“It’s a group that’s still getting to know each other,” Coen said. “With the O-line, it’s so imperative that they play as one and communicate as one and I think that they’ve done a nice job of that so far from a targeting standpoint, making sure that we’re on the right IDs and with the protections.
“I thought they did a nice job [Monday] as well protecting the quarterback. So, I’ve been pleased. It’s still a work in progress, but pleased so far.”
Hainsey, who played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season when Coen served there as offensive coordinator, said the time needed for a line to play “as one” can vary.
“Every day we’ll be taking steps forward,” Hainsey said. “We haven’t played a game together yet, so whenever we get that opportunity, that will present a whole new set of things to work on. So far in practice, we’ve been moving one day at a time, one play at a time, just learning what each other likes, how we do things, how we operate together.
“Those are the kind of things that on an offensive line will grow and allow us to play seamlessly as five guys looking through one set of eyes.”
The Jaguars enter ’25 camp focused on improving a run game that ranked 26th in the NFL in 2024. The area also struggled in short-yardage situation in recent seasons. The Buccaneers last season in Coen’s lone season as coordinator ranked fourth in the NFL after ranking 32nd – last – in 2023.
“It takes everyone to run the football, especially on offense,” Hainsey said. “It’s not just the coaches, it’s not just the scheme, it’s not just the players. It’s everything working in conjunction. I do see that here. I see that being the calling card. They’re emphasizing it.
“That’s what they want this offense to be because it’s important in any offense, but this one specifically, to be able to run the ball to set up everything else, the play action and the pass. I see a lot of similarities between how we transitioned in Tampa and how they’re transitioning now.