SB Nation - Todd Bouman

Jaguars Vs Eagles: Winners and Losers

silencecs — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:13:22 -0000

More photos » by Michael Perez - AP

Garrard, on one of the rare occasions he had time to throw.

Winners:

Brian Witherspoon - Spoony showed us all why he's our kickoff returner. His blazing speed is undeniable and it is only a matter of time before he breaks one all the way. This guy is not going anywhere.

Derrick Harvey - Lst year's number 8 overall selection is starting to look like a top ten pick. He was applying pressure all game long and all he needs to do is finish. He is having a very positive preseason and that's a major plus, because we need him to have a big game out of the gate against the Colts.

Reggie Nelson- The Eraser had his best game of the preseason, flying all over the field, rarely out of position, and he actually caused a fumble with a huge forearm shiver he delivered. Reggie looked good, and he seems to be ready for a big year.

Gerald Alexander - The safety we traded Dennis Northcutt for played a lights out game, arguably better than Reggie, although against lesser competition. He is a solid back-up, and there will be little drop-off should Nelson go down with an injury.

Tyron Brackenridge - T-Brack has secured a spot on the squad. Period. He's lights out on special teams and he's been excellent in coverage and coming up to tackle. He has arguably outplayed Brian Williams, and will be on the team come opening day, without question.

Russ Purnell - Russ needed this game, big-time. The head of the absolute worst special teams unit in Indianapolis, was now the Jags replacement for the legendary "Joey D". The Jags special teams looked atrocious the first two games, but were standout in their performance against the eagles.

Russell Allen - Another player who is guaranteed a spot on the squad is UDFA Russell Allen. the MLB played a stellar game yet again, and the coaching staff has got to be impressed with the way this kid has grasped the defense. He's got potential as a QB rusher, and he is a strong tackler.

Podlesh/Weatherford/Scobee - Our kickers are playing flat out awesome. Scobee hasn't missed a FG yet, and Weatherford and Podlesh are both kicking like they deserve the spot. The Jags kicking game isn't a concern this year at all.

Mark Duffner - The LB coach, and arguably the best defensive assistant coach we have, has a stable of outstanding stallions at the LB position. All three starting LB's sat out the entire game, and all the back-ups filled-in extremely well. All of the LB's played great football, thus we give credit to the coach.

Losers:

Todd Bouman - He continues to have balls batted at the line of scrimmage, and is wildly inconsistent at times. He is not an adequate back-up, and needs to be replaced before the season begins. This game was his last chance, and he came up short.

The Offensive Line - Wow... a poor perforamance all around. Below average run-blocking, poor pass blocking, and pressure on Garrard from inside and out. Andy Heck has got some work to do in the next few weeks.

Mike "I NEED A" Walker - The perpetual injury bug missed another game, and he's legitimately only got one shot left to impress against Washington. If Walker misses or has a poor game this Thursday, then the only way he keeps his spot is if the Jags carry 6 WR's, and even then he won't be a lock.

Mike Thomas - The diminutive Thomas has to show something this Thursday, or he is likely headed to IR for the year, because I can't see the Jags giving him a spot without seeing him perform.

Paul Smith - Paul is garbage and has no shot to make this team. He's a great individual and may have a career in coaching in front of him, but his spaghetti-armed passes won't fly in the NFL.

On The Fence:

Brian Williams - B-Dub played his best game of the preseason, although he still isn't playing at the level he was even a year ago. Brian must come up big against the Redskins, or his spot may be in jeopardy. Derek Cox didn't play again, which is the biggest break Brian has had thus far.

Chauncey Washington - Last year's seventh round pick had a solid game, but fumbled the ball, a big no-no for any running back. Chauncey had his one fumble of the preseason, if he has another, it may become a factor.

Josh Vaughn - The former Buccanneer didn't have as big of a game as he needed to. Averaging only 2.9 yards on 10 carries. In a crowded backfield, Josh needed a bigger performance to give himself a shot at a roster spot.

Quentin Groves - The former DE was starting at LB for the Jaguars, and seemed to handle the experiment fluidly. He had a few pressures and one batted pass. It will be interesting to see if he continues to play LB.

Jaguars Preseason Game Two: Winners and Losers

silencecs — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:13:02 -0000

The Jaguars lost to the Bucs 23-24 in their second game of the preseason. The game was a vast improvement over the debacle that was the Miami game, especially offensively. However, the picture wasn't all rosy. The special teams unit continues to struggle, the team was an anemic 2/14 on third down (hence the signing of Wilford), and our receivers dropped multiple passes.

