Jags loose nail biting season opener in OT

The Jaguars 2012 campaign started with a loss but it was a hard fought one. The offense opened up with a 3-0 lead in the 1st quarter off a drive that ate up much of the first quarter clock. That drive was lead by team captain/second year quarterback Blaine Gabbert who in my opinion shut up critics of of play from last season. Gabbert went 23/39 for 260 yards and two TDs in today's game. He found TE Marcedes Lewis in the end zone on a beautiful play action pass in the red zone early in the first half. His second TD was a fourth quarter pass to Cecil Shorts III that should have sealed the victory over the Vikings. Speaking of Shorts he has come into his own. Let me straight up right now: Under the Del Rio era Shorts would right now be on PR/KR duty. In the new Mularkey era Shorts is being used what he was drafted for as a change of pace receiver. Laurent Robinson has also started to show some emergeance as well. He ended the day with five catches for 66 yards including a nice 26 yard catch from Gabbert. First round draft pick Justin Blackmon had 3 receptions for 24 yards including a nice two point conversion catch in the fourth quarter.

Jaguars starting running back Rashad Jennings had 8 caries for 31 yards but by the end of the game you could tell who the true starting running back was in form of Maurice Jones-Drew had 19 carries for 77 yards. Earlier in the week MJD who had held out for 38 days said he'd have to earn back his starter position and based on his performance he took back his spot before the second half. Marcedes Lewis looked like a shadow of himself from last year as he ended the day with five receptions and the Jags first TD of the season after a nice redzone catch that was thrown by Blaine Gabbert.

Jaguars defensive tackles Tyson Alualu and Terrance "Potroast" Knighton both had sacks in the game showing why they are a dynamic duo that should be feared by both running backs and quarterbacks. 'Roast also forced a fumble today as he is starting the end of his rookie contract off with a bang. Look for more of this duo throughout the season as they will wreak havoc on some of the best offensive lines this season.

The Jags took some hard hits on the offensive side as well. It is reported by Big Cat Country that three members of the offensive line left in walking boots today. Uche Nanweri, Ebon Britton and Cameraon Bradfield all left with walking boots. The extent of these injuries is unknown but it cannot be good as an already tattered offensive line took some hard hits.



What did we learn from today's loss. Daryl Smith's return to the LB corp needs to happen. Derrick Cox also needs to get back in the secondary. Rashean Mathis seems to be doing well in his recovery from ACL surgery. This is Gabbert's offense. Critics need to shut the eff up. MJD has taken his rightful place back as the starting running back. Marcedes Lewis and Blaine Gabbert finally seem to be on the same page. Laurent Robinson seems to be turning into the free agent the Jags signed. Cecil Shorts is playing up to the potential that was seen in him last year but never allowed to be seen. Justin Blackmon is playing like Justin Blackmon. This season has just started and I'm already more proud of my team than ever even though they lost. Next week is the regular season home opener. Opportunity knocks... Jags are going to knock down that door.