Final game of the preseason has always been the backups showcase but this year is a little different. That’s definitely the phrase of the preseason “this year is a little different”. With all the missed time in the lockout and the lack of treatment for injured players in the offseason the Jags decided to go with the first teamers this week. Obviously there are some benefits to this but the question is do the benefits out way the risks.

This team isn’t the Colts where Manning can step in after no practice and they’re fine. The Jags need as much practice together as possible. Something the Jags haven’t had at all this preseason with the injuries to the D-line, Mojo, and David Garrard. Then again is it the best move to throw your hurting starters out there for a series or two so close to the start of the season.

I understand why Kampman and Jones-Drew want to play, they are competitors, and they would have played last week if the coach would let them. So if the coach was willing to hold them out last week why did Jack give in and let them play this week. I really don’t think playing a handful of series will help these guys get into game shape and an injury in a meaningless game would be devastating to this team. Think about it, the excuse we heard all preseason on why the Jags couldn’t score was no Maurice Jones Drew. And the team will look different when he’s on the field. If he goes down for the season in this game the Jags will only be challenging for the number 1 overall pick. But I have a different theory on why the starters will play this week, it’s not rhythm, it’s not to get a few guys there first work of the season, it’s all about PERCEPTION.

Jack Del Rio talked about perception on his show this week and how things aren’t always as they appear to the uncommon fan. Now he was talking about the offense and I’m talking about ticket sales. Now the diehard fans know how the fourth preseason game works but it’s the fair-weather fans that the Jags need to buy tickets. What’s a better way to get a ticket push than hearing Mojo played for the first time this preseason and the Jags put up 40 points. The common fan won’t read into the fact that the Jags starters put a beating on guys that might not even be in the NFL on Saturday. They will just say wow Jags looked good maybe we should get tickets.

The Jags still need just over 10,000 tickets sold to avoid a blackout in the season openers and a big win could go a long way. Just remember perception is not always reality, just because the Jags 1’s beat up on the Rams backups tonight doesn’t mean all the offensive problems are fixed.