Winners:

David Garrard - David looked sharp, completing 10/16 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown. His play was far superior to the first preseason game, and provides hope that the passing attack may actually materialize. Garrard is looking good at the weight he's at, and his crisp passes seldom missed their mark. He obviously loves Torry Holt, and I hope he has enough of an opportunity to develop rapport with the crafty veteran.

Troy Williamson - Troy locked up a roster spot with his performance against the Bucs. He gained 174 yards on 3 catches and has propelled an awful offense into mediocrity. You're looking at the team's clear number two receiver, and he's evolved into what everyone thought Mike Walker would be this year. Throw his pink slip in the garbage, this guy is impressing even me, and his roster spot is all but guaranteed.

Chauncey Washington - The USC product led the team in rushing with 32 yards on 8 attempts. He continues to make his push for a spot in a crowded backfield. The injury to fellow 7th round pick Rashad Jennings has helped Washington get more carries, and he's taking advantage of it. This is a battle to keep an eye on, and no matter who earns the spot, the Jaguars win.

Russell Allen - The UDFA out of San Diego State continued to impress against the Buccaneers, leading the team in tackles while playing MLB. He's vocal on the field and I noticed him calling out to other defenders prior to the snap on many occasions. Heady play and leadership skills like that are great intangibles for a rookie to possess.

Adam Podlesh - The 4th round pick, who is in a battle with Steve Weatherford, handily won the second round of their four-round battle. He averaged 48.3 yards on 3 punts, 12 yards more than Weatherford averaged over 4 punts. Podlesh actually showed why he was drafted so high (for a punter), and went a long way towards securing a position on the squad.

Losers:

Todd Bouman - The seasoned veteran looked downright awful. He had a ridiculous and unacceptable amount of passes batted at the line of scrimmage, resulting in the second team offense's struggles. Todd inspired no confidence in the team's ability to win in the absence of Garrard, and we're already hearing rumblings of another QB being brought in to the team.

Mike Sims-Walker - The one player on the team who could play the entire season, and still have missed more games due to injury than he's appeared in during his career... is injured again. This is a make-or-break preseason for Mike, and if he doesn't show at least something that Gene can hold onto during the last two games, it would be hard to see the Jags keeping Walker yet again. Forget "Fragile Freddy", how about "Weakling Walker"?

Mike Thomas - Thomas has missed his second preseason game, and in a crowded WR corp, that could spell trouble for the young wide-out. His fourth round status may save his roster spot this season, or the team may put him on IR for the year, as the Jaguars have been known to do in the past. Hopefully we'll get a glimpse of Mike at least once this preseason. If we don't, I expect the young man to be placed on IR for the season.

Brian Williams - B Dub continues to struggle in the preseason, looking very poor in a pedestrian secondary. Brian needs to show why the team signed him; his nose for the ball, and his physicality on the field. The injury to Derek Cox may be the luckiest break Brian got this year, as it is hard to believe he'll be shown the door without Derek showing what he is capable of. Brian has struggled mightily against the run and the pass. He's missing tackles and has been out of position far too often. Brian needs a big game against the Eagles, and the Jaguars need him to have one.

Gerald Alexander - The former Lion looked like, well, a Lion. He missed tackles and wasn't sharp at all. He clearly doesn't appear to be even close to challenging Reggie Nelson for the starting FS spot, although ultimately, his roster spot is safe as a back-up. It would be nice to see Gerald really show something tonight against Philly. He's got to make up for that missed tackle on special teams, as I'm sure he's seen it 100 times by now.

On The Fence:

Tiquan Underwood - The 7th round pick looked like a rookie on a number of plays, and looked explosive on others. He had a big kickoff return brought back due to penalty, and had a big catch late. However, he also dropped 2 passes that hit him in the hands. Consistency is what Tiquan needs to show us.

Pete Ittersagen - The young Division-III superstar didn't look spectacular on defense, however, he helped himself with a few good punt returns. Special teams is where most of the UDFA's will have to make their name, and the fact that Pete shows promise in the return game could help propel him onto the final 53.

Eugene Monroe - The number eight overall selection had his hands full with Gaines Adams when he played with the first team. Although Tra was still starting, it is encouraging to see Eugene is performing well enough in practice to push Tra Thomas for the starting spot. Facing competition the likes of Gaines Adams is the type of trial by fire that Eugene needs to prepare for players like Mario Williams and Dwight Freeney.

