Okay, so maybe this letter is not for all Jaguar fans; however, it is for those of you who will be at the game on Sunday and happen to share a love for both Tim Tebow and the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Even as early as three or so years ago, Jaguars Senior Editor Vic Ketchman has been fielding questions from fans about Tim Tebow. The questions were endless. The answers came too often. My curiosity of a young kid in college playing in pursuit of his dreams became mired by the almost god-like status appointed him by overly intense fans of the University of Florida.

It's one thing to let your emotions go, get hyped up, and support someone who did so much for you when he was in college. I get it. Noted. Point taken. However, from the bottom of my heart I'd like to ask you to consider this perspective.

The national media by a large majority either despise the Jaguars or completely dismiss them and consider them irrelevant. Alfie's post furthered that truth by citing several examples. Examples that angered me to my core.

If you are a fan of both the Jaguars and Tebow and wear a Tebow jersey on Sunday, you will in effect declare your allegiance. Blame it on the media. They did this. They will smirk when they see you and point every camera your way. Not a great claim to fame if you ask me.

Please wear teal. Wear a Jags jersey. Dress up like a Jaguar. Whatever it takes, but don't give these idiots more ammunition than they have. Tebow won't be playing but 2-3 plays, if at all. Support him in spirit. But when you step in that stadium, let it be about the Jags and your love for them. Love Tebow, too. Just do it at your home or in Denver. EverBank Stadium is for fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

 

In a world where I can’t get enough football, there exists three things: my thoughts, my beer, and my two favorite football blog sites (for my own purposes, this counts as one thing). Offseason is traditionally a time of lamenting and gnashing of teeth, and I can’t wait until the draft so I can be happy. Withdrawals have set in, now in full effect, and my dreams are haunted by thoughts of another losing season. I want my team to win, and I want them to win now!

Patience has never been a virtue I really cared for, and well when the collapse of 2008 took place, I hung my head in shame. My favorite team had gone from promise and glory to shambles in less than a year. Then I was left to pick up the pieces of my hope. Amidst the clouds where my imagination lingered, the sky turned black very quickly. Rebuilding… no one enjoys hearing that word as a football fan.

Now the 2010 season is right around the corner—that’s when the action picks up—and our hopes get lifted together in a festive toast to a great season. By season’s end, we’ll be either sick of getting wasted on Sundays and passing out in a dark closet or we’ll be rejoicing at the nearest bar, proudly sporting as much Jaguars attire as our monthly budgets can support.

But that’s where it ends. The reality of it all is that the offseason is still ongoing. The draft is close, the picks will fall where they may, and then the dreaded dead-zone happens. After the draft, our attention will focus solely on our respective picks, and then when we run out of pros and cons for each, we will slowly begin to start drinking more (some of us will). We’ll begin to debate menial issues and listen to Blair’s random thoughts typed in a post, and our world will become numb. It’s just that football is such a large strand in our life’s brown-haired weave (it can be blonde or black, no worries).

I’ll tell you this though… with the first snap of the season, Jaguar fans from all over the world (like Budapest) will jump up and down like silly little girls, all in excitement for what we hope will be a season of glory… but will probably end in 10-6 at best.

All we hope for is a chance. Whether that chance comes by way of paying off the referees or by getting Jaxson De Ville to take out Peyton Manning from his blind side, I could care less. Whatever it takes to win, we will find it. I don’t have patience, and I want to see some ass whuppins’. My liver and kidneys are taking the brunt of so much losing, and sometimes… well… I want to drink a beer without the salty tears.  

For now, my thoughts, my beer, and my two favorite blog sites are going to have to do.

 

Enough of the teasers, something has to give. After completely embarrassing the Tennessee Titans a week ago, the football world is now wondering, amidst smirks and grins, how the Jacksonville Jaguars managed to not only get completely shut out by the Seattle Seahawks, but to also yield 41 points by a quarterback with two broken ribs and little practice time.

While diving for the goal line late in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers in week two, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was crushed by 49ers star linebacker Patrick Willis, which kept the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback out of action for nearly three weeks. Adamant about playing despite the recent injury, Hasselbeck made his first start in almost a month. Fortunately for Seahawk fans, it was a good day for nearly everyone at Qwest field.

Looking more like the 2005 version of himself, Hasselbeck put up season high numbers against the Jaguars on Sunday while on pain medication. Throwing for 241 yards and four touchdowns, Hasselbeck managed to help the Jaguars find one form of consistency in an otherwise consistently-inconsistent history of the franchise. The Jaguars defense was consistently atrocious on Sunday.

From the lack of pressure by monumental failures such as Derrick Harvey, though pressure on the quarterback has been nonexistent for the Jaguars all season anyway, to the fast-asleep secondary giving up huge plays and not wanting to tackle, the Jaguars defense simply did not perform well. In fact, expectations will no doubt be lowered by the fans in the following weeks, because there doesn’t seem to be much to hope for. Even Derek Cox, the darling, feel-good draft pick by Gene Smith, did not play up to standards, not even for a rookie.

Luckily for the defense, the offense was equally as horrible, successfully making it an embarrassing day to be a Jaguars fan.

Poll

Amidst rebuilding, should Jacksonville Jaguars fans be patient with the organization's coaching staff?

55%

Yes

20 votes

44%

No

16 votes

36 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

 

"He’s just running over the world."  -- Joe Theismann on Jaguars’ rookie running back Rashad Jennings

 

 

In the world of football, only one thing is absolute, just win. Relating to Jaguar football, winning is more than just something to promote steady growth throughout the fan-base. It’s necessary for the future of the franchise. Jacksonville is faced with some of the hardest economic times since the inception of the Jacksonville Jaguar franchise, and the franchise is scrambling to regain form. Ticket sales are sluggish at best, and the team is coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in terms of predicted success by the general public as a whole.

