Starting quarterback Byron Leftwich was 4 of 8 with another ball batted from his hand during his “windup” in the pocket, again producing no touchdowns while he was in there. He came out before the first quarter was over with no production and Head Coach Jack Del Rio proclaiming he’s “not concerned.” Again, backup quarterback David Garrard looked sharp, and third stringer Quinn Gray was spectacular going 5 of 6 with three touchdown passes.

So why is Del Rio “not concerned?”

If we’ve seen anything in the ten years of professional play in Jacksonville, it’s that a team can’t just flip a switch when the regular season starts and become something it hasn’t been all along. Other teams know the play is for real too. So if the Jaguars think that their intensity and preparation leading up to the Buffalo game will cure all ills, they’re bucking the trend of history. Del Rio should be concerned, as should everybody else involved with getting the Jaguars offense going. Fred Taylor will play, Jimmy Smith will be faster than last year, and Reggie Williams seems to have the profesionall game figured out as a rookie. But Leftwich is the trigger man, and has to be better than a second year quarterback if the Jaguars want their expectations to be met.

No way Del Rio will replace him with Garrard. Too much invested in Leftwich. Perhaps Leftwich will elevate his game beyond expectations, but more likely, he’ll be the player we’ve seen in the pre-season.

Lewis and fellow rookie Daryl Smith have apparently made their way into the starting lineup permanently. The Jaguars haven’t thrown to Lewis very often in the exhibiton season, but they like how he blocks and how he can take the ball away from smaller defensive backs. Smith is very versatile at linebacker, playing whatever position they want and perhaps even giving the team a chance to pressure the quarterback. Smith can rush the passer, or it gives the team a chance to put Akin Ayodele on the defensive line and let him try and get upfield.

Thursday’s game against New England was nothing more than a glorified practice leaving the Jaguars with as many questions as answers. They’ll cut the team to 53 players this week, with a couple of tough decisions, but not too many. Cortez Hankton looks to have earned a second year on the roster, perhaps at the expense of Troy Edwards. Chris Fu’amaata Ma’afalla might have been pushed out in favor of Greg Jones and Mark Edwards at the off back and on special teams. Josh Scobee’s 51-yarder was called back, but he’s Del Rio’s draft pick and he’ll get the job until he proves he can’t handle it. The start of the schedule is no picnic, but it’s important to a team who thinks they should be a contender this year.