“Joe, calling the style of defense we’ve played – big, thick cats that can control the line of scrimmage and he (Hamilton) is a big part of that. So is [defensive lineman Malcom [Brown].”
Wilson said effort, focus and detail in practice has been key.
“I know as far as the front seven, it is a little bit different as opposed to years past,” he said. “Definitely just reps in practice. They are not live reps, just good reps of tackling. It is an emphasis every single day. Just going through those drills day in and day out has helped us be good this preseason.”
Meyer after Sunday’s game was quick to praise the offensive line, a group that played without four starters – center Brandon Linder (knee), left guard Andrew Norwell (elbow), right guard A.J. Cann (Reserve/COVID-19) and left tackle Cam Robinson (ankle). Meyer said the Jaguars considered on Saturday not playing quarterback Trevor Lawrence because of the situation, but decided the rookie needed the repetitions in the final preseason game. Meyer said tackle Will Richardson moved to right guard with only a walkthrough as preparation, and Meyer specifically praised veteran reserve center Tyler Shatley and rookie tackle Walker Little. “The most impressive group was the o-line,” Meyer said. “That was the most impressive thing I saw, the offensive line protecting our guys.”
Meyer also noted that two players, wide receiver Devin Smith and offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, played extensive roles after joining the team on Saturday and playing without a practice. “The first time I’m shaking their hand is the pregame meal,” said Meyer, in his first season as an NFL head coach. “That’s a new one. They’re good guys, they played.” Smith caught a 45-yard pass with a diving reception – one of the game’s highlight play. “Just stuff like that is crazy,” Lawrence said. “He just got here, goes out there, runs a go, catches a [45]-yard pass. Stuff like that is just so weird. You don’t get used to it.”
Meyer on Saturday’s trade of quarterback Gardner Minshew to the Philadelphia Eagles: “That was tough, man. I was a little choked up when I saw him in that office. I didn’t know him at all [entering the offseason]. It didn’t start off on the best of terms because I’m not sure how much he wanted to be here. I get it [because the Jaguars had selected Lawrence with the] first overall pick [this past offseason]. He (Minshew) is a competitive maniac, that guy. And I get it. I told him for the rest of his life, count me as a big fan because he’s what you want. He’s a warrior. He’s competitive.”