Through all of the economic turmoil, organizational restructuring, and team rebuilding, there are a few things I know. After finally managing to watch game four of the Jaguars preseason against the Washington Redskins, here are three things I know for sure:

Poll

Which 2009 draft pick, not named Eugene Monroe, will have the biggest impact this season?

30%

Terrance Knighton

98 votes

5%

Mike Thomas

17 votes

52%

Derek Cox

170 votes

2%

Zach Miller

8 votes

9%

Eben Britton

29 votes

322 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

After considerable improvements in the preseason, I hate to say it, but the Jaguars are no longer flying under the radar. I'm beginning to hear more and more "experts" and ordinary folk alike begin to think of Jacksonville as a sleeper pick for this season. The lastest I have read is an article on ESPN. Some of you may have already seen it. Here's the link. Just copy and paste. 

I know this should have been put as a fanshot, but I want people to see this. Is the hype already beginning to surround the team? Will this hopefully help ticket sales? We can only hope.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=4439322&sportCat=nfl

 

-Blair

Okay, guys, don't expect a masterpiece. I don't have alot of time to write a well constructed piece right now to be honest with you. But, I do want to bring up something that I've been thinking about for the past few days. 

This year has seemed different to me in the regard that we have had no major injuries and we are going into our last preseason game. Maybe my memory serves me incorrectly, but it seems like we have significantly less injuries than in recent years past. 

Brad Meester went down in the preseason last year. Vince Manuwai and Mo Williams went down in, what, game 2 of the regular season? Either way, I don't know if it's the new approach or what, but I hope the injury bug can spare us from any major injuries for at least one season. 

Comments please.

 

-Blair

 

Del Rio on notice: Shack Harris isn't between you and the unemployment office anymore! ~Love, Gene

 

In a time where Jaguars football is more synonymous with hope for the future than it is with Super Bowl expectations, Jaguar fans are seemingly involved in heated debate as to what the current condition of the franchise really is. Is it rebuilding at its finest or has Gene Smith brought the team farther along in a short time than was previously thought possible? I’m not going to answer that question for you, but I will point out who I now believe is holding the team back.

 

From the team’s first preseason game, much work is still to be expected. In a time where football fundamentals is something young players and veterans alike should have mastered years ago, getting off the ball on the right snap counts seems to be a tall order. Refraining from stupid penalties is also an issue the team seems to continually struggle with as well.

 

Since head coach Jack Del Rio was hired in 2003, I have been his biggest supporter. I love the passion he displays whether it be in the locker room with the players or on the sideline during a game. Every time he keeps the offense on the field to go for a short 4th and one I relish in the moment. From his days of wearing a suit on the sideline in blazing heat to the strict discipline of LB Mike Peterson, a player Del Rio had to be coaxed into making a team captain by Peterson’s teammates, I have coolly sipped the juicy Kool-Aid of support.

 

 However, during a time when all actions of the Jaguars organization is in question, I, too, must step back and examine what seems to be several underlying problems which may be holding the team back from a championship the city of Jacksonville so desperately craves. From the yearly firings of team coaches and assistants for thought-to-be incompetence to the yearly inconsistencies of team play, I am for the first time realizing the future of the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise may not exist under the hand of the Del Rio campaign.

 

In a time where coaching jobs are year to year and each season is a make or break season, the inconsistency of what has been the Del Rio movement may be nearing its end. As a former player, Del Rio has been thought to know more about how players both internally and externally respond to different coaching methods than his predecessor Tom Coughlin. However, since the change, Coughlin has gone on to bring New York a championship while Del Rio has remained year to year on whether success can be deemed as a plausible possibility in the team’s future.

 

After the 2007 season, expectations were high for the Jaguars. The media, fans, and gurus alike were giving Jacksonville strong chances of being in Super Bowl contention. As season ticket sales remained ever so sluggish, the hearts of Jaguar fans in wide majority were swelling with anticipation for the upcoming season. The product placed on the field, unfortunately, was less than to be desired. Whether it was overpaid and underperfor…no… NO performing free agent acquisitions or 1st round busts facing another year of small and insignificant improvement or the attitude and chemistry of the team as a whole, Del Rio is responsible for the lack of team continuity as the only thing that matters is winning football games.

 

With a young franchise facing horrible ticket sales on his back and General Manager Gene Smith, thought to be the best thing ever to happen to the franchise, eyeing his every move, Del Rio faces a steep climb this season in keeping his job. The inadequacies of the past will not be overlooked. Player injuries will not be an excuse. The talent is being provided from every direction in order to give Del Rio and the Jaguars the best chance to succeed. If improvement is not evident, Del Rio will no doubt find himself sitting on his front steps this February pondering his past decisions.

-Blair

Poll

Does Jack Del Rio have a future with the Jacksonville Jaguars?

42%

Yes

151 votes

17%

No

63 votes

11%

Bring him back as the Defensive Coordinator

41 votes

28%

In Gene We Trust

102 votes

357 votes | Poll has closed

With the draft over, this site has become a conversational wasteland over the last few days. Therefore, in an attempt to provide the readers with more to read, here I go again on more useless writing and silly rants. However, in the midst of my endless banter, I’m actually going to bring up some things which could be considered as food for thought.

 

Throughout the years, I have shifted my hate for one of the three other AFC South teams yearly. I don’t know why that has happened. I hate them all, but for some reason, every season I hate one of them more than the rest.

 

Last season, I wanted to pluck my eyeballs out if I saw the Tennessee Titans playing on the big screen. I thoroughly enjoyed when Steve McNair was past his prime and the Titans sucked. They should go back to that. Put Vince Young back in the game. Maybe he can further prove that he’s a huge bust. This distaste obviously stems from the 1999 season. No more should need to be said about that particular topic. Tough stuff to digest even to this day.

 

In 2007, it seemed to be the Indianapolis Colts. What does it take to get a sweep of the Colts? It drives me nuts. I sincerely believe the year we sweep the Colts and Peyton Manning is actually playing in the game, we will finally win the division. I still have to say that butt-kickin’ we put on them in 2006 still feels pretty good though.