Vince Manuwai - The savvy and powerful Manuwai was a bit shaky and inconsistent against the Buccaneers defensive front. He gave up a sack and seemed a little gun-shy at times. We know Vince is capable of better, so this most likely has to do with getting used to having his knee tested again.

Josh Vaughn - The former Buc continued to impress with his strong running style and blocking ability. Josh has a steep hill to climb, but it appears that Del Rio and Gene are willing to give him an opportunity to make the squad. The performance of Washington and Jennings will play a large role in whether or not Josh even has a shot at a roster spot.

-Collin Streetman

Poll

Let's come up with a nickname for Mike Walker. If you've got one, list it in the comments and the best ones will go on the poll.

Mike "Weakling" Walker

6 votes

Mike "The Limp" Walker - Credit to OGN

14 votes

Mike "I NEED A" Walker - Credit to OGN

119 votes

Mike "The Crip" Walker

21 votes

160 votes | Poll has closed

Game Preview: Preseason Game 1 Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins

Jonathan Loesche — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:05:27 -0000

Miami Dolphins (0-0)

Preseason

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0)

VS.

Date:	August 17th, 2009	Location:	Miami Gardens, FL
Time:	7:30 pm EST	Stadium:	LandShark Stadium
TV:	CBS/Local	Favorite:	Dolphins -3
Radio:	Click Here	Over/Under:	31.5
Weather:	High 73, clear	Injury Report:	Coming Soon
SBN Coverage:	The Phinsider	Coverage Map	Local

What's this, light at the end of the tunnel? Grandma? Oh wait, it's just the start of the preseason.Either way, it's still great to finally see some live football after months of making mountains out of mole hills and endlessly debating the finer points of Gene Smith's moves. The first preseason game will finally allow the team to see all of it's offseason moves in action, and provide a glimpse of how the team will do.

The Dolphins were the surprise team of the year, going from 1-15 to winning the AFC East in 2008, reintroducing the NFL to the Wildcat offense, and lost to Baltimore in the Wild Card round. This year the Dolphins will now be playing with expectations, just as the Jaguars were in 2008. Last year's preseason game for the Dolphins was a harbinger of the 2008 season for the Jaguars, will this year provide a similar preview?

What To Watch For: Jacksonville Jaguars

1.The Offensive Line: Last year's game against the Dolphins began to show the struggles the offensive line would have all year. This year, newcomers Tra Thomas, Eben Britton, and rededicated Tony Pashos look to re-solidify the Jags line. A good performance from the first team line Monday night would be a great sight to see. In addition, a good performance from Tra Thomas would be more leverage for the Jaguars with Eugene Monroe.

2. Quarterbacks: David Garrard has been hit or miss in training camp. He'll make the kind of pass he did in 2007, then let a ball sail on him that would get intercepted. David has to begin to show that 2007 wasn't a one hit wonder. Paul Smith and Todd Bouman are now in a competition for the back up job. Smith was impressive at the scrimmage, and has dominated Bouman through out camp. If Smith can show this at full speed, then he'll go from the practice squad to having the back up job.

3. The Secondary: There might not be more competition on the team than in the defensive backfield. Third round pick Derek Cox has had his share of wow and face palm moments, which is to be expected of a talented rookie corner. Brian Williams has continued to show he is one of the best all around players on the team. Sean Considine has elevated himself from back up/special teamer status with his play in camp. Gerald Alexander has caught up to Reggie Nelson, or has Nelson fallen to Alexander?

4. Defensive line: The D-line will be the story for the Jaguars this preseason. As the Jags d-line goes, I believe the team will go. Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves are looking to show why they were essentially the Jaguars entire 2008 draft. Terrance Knighton has been solid in training camp. Can he make his way to be a starter? Will John Henderson even show up?

What to watch for: Miami Dolphins

1. Chad Henne: Henne was the Dolphins second round pick in 2008. While the Phins scored big by signing Chad Pennington, how much more does he have? Pennington never showed he could take a team to the next level with the Jets, and I doubt he will with the Dolphins. Henne will see a good amount of time against the Jaguars, and he could begin to make a case for being the Dolphins QB of the future.

2.Pat White: Another QB taken in the second round, White shot up draft boards after he showed that he could be a viable QB option in the NFL. As a rookie ,however, he'll be used in Miami's Wildcat offense. Expect to see a few uses of the Wildcat with White at the helm Monday night.

