The Jacksonville Jaguars held their fourth of 12 scheduled two-a-day practices today at Ferrell Fields, with Jerry Markbriet and his officiating crew in town participating in the two sessions and helping with rules interpretations.
"They have explained the rules changes to the team, and in the practices they show our players how they are going to make the calls," said Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin. "For example, we've always had the five-yard contact rule between the receiver and the defensive back, and it's never been enforced. But now it's going to be enforced, and we need to know exactly the enforcement is going to be. If it's five yards, fine, but it has to be consistent."
The Jaguars introduced more phases of their offense in the morning session, which was in full pads. "There was good intensity and energy level," said Coughlin. "The players responded well. Every time we introduce a new phase, something pops up that is critical as far as winning or losing a game."
Wide receiver Keenan McCardell missed both practices because of a quadriceps strain, and defensive end Tony Brackens was slowed with the same injury. In addition, defensive tackle Don Davey (knee), center Michael Cheever (hip pointer), middle linebacker Tom McManus (knee) and cornerback Ron Harrison (hamstring) were held out of the practices.
The team will practice at 8:40 a.m. on Friday. The Atlanta Falcons will be in Jacksonville on Saturday for two practices with the Jaguars, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Ferrell Fields. The NFL officials will work the practices on Friday and Saturday. For media credentials to Saturday's combined practice sessions, contact Dan Edwards at 633-6202.