 

Then there’s the Houston Texans. They have continually been horrible until recently. But it seems even with a 3-13 season, you can almost bet your house on it that one if not two of those wins are going to come against the Jags. I don’t know if Houston just plays better, or we just suck more thoroughly against them. Maybe it’s their classic battle red motivational “rah rah” jersey that does it for them. Yeah, we stink it up on the field against the Texans because those red jerseys are so sharp and we feel they deserve the win more. However, why was it every time David Carr played against the Jaguars, he looked like he was Joe Montana with the 1980’s Niners? It’s not surprising though, because we seem to make every horrible quarterback in the league look like a first round ballot shoe-in for the Hall of Fame, except maybe Vince Young. Our defense has to get back to par, and I think we’ll take some steps forward in 2009.

 

On other issues, I tried to look up stats for the amount of players and their names of who has gone on injured reserve in the last 5 seasons for the Jags. Due to my lack of “googling” skills, I didn’t find much if anything, but if someone can refer me to some good resources, I will write something up on it. I have some ideas already in mind.

 

I believe the Jaguars have had “consistent inconsistencies” due to various reasons, but I seriously think injuries have played a key part in those. The year the Jaguars went 8-8, the 2006 season, was the same year players like Greg Jones, Reggie Hayward, and several others were out for the season. Maurice Jones-Drew was just a young rookie stud, and Fred Taylor also fought, I believe, some hamstring issues that year. In 2007, injuries decreased as we won our first playoff game since 1999. In 2008, we were decimated with injuries which obviously showed through the 5-11 record the Jags posted. It’s been a trend for awhile. Due to depth issues or lack of back-up personnel stepping up, the Jaguars are not the Pittsburgh Steelers and have struggled with battling through injuries to find success.

 

This is the first year in recent memory where I can honestly say numerous starting caliber players are more than likely going to have to take a seat and wait for their turn. This is an excellent sign of things to come, and in the future it promises that when the injury bug hits the locker room, the Jags will still be ready to go on gamedays.

 

With the draft over and the new guys in the building, the fans are excited to see what kind of success the team can pull from their schedule in 2009. While I honestly believe the Jaguars will fare better than most expect, I think a championship is at least 2-3 years removed. Luckily, the fans are used to being patient as the Jaguars have never appeared in a Super Bowl going into their 15th NFL season.

Hopefully, even if the Jaguars stay at the bottom of the division, they will be able to manage a sweep of the Colts for the first time in their short history. I would rather prove my theory stated earlier wrong and have them sweep the series than to lose to the Colts in 2009. I believe the Titans will regress in the upcoming season, and I would much rather be beaten by a much improved Texans team than to see us fall to second place behind the Colts once again.

 

How about some more predictions for the season… The Colts will fail to win the division for the second time in consecutive years after having won the division every year since the realignment. The Titans will struggle on offense due to Kerry Collins throwing seemingly more interceptions than Brett Favre and Joey Harrington could muster up combined. The Texans will rank in the top two in the division, and yes, oh yes, I believe the Jaguars will somehow make a bid for a playoff seed. Whether they are able to get in or not will solely depend on their defensive performance, particularly the pass rush. If the defensive ends can get pressure on the ball, the Jaguars will have a strong chance of holding up against high profile passing elites such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and NFC defending champion quarterback Kurt Warner.

 

In other news, here are some totally fictional headlines for you to enjoy:

 

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre has decided to unretire so he can retire after the 2009 season with the Minnesota Vikings. Favre plans to attempt one season of play and subsequent retirement for every NFL team before his final retirement in 2040.

 

Raiders owner Al Davis extends thanks to sportswriter Pete Prisco for inspiration of first round pick, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey.

 

New England Patriots trade hot tub and cold tub to the Washington Redskins for 2010 1st and 2nd round picks.

 

University of Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino will invite former standout quarterback Matt Jones to be the football team’s honorary guest and inspirational story for the first 3 games of the 2009 season. Petrino plans to then resign for a job as head coach in the Canadian Football League for an undisclosed team.

 

Former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Giants WR Plaxico Burress accidentally shoot each other while hunting in a nightclub. No charges have been filed.

Poll

Who or what would you rather have with you on gameday?

8%

Pizza and Beer

5 votes

0%

Hotdogs and Beer

0 votes

8%

Barbecue and Beer

5 votes

13%

Maria Sharapova and Beer

8 votes

9%

I don't drink, sorry

6 votes

3%

My spouse wouldn't like Maria Sharapova being here on gameday.

2 votes

8%

I don't drink and I'm married or in a relationship.

5 votes

49%

Haha. Maria Sharapova, pizza, and beer

30 votes

61 votes | Poll has closed

Everyone who visits this site regularly knows I'm not a stats guy. I don't throw out the latest numbers in an attempt to raise your eyebrow, nor do I try to throw out the latest definition on a word. What I always attempt, however, is to paint a picture for you. I want you to see ideas, issues, and concerns from my point of view. I want to create in your mind either better understanding or a vault full of intense criticism. If you can't agree, I want you to be so overwhelmed with distaste of my opinion that you'll speak up with correct verbage, word usage, and spelling. I want you to be so utterly excited to write your comments that you'll even remember how to punctuate.

Since I have joined Big Cat Country, I've become ridiculously addicted. If this site could be ground up, I'm sure Matt Jones would call up his homey Reggie Williams and they'd snort it. It has definitely become a fix for this guy (me).

With that said, I'm about to lay a few things I believe to be true at this point in time out to the readers, and I'm going to stand by what I say.

I believe the Jacksonville Jaguars have come away with their best draft in franchise history. Moreover, I believe this has been the most creative yet fulfilling offseason of free-agent signings in my recent memory. Of course, when it comes to the draft, it's always difficult and almost entirely impossible to know what cards you've drawn until you start playing the game. Therefore, I know this bold statement can't be verified. However, this draft can be ruled as a strong indicator of things to come. In my opinion, this team is not very far from continuous success.

