After missing the team’s preseason action before their third game against the Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk burst onto the scene with five catches for 54 yards on Saturday night. He was paid a king’s ransom to bring his talents to Duval County in the offseason, and his performance was a good sign for the Jaguars’ offense as they continue to iron out their strategies ahead of the regular season.
Kirk spoke to reporters after the game about his role in the preseason loss, and explained that the offense’s play on third down was a crucial deficiency in an otherwise sound game plan.
“It is the most important down,” Kirk said of the third-down woes, “and it’s something I take pride in. When my number is called I’ve got to be there for him [Lawrence] to get open and make those plays. Whenever the coach is calling my number, especially on third down, the intensity and emphasis starts to rise. We just [need to] make sure we execute where we’re supposed to be, and I’m there for Trevor where he needs me to be.”
Though Kirk’s performance was far from the biggest deficiency in the Jaguars’ loss, he certainly seemed to take it on himself to own up to any mistakes he might have made on the field during Saturday’s game. He’ll have just one more opportunity to get on the right track before Jacksonville will need him to help carry the offense during the regular season, so the time for him to start building chemistry with his new quarterback is now.
His outing against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday should be a good litmus test for his viability in the Jaguars’ offense this season, and it wouldn’t be out of the question for him to take over the game if he and Lawrence have a great week of practice.
