Jacksonville.com

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Jaguars Beat Redskins 31-14

After trailing 14-10 at the half, the Jaguars were able to control the clock and the score in the second half with three unanswered touchdowns leading to a 31-14 win.

LaBrandon Toefield controlled the ground game for the Jaguars rushing for 84-yards including one touchdown. In the quarterback arena, Byron Leftwich did not play while David Garrard played only three series completing seven of 10 passes for 77 yards. Quinn Gray completed 17 of 22 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

With tonight’s win, the Jaguars finish the preseason 3-1 for the fourth time in the last five years and prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans at home next week for the regular season opener.

Stay tuned to Jacksonville.com for photos from the game and Jack Del Rio’s post-game press conference.

Third quarter recap

After a somewhat sluggish first half, the Jaguars jumped back into the game during the third quarter. The first score came off an Alvin Pearmen 28-yd punt return that set up a 12-yard LaBrandon Toefield touchdown rush giving the Jaguars the lead for the first time of the night, 17-14.

Later in the third quarter the Jaguars defense stepped up to the plate with Roy Manning’s 27-yd interception return for a touchdown moving the Jaguars ahead by 10, 24-14.

Moving into the fourth quarter the Jaguars are up 24-14 but are driving.

Flyover Proposal

We’ve all heard of proposals at sporting events before but tonight Jacksonville Municipal Stadium got a public proposal of its own and it wasn’t just text on the big screen.

The Jacksonville staple pre-game flyover was performed by the Sea Control Squadron Two out of NAS Jacksonville before the game. After the members of the squadron were introduced during the third quarter one of the airmen got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. For all those wanting to hear she said “no,” I’m sorry to disappoint as from what I could see, she did say “yes”.

Jaguars take lead for first time of night

Jacksonville took the lead for the first time after Alvin Pearman returned the Redskins’ punt 28-yards to their 21-yard line. Three plays later LaBrandon Toefield ran untouched 12-yards up the middle to put the Jaguars ahead 17-14.

Pop Warner takes on All Pro Mascots

Forget the Jaguars/Redskins game. The game I came to see is the Jacksonville Beach Jaguars Pop Warner team taking on the All Pro Mascots during halftime. The mascots definitely take their Pop Warner football seriously but the Jacksonville Beach Jaguars were up for the challenge. Although both teams played excellent games I’m going to have to give the edge to the Jaguars on this one. Sorry Mascots.

Scoring is possible

After a scoreless first quarter the Jaguars were able to start the second quarter with a scoring drive. Garrard led the team 47-yards to start the quarter resulting in a 51-yard field goal putting the Jaguars down 7-3.

Two drives later the Redskins and former Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell marched down the field 76-yards capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass putting the Redskins up 14-3.

Just as the fans began leaving the stands for $8 halftime beer runs, Quinn Gray was able to complete a 40-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Williams on fourth down. The touchdown pass put the Jaguars down 14-10 at the half.

Garrard Pulled

Halfway through the second quarter now and the prediction is correct. Garrard has been pulled with 9:20 remaining in favor of Quinn Gray. Del Rio is not wanting to risk an injury with the regular season beginning next weekend. Garrard completed 7 of 10 passes for 77 yards and earned a 92.5 passer rating.

Leftwich Sits

Leftwich was listed as the starter on the depth chart but did not play during the first quarter. I’m willing to bet that somebody jumps out in the comments below saying that this is a sign that Garrard should be starting but in my opinion Del Rio is wanting to keep his starter healthy for the regular season.

In first quarter summary, the Redskins were able to jump out to an early lead after the Jaguars went three and out on their first drive giving the Redskins an opportunity to quickly move 70-yards in 4:52 capped off by a 23-yard touchdown reception.

At the end of the first quarter the Redskins lead the Jaguars 7-0.

Grass Stains Debuts

Welcome aboard to the first incarnation of Grass Stains with myself, Kevin Basarab - Online Sports Editor at Jacksonville.com. The purpose of this blog is to to provide a one-stop shop for all Jaguars coverage plus football coverage in general.

Although the name of the blog isn't set in stone, what I can guarantee is that I’ll be giving you links to all the Jaguars related information such as blogs, photo galleries, videos and other special features. In addition to the informative aspect, I’ll also be posting my perspectives on games and items heard around the stadium. I look forward to reading your comments below and hearing your perspectives as well.

 
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