Many before and after me have spoken about the state of the franchise. It's been widely accepted the Jaguars are being rebuilt, retooled, revamped, and whatever other "re" word you can mentally concoct. However, I somewhat disagree. The team fired/released a slew of players. Some were long-standing and some were recently signed failures. Some were allowed to find employment elsewhere. The team also acquired a whole team of backyard ballers through the draft and and free agency. Even though the team has changed direction, the core of this team is still intact minus the fans' beloved Fred Taylor. Major holes have been filled and patchwork done, and while weakness still tends to exist, the team has become much stronger as a whole.

When looking at areas of concern, defensive tackle is still an area of weakness. Whether Rob Meier steps up and takes his job back, Terrance Knighton makes a strong bid for the starting spot as a rookie, or Derek Landri decides to sabotage the competition, run stopping will be an issue closely watched by the fans and media early in the season. Hopefully, one guy will step up and be the other force alongside fellow DT John Henderson.

After blowing up the worst wide receiving corps seemingly in the history of the NFL, CFL, and NFL Europa, the front office went out and acquired a wily old veteran and some young studs in the offseason. With the new talent acquired, not only has this receiving corps become instantly better but the possibilities of a young guy with promise being shown the door is pretty high if not expected. The questions remain the same, however. Will Dennis Northcutt and Troy Williamson battle it out and earn a spot? Will Mike Walker stay healthy enough to make an impact? Will the young guys come in and compete at such a level that a talented veteran receiver for the Jaguars becomes the next highschool football coach? Only time will tell, but believe it when I say I hope so. I hope some talented guys get let go, because then I know improvement is surely being made. I want tough decisions to be necessary, because I want wins.

There are other concerns on the team, but we've all discussed them. The secondary, while a current concern, will be much improved this season. Derek Cox has been nothing but a blanket thus far, and when the pads come on, I expect nothing less. The kid flashes. His play is pleasant to the eye, and I have no doubt the naysayers will become convinced in the seasons to come. Surrounded by good leaders and strong dedication, safety Reggie Nelson will work harder to reach his potential. The secondary will not suck anymore.

All good things in life come with due diligence and patience. The Jaguars have been patient, and owner Wayne Weaver rewarded everyone with a General Manager who actually knows how to do his job. He knows how to be the lead man, and he knows how to treat subordinates. He knows how to give direction, because he actually knows what direction he's going. I believe Gene Smith has plans to head to the Super Bowl, not Detroit. He's looking for personnel who will be "bandwagoners" and jump on the bus in support of his cause. He no doubt works and prepares for success.

On a different front, last year was a bitter disappointment. From the stale hotdog buns in the stadium to the warm beer and....oh yeah, all of the losing, the fans found themselves constantly dismayed and underwhelmed. Part of this losing the team became accustomed to was due to poor team chemistry. However, I feel the biggest factors were injury and poor defensive play.

The team's offensive line was all but decimated. The entire offense suffered, and one could even argue the defense was affected as well. With the lines shored up, the receiving corps upgraded, and the backfield strengthened, the offense will have nothing standing in their way from high scoring...except maybe for brutal NFL defenses.

On the other hand, the Jaguars defense has been walking backward since 2006 when it held the Pittsburgh Steelers to a shutout on Monday Night Football and held teams such as the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets to low scores in blowout efforts. Since that time, the defense has been in steady decline. Hopefully, the future can restore the Jaguars reputation of stout defense and a brutally strong running attack. Hopefully, the Jaguars can take that reputation and make a run to the playoffs.

Bring back old school football. Bring back running the ball and stopping the run. Bring back Fred Taylor. Good God, don't ever bring back William James. But bring back something every Sunday for Jags fans to be proud of and excited over. Hell, if you can, bring us back a Lombardi trophy in 2010. That would work.

Poll

What's your favorite part of being a Jaguars fan?

1%

Stale Hotdogs

1 votes

16%

The ROAR

9 votes

7%

Blair's Articles

4 votes

74%

Good God, everything. (This better be the answer you choose.)

41 votes

55 votes | Poll has closed

The Jacksonville Jaguars are down 27 to 24 in the 4th quarter against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jags are driving, however, in one last attempt to take the lead with 00:59 seconds remaining on the clock.

The fans in Lucas Oil Stadium are on their feet, putting every ounce of their energy into making the stadium thunder. Jaguars quarterback David Garrard looks down each line, screaming commands to the offense. Unfortunately, his voice labors against the noise, finding only empty air. Playing off of a silent snap, center Brad Meester snaps the ball from the opponent’s 45 yard line, and the clock begins to tick.

Garrard eases into his drop with confidence. His newly revamped offensive line pushes aside speed rushers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis with seemingly little effort, and Garrard looks downfield.

Newly acquired receiver Torry Holt runs a deep post down the left side of the field as the defensive secondary for Indianapolis adjusts. The secondary, playing a cover four, sit in their zone coverage as if expecting the ball to go deep.

Receivers Mike Walker and Jarett Dillard run their respective routes, but they find the Colts are staying in coverage nicely.

Unexpectedly, Garrard then turns and hands the ball to feature running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Jones-Drew then runs straight ahead as the Colts find their defense out of position. As the defense panics in an effort to get back up-field and swarm the human bowling ball, Jones-Drew, now two yards through the hole, turns and tosses the ball back to Garrard on the flea flicker.

The Colts have been out-smarted. As Garrard feels the football touch his hands, he eyes Torry Holt striding across the 15 yard line and launches a laser. With safety Antoine Bethea and cornerback Kelvin Hayden each a step behind, Holt easily makes the catch over his shoulder and finds himself in the endzone as the Jaguars take the lead with 00:46 seconds left on the clock.