3. Ernest Wilford: Everyone's favorite ex-Jaguar may soon be an ex-Dolphin as well. Wilford has been struggling since signing with the Dolphins in 2008 and needs a good showing in the preseason to stay on the roster. Collin suggested the Jaguars resign Wilford if the Dolphins cut him, but do we want a guy who hasn't shown anything in two years?

4. Ricky Williams: Williams is still one of the most fascinating players in the NFL. I almost ordered a Toronto Argonauts jersey just because I found Williams situation so entertaining. Williams is currently backing up Ronnie Brown, but he is still a former Heisman Trophy winner. Williams would've been an all-time great if his favorite time of day wasn't 4:20.

Player On The Hot Seat

Quentin Groves, DE, Jacksonville

Groves needs a good preseason in the worst way. Groves was physically dominated through out last year and the whispers that he was too small to be a 4-3 DE became statements of fact. He then proceeded to become a workout warrior this offseason to show that he could compete in the NFL. Instead, Tra Thomas might as well have been the Berlin Wall during training camp. Groves has had a lackluster camp and may find himself on the chopping block if he doesn't show why he was a 2nd round pick.

Prediction

7-7 tie (When the first team players leave)

24-20 Jaguars

Poll

What do you want to see most in the first preseason game?

First team dominate

125 votes

Jaguars win

41 votes

Injury free game

184 votes

Win in the trenches

137 votes

487 votes | Poll has closed

Camp Battle 2009: Quarterbacks (and a comment on Michael Vick)

Jonathan Loesche — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:25:05 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Todd Bouman is currently the Jaguars back up quarterback. If Garrard goes down, can he be counted on to lead the Jaguars or should the team look to bring in another arm for camp?

Browse more photos »

It wouldn't be the post-Mark Brunell Jaguars if questions about the quarterback position weren't being asked heading into training camp. The 2009 Jaguars have to answer them in bunches this year. Is David Garrard a one hit wonder? Can Todd Bouman be asked to do more than hand off to MJD in the event Garrard gets hurt? Will either Paul Smith or Todd Boeckman be more than practice squad caliber? Should the Jaguars bring in Michael Vick?

All of these questions need to be answered at some point, and their answers may well have the biggest impact on the Jaguars not only this season, but down the line as well.

David Garrard

Were David Garrard's 4th down heroics in Pittsburgh simply the final note of his one hit wonder season?

I'll spare recapping 2007 and 2008; what we want to know is can Garrard lead this team back to the playoffs. The common complaint about Garrard was that he regressed in 2008 compared to 2007. What do the numbers say?

	Yards Per Game	Completions Per Game	Quarterback Rating	Interceptions
2007	209	17	102.4	4
2008	226	21	81.7	13

While Garrard's completions and yards went up, his QB rating took a huge hit. This can be explained because of the Jaguars lack of a running threat compared to last year. Garrard had to be a one man show in 2008, and he did an admirable job considering the receivers he was throwing to.In addition, Garrard was the most hit QB in the league last year. A product of the Jaguars O-line and having to throw constantly from behind, that is never a good indicator. Overall though, I don't think Garrard's 2008 was as bad as others are making it out to be.

Heading into 2009, Garrard has to have a career year for all of the right reasons. Early reports are the Garrard is already making Torry Holt is "Go to" guy for 2009. If he can get in a groove with Holt and get some protection, he'll have a good year regardless.

BCC 2009 Projections
Yards: 3,400
Touchdowns: 19

Interceptions:9

QB Rating:91.4

Todd Bouman

Bouman should have been the Jaguars back up quarterback last year. However, thanks to a Shack Harris special, he was cut in favor of high priced Cleo Lemon. What does Bouman bring to the table? Not much on paper. Bouman only has six starts in his career and hasn't done anything to instill any confidence he can be effective for a 2-3 game stretch. If nothing else, Bouman represents a known commodity that will entrench him at the #2 quarterback.

Todd Boeckman

An Ohio State product who lost his starting job to mega-recruit Terrell Pryor, Boeckman wasn't much more than a "Game Manager" at the college level. He'll provide another arm in camp and probably not much more. He'll be competiting with Paul Smith for a practice squad spot.

Paul Smith

A BCC favorite, Smith spent almost the entire season on the Jaguars practice squad. Smith was activated for the final game against Baltimore. Smith's knowledge of the system, and frankly, better skills than Boeckman should get him another round on the practice squad, if not a chance to get on the active roster.

The question of Michael Vick

When Michael Vick was reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell, the can of worms that opened on the possible teams that Vick would end up playing for. The Jaguars, despite the record of Clean Gene, have been mentioned as a likely landing spot.

