Jaguars center Brad Meester and six-year old Luke Akerstrom will appear on ESPN Friday morning. Florida Times-Union
John Oehser of Jaguars.com gives his 'Magnificent Seven' thoughts…
"The game will feature rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert making his first start in his first game, along with an initial look at a revamped defense the Jaguars attempted to upgrade with a spending spree after the lockout." Florida Times-Union
"Not a victory necessarily, or a shutout or even a big play. For Posluszny, the Jaguars' new starting middle linebacker, the preseason opener is more about fundamentals." Jaguars.com
The Jaguars added veteran offensive lineman Tony Moll to the roster on Wednesday. "This is going to be a really good experience," Moll said. "I feel this is going to be, it&39;s a good fit. I&39;m a guy that can play any position, right or left. Hopefully, coaches will be able to see that. I believe that&39;s also one of the reasons they brought me in for." Florida Times-Union
Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union says fans need to keep Blaine Gabbert's first game in perspective.
John Clayton of ESPN.com gives his top storylines for the preseason and Blaine Gabbert's debut leads the list.
Former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter previews the Jaguars and Patriots game for ESPN.
ESPNBoston.com previews tonight's game.
"When the Patriotshost the Jacksonville Jaguarsat Gillette Stadium in their first preseason game tonight, you can bet the NFL universe will be studying very closely what Belichick's guys are doing on defense." Boston Globe
"We're still trying to pull a lot of things together for the Jacksonville game," Belichick said, "but it's definitely coming together. I feel like we're making progress." Boston Herald
Five things to watch from a Patriots perspective.
Tweet, Tweet
Dear Lord – please don't let my wife go into labor in the next 36 hours. I would love to be there. Thank u! Sincerely – Josh. Amen.
@JoshScobee10 (kicker Josh Scobee)
#ThatAwkward moment when u forget a change of shoes when traveling…now I gotta rock my dress shoes with gym shorts and a Tee!
@ATrain92 (defensive end Austen Lane)
Bout to hit the airport in a few, off to New England never been there before…Preseason week one Vs. Patriots
@mnlockley (rookie linebacker Michael Lockley)
Just got on the plane headed toward New England. Time to kick off the 2011 season! Go time!
@ZachPotter88 (tight end Zach Potter)
I'm on a plane with them propeller things, I'm headed somewhere I think
@BlaineGabbert (rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert)
In this hotel room watching Cartoons. LOL, miss my lil twin now
@MrGrEeNe36 (safety Courtney Greene)
Stat of the day
The Jaguars have four former first-round picks on their roster in DT Tyson Alualu, QB Blaine Gabbert, TE Marcedes Lewis and OT Eugene Monroe.
Television coverage
The game will be broadcast by WTEV CBS47 (Ch. 6 cable) in Jacksonville as well as in Orlando (WRBW), Gainesville (WMYG), Tallahassee (WTXL), Savannah, Ga. (WSAV), Panama City (WJHG) and Dothan, Ala. (WTVY). NFL Network broadcaster Paul Burmeister will handle play-by-play duties for the fifth straight year with former Jaguars Pro Bowl tackle Tony Boselli providing analysis. Brent Martineau will serve as field reporter.
Radio broadcast
Tonight's game will be broadcast on the Jaguars Radio Network which extends to 10 affiliates in Florida and Georgia. The Jaguars' flagship stations are WOKV AM & FM (690, 106.5). Brian Sexton (play-by-play) and former Jaguars defensive end Jeff Lageman (analyst) are in their ninth season together calling all Jaguars games. Sexton has called every Jaguars game in franchise history.
Schedule
The Jaguars open the preseason tonight at New England at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The last word
"For me it hasn't changed since my first day. Just come in and play, do whatever's asked, do the best job you can and whatever happens happens. I'm 39 years old and I get to play a kids game. What else could you want?"
Quarterback Todd Bouman on his role with the team