The fan noise has been sucked out of the stadium as they find only a glimmer of hope left for a win.

Now, with 00:41 seconds left on the clock and the scoreboard showing 31-27, Jacksonville's defense must step up.

Fighting against a Jaguars defense armed with confidence, Manning drops back into the pocket to perform his usual late-game magic. As he steps up in the pocket around his own 23 yard line, he finally checks down to running back Joseph Addai who gains 6 yards before being brought down by middle linebacker Daryl Smith.

Now with a 2nd and 4 situation, the Colts take their final timeout as the clock falls to a stop at 00:34 seconds remaining. The fans hold their breath as they realize the Colts offense must get the ball moving and soon...

As Manning once again takes the snap, he looks left for receiver Reggie Wayne and gives his signature pump-fake. Covering Wayne and his assigned 1/4th of the field, rookie cornerback Derek Cox does his job and stays behind Wayne, not biting on the fake by Manning. Receiver Anthony Gonalez runs a deep post corner on the right side but finds little room to work as cornerback Rashean Mathis is draping him in coverage.

As Manning scurries to the right to bide for more time, he sees a small opening for a laser precision pass to Gonzales along the sideline. As he feels the pressure behind him, he decides to let the ball fly. At that very moment, defensive end Derrick Harvey snatches the game from the Colts as the ball comes loose from Manning's hand. Defensive tackle John Henderson snags the loose ball, as the Jaguars seal their first victory of the 2009 season from their bitter rivals.

Poll

What are your expectations of the Jaguars in the 2009 season?

8%

Win the Super Bowl

6 votes

7%

Win the Division

5 votes

40%

Make the Playoffs

28 votes

40%

A Winning Season

28 votes

4%

The Jaguars are horrible. I have no expectations.

3 votes

70 votes | Poll has closed

 

From day one of Gene Smith being promoted to General Manager, I have supported the decision. As James "Shack" Harris departed via resignation, a new regime dropped anchor and Smith made it very clear to the media, fans, and organization as a whole that changes were coming.

Little did we know at the time, Smith had bold moves in mind, and it would shake the very foundation of the franchise. We all remember the Fred Taylor release and the immediate reactions by all who loved Taylor. We remember how wonderful it felt to see failures Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence sent packing. But, most importantly, as fans, we will remember for years to come how Smith's first draft sent shockwaves through the fanbase.

Regardless of fans being either overly critical or super supportive of his decisions, Smith has taken a clear stance on the quality of players he intends to acquire as the new blood in Jacksonville. Smith's eye for talent and his determination to acquire that talent has left me with a newfound appreciation and respect for his regime. He values character like few General Managers I have ever followed in the past. His supporting cast has seemingly jumped completely on board with his newly introduced philosophies, and his commitment has noticeably spread to other members of the staff.

A new vision is in place in Jacksonville. Smith has made it abundantly clear. He has brought in a slew of leaders who possess heart, determination, and good values. With clear heads and no off of the field distractions, the focus will be solely on winning football games. The chemistry will merit notice by onlookers, and the drive will be to bring home a championship to Jacksonville.

Through the hard work and tireless preparation by Smith and company, the Jaguars organization put together one of the best drafts in recent history, in my opinion. Leaders in college, Jacksonville's draft picks will become followers to the predecessors who have come before them. Young leaders will be molded from nervous, inexperienced rookies to savvy NFL veterans of tomorrow. The followers will become the leaders. The tradition of invaluable, quality charactered players will be formed.

It is one thing to speak of character and it's importance on a football team. It is another dynamic altogether when every draft selection made consists solely of team captains and selfless team players. Actions shall forever speak louder than words. Smith has followed through on his promise to value high character.

It is through following one learns to lead. A team built on leadership ensures a vital harmony and sense of unity is formed. Confidence becomes prevalent throughout. Expectations are formed. Winning becomes everything.

The bar has been set, and the objective has been been made crystal clear. Leadership will become the common theme and will mold the hungry into championship form. Tireless effort will merge with ceaseless grit, and a new age will strike apparent in the eyes of Jacksonville's beloved fans. Yesterday's decisions will become tomorrow's good fortune, and the Lombardi trophy will eventually find solace in the comfort of Jacksonville's arms.

We must trust in the direction our franchise is moving. We must support the team by spilling teal through the streets of America. The future starts now, and Gene Smith has set the tone. The team is coming together with a new sense of esprit de corps. Let's have faith the eventual future of the Jaguars belongs in the annals of history.

Poll

Do you believe Gene Smith and company has the franchise moving in the right direction?

85%

Yes!

69 votes

12%

I'm not sold yet.

10 votes

1%

I did until the draft. No Crabtree means no support.

1 votes

0%

I'm cancelling my season tickets.

0 votes

1%

Unfortunately, no

1 votes

81 votes | Poll has closed

There has been varied interest from some of you wanting to see the pictures of my jersey that was drunk signed by Khalif Barnes. For those of you who did not have the luxury of reading my previous post on Khalif Barnes a few weeks ago, he also forged Fred Taylor's signature.

In the spirit of the Jaguars getting new uniforms, I am going to officially retire my ruined jersey. In fact, it really just sits in my closet and never gets worn due to the bad autographs and stray sharpie marks.

Without further adieu, I present the jersey:

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/blair_1985/Random012.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/blair_1985/Random013.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/blair_1985/Random016.jpg

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/blair_1985/Random012.jpg

How crazy is that? Just one more thing to add to the list of moves going down right before the draft.

The Chiefs reportedly received a 2nd round pick in 2010 for him.

The trade further bolsters Atlanta's offense, as the team has obviously rebuilt in a very short time. Look for them to make a nice run to the playoffs this season with one of the hottest running backs in the leage playing behind team leader and 2nd year future superstar Matt Ryan.

I actually first noticed this story on the Titans blog site.

With all of the hype surrounding the Torry Holt signing, I thought I would pull out my dusty ole' crystal ball and see what the future looks like for the Jacksonville Jaguars. As I gaze into the future, this is what I see...