As it's illegal to mention Michael Vick and not say something as to his crime, here is my position. He committed a heinous act and murdered living beings for nothing better than blood sport. That being said, I believe Vick has served his punishment and is now due for a chance at redemption.

Should the Jaguars try to sign Vick? He would bring the Jaguars immense publicity, both good and bad. However, he has had issues prior to the dog fighting charges, such as flipping off the fans following the game. It seems his time in jail has humbled Vick, and I'm sure he'll be hungry to prove he's worth more than the slightly more than minimum deal he will sign.

Do I think the Jaguars will sign him? No. Would I welcome and support the Jaguars signing Vick? Absolutely.

The State of the Position

Let's hope David Garrard doesn't get hurt this season. If Garrard goes down, or proves that he was a one hit wonder, then the Jaguars hopes of a successful season go down with him. While Bouman showed he could come in to relieve Garrard for a short period, I'm not convinced he could come in and lead the Jaguars in a 3 game stretch like Quinn Gray did in 2007.

Boeckman and Smith will fight over the third QB spot, and hopefully in their competition, one can distinguish them self enough to be put on the 53 man roster. Either way, at a minimum, expect a good deal of attention to free agent or rookie quarterbacks by the Jaguars next off season.

-Jonathan

Poll

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the QB position needs no improvement, 1 being the Jaguars might as well start a back up Arena League QB) how would you rate the Jaguars QB position going into camp?

10

10 votes

9

17 votes

8

72 votes

7

144 votes

6

78 votes

5

72 votes

4

35 votes

3

30 votes

2

11 votes

1

27 votes

496 votes | Poll has closed

Quick Bytes: June 23rd, 2009

Jonathan Loesche — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:02:38 -0000

Scout.com: Fernando Bryant Profile
Another former Jaguar from the glory days, CB Fernando Bryant, retired today.

UL athletics: Desormeaux recognized by Honor Society | theadvertiser.com | The Advertiser

David Garrard Receives "Key To The City" - EAST CAROLINA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Just as it says, David Garrard has received the key to the city from his hometown of Durham, North Carolina.

jaguars.com | News | Jaguars news | Pola has inspiring story

Jaguars 2009 Training Camp
Training Camp Schedule

Jags' Quarterback Garrard Gives Back To Native Durham | AHN
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has returned home to open up a football camp in his hometown of Durham this summer.

Jaguars are smart to stop throwing money at Lemons | Jacksonville.com
"The Gremlin" tells us what we already knew, Gene Smith has done good by cleaning up the mistakes of the Shack era.

No sticker shock here: Players to honor fallen - Lebanon Daily News
Former Jaguar Kyle Brady is doing his part to help honor the fallen soldiers in Iraq

Scout.com: Jaguars Introduce New Payment Option for 2010
The Jaguars announced a new payment plan for the 2010 season. The short and sweet is that now you can already buy 2010 tickets and set up monthly or weekly payment schedules.

Jaguars awarded long snapper Cain off waivers from 'Skins - NFL - CBSSports.com Football
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been awarded long-snapper Jeremy Cain off waivers from the Washington Redskins. I wonder how Joe Z feels about this.

Jaguars Conclude OTAs, New Backup QB Earns Praise | Firstcoastjags.com | Jacksonville Jaguars News
The Jaguars have concluded OTAs and Jack Del Rio says Todd Bouman can be a quality back up.

The Probably True Origins of AFC Nicknames
Something to laugh at

Quick Bytes: June 18th, 2009

Jonathan Loesche — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:39:43 -0000

Jaguars are smart to stop throwing money at Lemons | Jacksonville.com
"The Gremlin" tells us what we already knew, Gene Smith has done good by cleaning up the mistakes of the Shack era.

Jones-Drew rises in NFL.com's 2009 PPR fantasy football mock draft
Jones-Drew goes 2nd in NFL.com's fantasy draft.

No sticker shock here: Players to honor fallen - Lebanon Daily News
Former Jaguar Kyle Brady is doing his part to help honor the fallen soldiers in Iraq

Jaguars Conclude OTAs, New Backup QB Earns Praise | Firstcoastjags.com | Jacksonville Jaguars News
The Jaguars have concluded OTAs and Jack Del Rio says Todd Bouman can be a quality back up.

The Probably True Origins of AFC Nicknames
Something to laugh at

These QB-WR unions won't get honeymoon period | Sporting News
David Garrard and Torry Holt appear at #3.

Top 5 Fantasy story lines of 2009
Torry Holt makes an appearance at #5.