Coach Tom Coughlin said it was no different than any other practice, but this morning's workout clearly had an edge to it that other practices in this training camp have lacked.
"No different than any day. It should be intense. It better be intense," Coughlin told reporters.
This morning's practice, which followed a somewhat lackluster effort yesterday afternoon, included spirited 9-on-7 and goal-line drills. The pace was faster, the contact was sharper, and the coaches' voices were more demanding.
No coach's voice was heard more often and more clearly than Coughlin's, who focused his attention on his offensive line. On one occasion, Coughlin loudly singled out rookie guard Chad Ward for advice.
"The right side (of the offensive line) is just about as young as it gets. They're experiencing things every day," Coughlin said.
Guard Aaron Koch and rookie tackle Maurice Williams maintain their hold on those first-unit jobs, as the Jaguars are now in their second full week of training camp. This week will conclude with Friday's 7:30 p.m. preseason opener against the visiting Carolina Panthers.
With second-year offensive tackle Mark Baniewicz out for an extended period of time with a torn left triceps, first-year man Gannon Shepherd has moved in behind Williams at right tackle. Meanwhile, veteran guard/tackle Zach Wiegert did not practice. Wiegert, who is in his comeback season from ACL surgery, experienced swelling in his knee following yesterday afternoon's practice.
Safety Carnell Lake began to work himself back toward full-practice participation. Lake, out with a hamstring pull for more than a week, may be ready to go full speed within the next few days.
Wide receiver Keenan McCardell missed his third consecutive practice after straining his groin in Friday morning's combined practice with the New Orleans Saints, while wide receiver Jimmy Smith was expected to participate in this afternoon's practice. Smith's recovery from triple abdominal surgery this past spring remains on schedule.
Tight end Damon Jones, who is recovering from ACL surgery, practiced on a limited but increased basis.
Vic Ketchman is the Senior Editor of Jaguars Inside Report, the official team newspaper of the Jacksonville Jaguars. One-year subscriptions may be purchased by calling 1-888-846-5247.