(I'm making these stats up on the spot. I spent no time pondering how accurate they might be. I just wanted to throw it out there for you and have a litle fun.)

 

2009 season:

AFC South: 2nd Place (10-6) behind the Houston Texans (12-4)

The AFC South will become mediocre as a division next year.

David Garrard: 64% completion percentage; 3,005 yards through the air; 19 TD's/7 picks

MJD: 1,250 yards; 240 carries; 5.2 yards per carry; 10 rushing TD's

Greg Jones: 850 yards; 145 carries; 5.8 yards per carry, 7 rushing TD's

Torry Holt: 1,110 yards; 85 catches; 13 yds/rec

Mike Walker: 750 yards; 56 catches; 13.4 yds/rec

Derrick Harvey: 9 sacks

Quentin Groves: 6 sacks

Reggie Hayward: 5 sacks (?)

Rashean Mathis: 5 picks

Justin Durant (Pro Bowl alternate)

Torry Holt (Pro Bowl alternate)

MJD (Pro Bowl selection)

 

Oh, and I believe that one more player on our roster (remains to be determined) of significant regard  in the locker room will be cut before the final 53 man roster. Who do you think it might be?

What does your crystal ball say about the team in 2009?

Poll

How many receiving yards will Torry Holt have next season?

4%

Injured Reserve (0)

3 votes

0%

1 - 300

0 votes

19%

301 - 750

12 votes

63%

751 - 1,000

40 votes

12%

The sky is the limit.

8 votes

63 votes | Poll has closed

ESPN reports that the Jaguars are nearing a deal to sign veteran Torry Holt, but nothing has been finalized. I'm so excited. Garrard needs some weapons. Everyone knows that. Let's hope they didn't offer him too much money. I think Holt isn't stupid. The Jaguars have more upside to get back to winning form than the Titans and their reliance on a mediocre middle-aged quarterback.

I'm surprised no one posted about this. It was the first thing I saw today on ESPN. Anyway, so there you go. Looks like we won't be going WR in the first round, even though we all know it would have been a bad move anyway.

The next few years will determine whether newly promoted General Manager Gene Smith will live up to the expectations and hype the fans and media have been so eager to grant him. Whether it is the fans’ undying hope for the team to be successful or Smith’s operational beliefs, historically proven effective by other teams (Indianapolis Colts), the arrow seems to be pointing up for the Jacksonville Jaguars organization.

 

Smith has declared that he believes in building through the draft and acquiring high character talent. He has been unhesitant to rid the organization of bad character and has hopes to instill more intangibles in his players.

 

After a season of promise was devastated by injuries, poor attitude, and distraction, the Jaguars are looking to stand behind their new leader. With the 2008 season ending in bitter disappointment, it has been rumored the team is left with a bitter taste in its mouth. Nothing can change a team’s mindset like losing.

 

Unless you consider that Smith has gotten down to business by releasing long-standing players from the team on a variety of levels. To rid the team of age and to open up room for a new infusion of talent, Smith went to work by releasing franchise running back Fred Taylor, team co-captain Paul Spicer, and made it known he wasn’t interested in resigning several players who left for free agency. Smith also released high-priced free agent mistakes from last year in Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence.

 

Through these moves, Smith has dedicated himself to operating under the same principles at all times. This was demonstrated by the release of Matt Jones after his last chance was squandered on the golf course drinking beer and led to a failed drug test. Smith also acquired high character players in former Philadelphia Eagles teammates Tra Thomas and Sean Considine.

 

With the new, high-character blood in and the bad blood out (Reggie Williams, Khalif Barnes, Jones), Smith hopes to provide head coach Jack Del Rio with a team that is focused more on championships than snorting cocaine and smoking pot. With consistency in procedure and a no nonsense approach, I believe Smith will begin to instill a fear in his football players which whispers that no one is safe.

 

April 25th, however, will determine the near future, and the fans can expect the next few years to paint the picture of the team’s long-term hopes of the future.

 

Other than the excitement which surrounds acquiring multiple young talents who will hopefully contribute for years to come, the draft also provides the media and fans an opportunity to analyze the decisions made by the personnel office.  Smith’s first draft will no doubt cause an over analysis by the organization’s fan base and media coverage alike. Smith will make his mark one way or another on draft day.

 

The question remains: Will Smith hold true to his philosophies on drafting the highest valued player on his board while also staying faithful to his belief on character? Only time will tell, however each fan will perform a tedious analysis on each player drafted, searching for anything which might betray Smith’s promised word. Under these circumstances, fans will then have a gauge in which to determine how much trust should be given to the new leadership.

 

On a different note, Smith is bound and determined to accumulate more draft picks. Albeit picks for this year or next, it is widely believed Smith is hiding a covert plan up his sleeve somewhere. Multiple scenarios exist in each fan’s mind, but common beliefs include the trade of John Henderson, trading down in the draft order, and drafting Chris Wells.

 

Fortunately, I honestly believe Wells is not in the organization’s plans. On the other hand, I believe that acquiring talent for and around David Garrard are in the plans of the franchise. I believe the future will be paved with strong offensive and defensive lines and promising, inexpensive talent on the outside. Epitomizing Smith’s high character standards, Jarrett Dillard, WR, Rice, was quoted saying the NFL Combine can’t “measure heart.” Players like Dillard who possess these intangibles are what this Jaguars team needs. Dillard has admitted the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jaguars have shown him the most interest.

 

The next few years will be a stepping stone to something special, in my opinion. It will be a time of change. It will be a period of strengthening. This team is not rebuilding. It’s remodeling. Smith is changing the face of the team while leaving the structure in sound condition. With a new look usually comes added confidence. Swagger is the key in the NFL.

