The Jacksonville Jaguars got in two more practices today at Ferrell Fields, although the afternoon session was delayed and shortened slightly by lightning and rain.
"The defense came alive a little bit today," said Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin. "The defense hadn't done as well as I had hoped up to this point, but this morning they got physical and did a nice job in short-yardage and goal-line. It was good to see. However, I was disappointed in the offense's inability to run the ball when it had the opportunity. And goal-line passing was ineffective. But I was very pleased with the way the defense got after it."
Coughlin praised the performance of the team's wide receivers, not just veterans Keenan McCardell, Jimmy Smith and Willie Jackson, but also second-year pro Reggie Barlow and rookies Alvis Whitted, Reggie Swinton and Todd Floyd. "They're competing, and to be honest with you, they've probably done things better than I expected," he said. "We're going three and four wides, and some of those guys are playing two positions, so I've been relatively impressed with them."
Coughlin also commented on the play of quarterback Mark Brunell. "Mark's had a good camp. He's throwing the ball effortlessly. He's been fluid and accurate, and he's gone from one side of the field to the other well. He's had a really sharp camp."
Three players missed the two practices: center Michael Cheever (hip pointer), defensive tackle Don Davey (swelling in his knee) and defensive end Joel Smeenge (hamstring).
The team's next practice is at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, and two-a-days resume on Thursday, with practices at 8:40 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. The Atlanta Falcons will visit for two practice sessions on Saturday.
