MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 22: Nick Foles #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars points to the defense during the ... [+]
Veteran quarterback Nick Foles started for the Jaguars in Thursday night’s 22-7 loss to the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Despite the defeat, it was special for the 30-year-old to take the field for the first time as a member of the Jaguars.
“I think the big thing it was just good being out there. It’s always good just stepping in the huddle, playing in games,” Foles told reporters in South Florida after the game.
Foles was the Jaguars’ coveted off-season acquisition. He inked a four-year, $88 million contract with Jacksonville in March that included a $25 million signing bonus, $50,125,000 guaranteed and an average annual salary of $22 million according to Spotrac.com. This season, Foles is set to earn a base salary of $5 million along with a $25 million signing bonus, a roster bonus of $500,000 and a workout bonus of $250,000 while carrying a cap hit of $12 million and a dead cap value of $45,125,000 also per Spotrac.com.
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 22: Nick Foles #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts a pass during the first ... [+]
“It was my first time wearing the Jaguars uniform in a game. That is emotional in itself,” Foles admitted. “So it was a good first step forward. We were able to move the ball a little bit, score a touchdown. Obviously, we wanted to score more points and there’s things that we’ll learn from. But, all in all, it was just great being out there with the guys.”
Foles was 6 of 10 for 48 yards. He threw a touchdown and an interception in a quarter plus of play.
After the game, Jacksonville head coach Doug Marrone said he liked the 10-yard touchdown connection Foles made with wide receiver Dede Westbrook. However, Marrone concurs there is room for improvement with the offense and he has concerns about the depth of the offensive line.
“I’d like to push the ball down the field if we can but we’ve got to do a lot of things. We’ve got to get open and we’ve got to be able to protect,” Marrone said. “But I was happy. I mean I’m fine.”
MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins is hit by Josh Allen #41 of ... [+]
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, rookie defensive end Josh Allen continues to impress. He pressured the quarterback and had two tackles for losses. Marrone weighed in at halftime on Allen.
“He’s been outstanding all camp, he really has. He’s made plays –he’s a humble guy," he added. "And then, to see him out here and really light up and play the game, there’s no telling what type of year this guy can have.”
Allen, out of the University of Kentucky, was the Jaguars top pick in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. In May he signed a four-year $22,742,638 contract with the Jaguars that included a $14,560,100 signing bonus, $22,742,638 guaranteed and an average annual salary of $5,685,660 according to Spotrac.com. This year he will earn a base salary of $495,000 and a signing bonus of $14,560,100 while carrying a cap hit of $4,135,025 and a dead cap value of $14,560,100 also per Spotrac.com.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during action ... [+]
Marrone appreciates Allen’s skills and believes the rookie will continue to make progress.
“He’s going to work twice as hard,” Marrone noted. “He goes after it. So, he’s the guy that’s only going to get better and better as the year goes on and as long as he’s out there.”
Jacksonville veteran defensive end Calais Campbell also liked what he saw out of his young protégé.
“He was lights out. He was big in the run game, he was big in the pass game,” Campbell said at halftime. “He had a couple big tackles for loss, but he also was getting to the quarterback. He missed a couple sacks, so we’re going to have to get him on that, but he’s a baller.”
Allen was asked after the game what it was like to be on the field with the starters.
“I practice with those men every day so I know how they rush, I know how they play, especially in the back end,” he said. “I know how they cover so I was real confident today. If I do my job well, good things were going to happen.”
MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars laughs with Christian ... [+]
As for getting ready for the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, not much will change for Allen.
“Come back with the same energy, the same attitude” he said. “Hopefully I practice well. I practiced well in practice this past week so I felt a lot better in the game; I’m just trying to do better."
The Jaguars have Friday and Saturday off and return to the practice field on Sunday to prepare for the Falcons who visit TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL on Thursday night.
