt is the best hope to provide it.
"I'm going to try my darnedest to be good for this football team and for Dave. Troy Williamson is having a good camp. Nate Hughes is having a good camp. We've got some guys who can play, which will alleviate pressure from one particular receiver," Holt said.
Garrard told reporters the goal this week is "to just be better; be better than we were last week."
The Jaguars offense was ineffective in the preseason opener in Miami. Garrard didn't get enough time to throw and said as much after the game. He backpedaled on those comments on Thursday.
"It involves me getting rid of the ball fast. So when we say we had some mishaps in protection, that means for everybody," Garrard said.
He remains unfazed by the current struggles.
"As we get close to the season, you're going to see things develop more and more," he said.
It's likely fans will start to see more of Holt, too.