 

With that swagger, the Jaguars will have a new uniform, a new feature running back, a new wide receiving corps, and a new General Manager. Common to all of these, however, is the undying devotion of the fans to the team. Through the struggles and change, the fans will watch from afar. They will support the team with adoration. They will also wait to see if Gene Smith has what it takes to bring Jacksonville a championship. I believe he does.

 

Poll

How many years will it take Gene Smith to get the Jaguars to the Super Bowl?

11%

Watch what happens this season!!

6 votes

33%

1-2 solid years

17 votes

41%

3-4 years

21 votes

11%

4+ years

6 votes

1%

Why did we even hire this guy?

1 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

Nine top prospects have been invited to attend Day 1 of the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 25, the league announced Monday. WR Michael Crabtree, LB Aaron Curry, LB Brian Cushing, QB Josh Freeman, T Eugene Monroe, T Michael Oher, DE Brian Orakpo, T Jason Smith and QB Matthew Stafford will be the biggest group of prospects to attend the draft since 11 players attended the 1996 NFL Draft.

Who is in charge of determining the players invited to the draft? Of course, recent hype says Mark Sanchez could be the top overall pick in the draft. Wouldn't that be insane if he wasn't even in attendance due to lack of invitation? I think this list is horrible. I could also see Andre Smith going earlier than Michael Oher very easily. Did San Fran say there was no way they'd pass on him? Somebody noted that in an earlier post. When is Cushing expected to go? I thought he was a mid-first prospect....right?

Thoughts? I didn't put a link, because there's a million sites who've posted this info. Very easy to find.

 

-Blair

Poll

Who do you think will be the first overall selection of the 2009 NFL draft?

68%

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

35 votes

5%

Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

3 votes

7%

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

4 votes

1%

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

1 votes

15%

Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

8 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

I just read a pretty good article about Gene Smith's first draft. There's more talk on BAP, and how it shouldn't be a warroom on draft day, but the draft board should be stacked properly.

I think Gene Smith is going to hook us up with some nice draft picks this year. I'm pretty psyched about it. We're getting closer (to draft day).

Anyway, check it out if you haven't already seen it.

http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/columnists/gene_frenette/2009-04-05/story/draft_is_first_step_on_road_back

              

Maurice Jones-Drew has waited for this opportunity his entire life. He has mastered the art of patience, and patience has finally rewarded him with a starting role as the Jacksonville Jaguars new franchise tailback. Producing stellar numbers as a back-up since being drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft, it would seem only one matter has yet to be resolved in Jones-Drew's life.

Jones-Drew needs to be paid.

Since being drafted, in three NFL seasons including the 2007 playoffs, Jones-Drew has scored 42 total touchdowns. He is widely regarded as the most versatile running back in the NFL, and he has already broken numerous franchise records. He is a dynamic, smash-mouth football player who loves contact and has a nose for the endzone.

With the departure of Fred Taylor, the team has paved the way for Jones-Drew to be the new face of the franchise. It is obvious the team wants him to carry the load full-time, while utilizing Greg Jones as his primary back-up. However, before the aforementioned happens, he wants his paychecks to to reflect his production.

Selecting Derrick Harvey in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL draft, the team signed him to a guaranteed payout of 17.175 million dollars. Jones-Drew is in the final year of his rookie contract and is due to make the league minimum for four-year players of $535,000. With a second year player on the team (Harvey) making significantly more money with less experience and production, it is only natural for Jones-Drew to want compensation.

Although it is rumored the Jaguars and Jones-Drew are getting closer in contract negotiations, the front office must ensure they don't drop the ball on this one. It has been reported Jones-Drew is seeking a contract similar to that of Steven Jackson's, and he is looking for a guaranteed payout in excess of 20 million dollars.

I believe the reality of the business became a factor in Jones-Drew's contract demands when his friend and mentor Fred Taylor was released earlier in the year. I also believe that if the organization cannot tie Jones-Drew up long-term, then he is open to finding a team who will. I don't believe this will be the case, however, because Gene Smith has indicated the team's interest in having Jones-Drew as the premier running back, as was evidenced by Fred Taylor's release.

All in all, Maurice Jones-Drew is a stud. He has a knack for finding the end-zone, and he will not shy away from anyone who challenges him. He plays with a constant chip on his shoulder, and he is determined to prove his worth even after recognition has been granted. He is, in my opinion, the most talented member of the Jaguars organization, and he will prove it time and time again on gameday.

So, pay MJD his money, Gene. He has earned it in full. He has proven his worth, and he is in the prime of his youth. He has been patient, productive, and passoniate in his pursuit of stardom. He will be a leader in the locker room and a force on the field. He epitomizes your stance on players with great character, and he has been waiting for this opportunity his entire life.

-Blair

Poll

If the Jags don't sign MJD to a new deal, he'll still be a RFA after the 2010 season because the minimum number of years for UFA will shift to 6. So, Should the Jags ink MJD to a new deal, or should they wait?

78%

Do it now! He's dynamic on and off the field.

188 votes

21%

Wait! What's the rush, we own his rights for quite a few more seasons.

50 votes

238 votes | Poll has closed

As the days wind down, and we all get closer to the 2009 NFL draft, many Jaguars fans ponder the multiple scenarios that could take place on April 25th. Questions run through our mind as if carried on a conveyor belt, stopping only momentarily for us to analyze each one individually. As teams throughout the league continually attempt to revamp and fill holes in their roster, situations for other teams are affected and changed. Through all of this change, one man remains with a seemingly unchangeable and unaffected operating procedure.

The front office of the Jacksonville Jaguars organization has been methodical in targeting specific acquisitions and prospects. Some of those players deemed valuable by the organization have been targeted with specific terms in mind, and General Manager Gene Smith has been firm in his offers.

Currently, Torry Holt has visited the Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans. Of the two teams, it has been reported by Holt's agent that Holt is more interested in the Titans, and it seems he is on his way to Nashville. However, there has been no word reported or whisperings through the forums to suggest the Jaguars have attempted to match any offer the Titans have made. It seems at this point, upon reaching a number agreement, Holt will be on the field with Nate Washington next season. This tends to make me believe that no matter how valuable a player is deemed by the Jaguars organization, Gene Smith refuses to bend on his policies and beliefs of what makes a franchise successful.

