The Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the Miami Dolphins on Saturday in their third and final game of the preseason. Here are three key matchups to look out for:
Anton Harrison vs Matthew Judon
The format for the Jaguars this preseason is to give the starters a series or two of action before wrapping
them up ahead of the real action in September. I very much expect that pattern to continue on Sunday, injuries notwithstanding. The offense looked pretty slick in the early going against the New Orleans Saints, particularly the run game – and much of that was to do with a dominant showing from the offensive line. Anton Harrison did not suit up for that contest, with Fred Johnson getting the nod and looking a more than capable backup. But after full participation in training on Tuesday I imagine Liam Coen will want to get some live reps into his starting right tackle’s legs before the regular season.
The approach for the Dolphins may be a little different this weekend; rumors suggesting most if not all the starters will be held out. That could and should open the door for new acquisition Matthew Judon to get significant gametime as he looks to familiarize himself with Miami’s playbook. Judon at his peak was one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league, particularly out of a 3-4 alignment. This will be year 10 for the former Baltimore Raven and New England Patriot, who saw little in the way of dropoff in a one year stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Offering better rotation alongside Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb, Judon will be relied upon by the Dolphins this year, so they need him to get up to speed quickly. A stern test against Harrison will help knock off the rust.
Jonah Monheim vs Jordan Phillips
It was a vote of confidence in Jonah Monheim that the Jags decided to trade Luke Fortner to the Saints in exchange for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders; the 7th round selection from USC has had a very strong preseason, with the rookie standing out in the two games so far. Pass protection has been a particular highlight, assuring the front office that, should anything happen to Robert Hainsey, Monheim will be ready to step in.
As it’s preseason, we’ll no doubt get another extended look at the rookie center on Saturday. Whilst predicting the rotation amongst the Dolphins’ defensive front in an exhibition game is tricky, I imagine he’ll come up against a fellow rookie in Jordan Phillips, a fifth round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Phillips spent a year at Tennessee before finishing up at Maryland, and was lauded throughout the draft process for his work ethic and leadership skills. His calling card is his first step quickness, which suggests there’s some interior pass rush to be unlocked in him despite meagre stats in this regard at college.
Phillips made a big impression versus the Detroit Lions last weekend, recording four tackles, 1.5 sacks, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. Monheim will have his hands full, but can win if he gets his hands on the nose tackle early; kryptonite to Phillips, who needs to get better at shedding blocks. An intriguing battle between two very promising first year players.
Jourdan Lewis vs Dee Eskridge
Death, taxes, and the Jaguars secondary being banged up. A change in front office personnel and the coaching staff hasn’t seemed to eradicate Jacksonville’s never-ending injury list on defense. With Tyson Campbell and Montaric Brown being joined on the sideline by Travis Hunter against the Saints, it was an opportunity to test the depth at the cornerback position. Things got a little shoddy as the game went on, but starters for the evening Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones were almost impeccable; going up against New Orleans’ starters they yielded no catches, giving confidence that this unit can survive the gauntlet of a full season.
Lewis is an interesting one to keep an eye on – the former Dallas Cowboy came to Jacksonville this offseason, and has been pencilled in for the starting nickel role when everyone is healthy. His versatility to be deployed on the outside will be useful, and on Saturday he’ll face a receiver who has had a good preseason with the Dolphins so far. Dee Eskridge might not have lived up to the billing when he was selected in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2021, but he’s looking at a fresh start in Miami where his speed compliments one of the quickest offenses in the NFL. After sitting on the practice squad last year, he’s making a run at the 53 this time around.
Eskridge caught 3 passes for 53 yards and a touchdown against the Lions. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill likely being limited if playing at all, Saturday represents one final chance to stake his claim for a roster spot. Jourdan Lewis will be determined to keep him quiet.
