The final score favored the offense, but the performance didn't satisfy Jack Del Rio.
"We're through the first week and we've got a lot of work to do. The offense won the scrimmage but it didn't feel like it. We had some drops and we're just not hitting on all cylinders right now," the Jaguars head coach said following tonight's intrasquad scrimmage at Alltel Stadium.
Del Rio's description could stand for the first week of camp, which was dominated by the defense.
A modified scoring system that awarded points to the defense for sacks, interceptions, etc. was used to score the scrimmage. In the final analysis, a one-yard touchdown dive by quarterback Byron Leftwich and a one-yard touchdown run by undrafted rookie running back Rich Alexis bested the defense's effort, which included a sack by defensive end Courtland Bullard and an interception by rookie cornerback Chris Thompson.
"The first defensive unit looked good," Del Rio said, referring to two three-and-out series against Leftwich and company.
Leftwich put together a workmanlike drive in the first team offense's third and final series. Leftwich completed passes of 11 and 10 yards to rookie Ernest Wilford, whose performance in the first week of training camp has earned rave reviews. Wilford finished the night with three pass receptions for 29 yards.
"I want to have an explosive offense here. I think we can," Del Rio said.
Leftwich completed four of eight passes for 29 yards. Second-string quarterback David Garrard was seven of eight for 40 yards, Doug Johnson was four of four for 43 yards, and Quinn Gray tossed the two most exciting completions of the evening in completing three of four passes for 52 yards.
Gray found undrafted rookie tight end Brian Jones for gains of 28 and 24 yards in what would be the offense's second scoring drive of the night. Jones is a long-shot prospect from Arkansas Pine-Bluff, but he opened eyes during the first week of camp.
"He has some development to do in the running game but he adds a dimension in the passing game," Del Rio said of Jones.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Tony Gilbert and Daryl Smith earned Del Rio's notice. "Tony Gilbert was laying the wood on a couple of people and Daryl Smith flashed," Del Rio said. Smith is a second-round pick who has made a strong impression.
First-round pick Reggie Williams dropped a pass and was also flagged for pass interference on the play.
Second-round draft choice Greg Jones was the night's leading rusher, but gained only 15 yards in six tries. David Allen rushed three times for nine yards.
The night's most entertaining moments were provided by kickers Josh Scobee, a fifth-round draft choice, and Jeff Chandler, a local product attempting to re-claim his career. In a front-and-center, head-to-head battle, Scobee converted six of eight field goal attempts and was especially impressive by knocking home tries from 54 and 55 yards. Chandler made four of eight kicks.
"Scobee had the better night. Jeff pressed a little bit," Del Rio said.
Last night's scrimmage was attended by 10,758 fans.