On the other hand, I firmly believe Gene Smith has strong faith in the abilities of David Garrard. Every professional football talent evaluator understands a quarterback cannot and will not be successful when there is no protection and no one open downfield. The fact Garrard did as well as he did with a mediocre at best run game and only Matt Jones to throw to is a testament of his determination at the position. Garrard understands the business aspect of football just as well as the playing aspect. He understands in order to maintain his current role, he must be given an opportunity by the organization.

Thus, this is the reason I believe Garrard is feeling very disconcerted at the moment. With a new contract in hand, Garrard is perplexed at the notion of another quarterback controversy, one year removed from the season of his life. Garrard craves the opportunity to shine. With targets downfield lacking, Garrard is fearful that this opportunity may never exist. Even though word has been passed that the organization is determined to acquire solid targets, it is very natural for a quarterback in his current position to remain fearful.

The media remains poised and ready to pounce on any type of controversy which may exist at any given time. As a player, it is very difficult to completely overlook these rumors. No longer are the days of confirmed and accurate reporting, but the latest rumor becomes the front page story. The latest hot topic of debate becomes the headlines. Regardless of the truth behind the rumor, a player like Garrard cannot possibly push the questions and doubt from his mind.

Drafted in the 4th round of the 2002 NFL draft, Garrard believed he would become the successor and franchise quarterback of the Jaguars. As we all know, after the 2002 season, then head coach Tom Coughlin was fired, and the Jack Del Rio era began. With a new coach, a new quarterback was selected by the organization to be Del Rio's quarterback. For the next four years, even with significant playing time, Garrard would stand in the shadows. Through hard work and perseverence, however, Garrard was rewarded as being named "the guy" before the start of the 2007 season and followed up by landing the richest contract in franchise history.

One year removed, the Garrard who, almost singlehandedly, produced the franchise's first road playoff win since 1997, is the same Garrard who many say is not as good as his contract indicates. My rebuttal is, however, that Garrard surpassed his 2007 passing total by over 1,100 yards in 2008 behind a porous offensive line. Even with teams expecting him to throw, due to an ineffective run game, Garrard still managed to accumulate 3,620 yards through the air. An increase in his interception total is a direct reflection of playing from behind and the team's unfaltering decision to keep throwing the ball. Lacking Randy Moss and Wes Welker, I say no wonder he threw so many picks.

Through it all, Garrard remains hell-bent on being the franchise quarterback he believes himself to be. He has perservered through his mother's death by breast cancer, his battle with Crohn's disease, and his controversy with Byron Leftwich. He has emerged with a wife, a beautiful child, and a starting role for the only franchise he has ever known.

In my opinion, if in fact Smith does acquired some downfield threats for Garrard to utilize, Garrard will have the season of his life in 2009. The running game will be return to full force in the season to come, and the Jaguars, lead by its franchise quarterback, will be back in the limelight. This will be directly contributable to Smith's philosophies, the newly reacquired "team" concept, and Garrard's undying desire to be on top.

In summary, Garrard will never be a Tom Brady. However, he will consistently produce. He will continually throw the team on his back and take the necessary blame for the teams failures and distribute praise to other players in times of success. He doesn't need to throw for 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns to accomplish the mission at hand. He needs only to instill leadership and to lead by example. In my opinion, Garrard has consistently done that through an ever-faithful approach of patience, hardwork, and a never-quit attitude.

As another day comes and goes, Jag Nation waits in anticipation for the next front office move in Jacksonville. Today is spent with anticpation of tomorrow's articles while heated debates ravage the online forums.

As conversations venture from one die-hard fan to another, arguments unravel throughout the web. One fan sits nervously typing his opinion. Hesitantly, he makes the final edits on his post, and then he anxiously awaits what feedback other fans might offer as their response. While he knows the finer details of the game, he believes in alternate strategies. He thinks outside of the box.

As responses begin to pour in, he concludes he should have never shared his opinion. Although intelligently detailing his thoughts about his beloved Jaguars, he has been ripped apart by other fans with altering views. He is shunned as an idiot. He is cursed at, belittled, and treated with utter disrespect. He doesn't feel as though he deserves such treatment, but he decides with a finality to never again share his thoughts.

Day after day, I witness the disrespect of others in online forums. For seemingly small reasons, such as a differing opinion, one fan rips apart the feelings of another. Intelligent conversation is mixed with bitter hatred as words fly from post to post.

Because of this, some fans do not share their opinion at all. Although yearning to share their extensive knowledge of the game, they decide to withhold their valuable input. They move on to other online websites without leaving behind the golden nuggets of information stowed away in their intellectual minds. They then forget as their ideas are lost in the transit of time.

Unfortunately, numerous Jaguars fans have undoubtedly subjected themselves to these very acts of ill treatment. Heated passion creates a bitter animosity towards another, and one might feel obligated to destroy the rationale of another by "proving" to other fans how "stupid" or "ridiculous" an opinion was. Why must it be this way?

Differing opinions will exist. Put five football fans in a room, pull a subject out of a hat, and an argument ensues. However, we must find it in ourselves to tastefully and intelligently state our lack of agreement on various topics. We should treat one's opinion as just that...an opinion. If in disagreement, debate the subject. However, tearing someone down emotionally and psychologically is completely unnecessary. It should be shunned, avoided, and eliminated from Jaguars forums at all costs. We, as Jaguars fans, need to lead the way by exercising a higher regard for decency and respect toward other fans. Strong-minded individuals should reserve a place at the comment boards for those hesitant to speak.

In my opinion, these concepts will forever intangibly place particular sites in high regard as the readers' choice, while other websites are left pondering over their less than desirable internet traffic.