SB Nation User Blog: FSBlueApocalypse

Happy 4th of July!

FSBlueApocalypse — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:26:00 -0000

Happy 4th of July, BCC! I hope everyone is having fun and enjoying their three day weekend. Two hundred and thirty three years ago, a group of Southern Plantation owners and rich New England merchants decided that they could run this chunk of land better than the King and Parliament. Today, those thirteen colonies have grown from coast to coast and a global presence. Take care, and hey, only a month until Training Camp!

-John

Jaguars ranked 62nd in ESPN's Ultimate Rankings

FSBlueApocalypse — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:25:33 -0000

Jaguars ranked 62nd in ESPN's Ultimate Rankings

All I can say is wow. I'm still trying to figure out the logic of dropping us THAT far.

Quick Bytes: July 2nd, 2009

FSBlueApocalypse — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:26:38 -0000

Men's Health 100 Best Sports Cities
Jacksonville was ranked as the 6th best, while our fair weather neighbors to the South in Miami were ranked dead last.

Northcutt 'excited' about trade | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
Northcutt's thoughts on his trade to Detroit.

Jags LB Williams purchases high school's uniforms | Jacksonville.com
Second year linebacker Thomas Williams purchased brand new uniforms for his high school's football team.

Rookies attending symposium have many fresh examples of what not to do
More on Eugene Monroe and other rookies at the symposium

Jaguar Fans Can Rest Easy with Torry Holt | The Jacksonville Observer

"Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, chosen No. 8 overall, said hearing Wiley and...

FSBlueApocalypse — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:25:12 -0000

"Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, chosen No. 8 overall, said hearing Wiley and others speak bluntly about their personal choices, regrets, anxieties and temptations sent a better message than deciphering media reports about Vick, Burress and other players. Even so, Monroe said he has followed the demise of Burress, Vick and Stallworth and that the opportunity for redemption is a 50-50 deal that could be prevented, even if there is nothing more to redeem than a missed block that resulted in a sack.

"A lot of times, guys end up in the wrong situations, whether it's being in the wrong place at the wrong time or making poor decisions," Monroe said. "Seeing those things play out here and in real life lets me, and hopefully others, realize that you really don't want to get caught up with those things."

Another reason why I loved this pick over Crabtree, BJ Raji, and others.

FSU, the NCAA, and why I won't attend another game until Bowden is gone

FSBlueApocalypse — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:25:25 -0000

I've been reading this blog for the past few weeks, seeing how FSU has turned a gift from the NCAA into an even worse nightmare for the school. I'm sick to my stomach with the way the administration is handling things, with the most recent response showing that the University is far removed from reality. When I read things about how it would accept bowl bans, further scholarship losses, and other "fairer" punishments for the sake of Bowden's wins, I want to vomit. How can this administration be that out of touch with reality?

I'm crossing my fingers that Jimbo Fisher won't jump ship if FSU "wins" it's appeal. I can only imagine what he must be thinking right now as this circus had unfolded. Is he going to press the administration one way or another?

What kind of message does it send to Fisher, recruits, and the boosters that we may well crucify this program for the next five years so that Bowden can keep the illusion he has a chance to get the record?

I hate to say it, but I have to tip my hat to UF for showing how to handle the future. Before Spurrier became head coach, UF was best known for Spurrier as QB and almost becoming the second school to get the death penalty in the 80s. When Spurrier forced UF's hand in 2005, UF instead went with Urban Meyer. Spurrier is stuck in neutral at South Carolina, while UF is having it's true Golden Age.

Which brings me to Bowden. It's been discussed ad nasuem here about how he's become a leach to the program and I don't care beat the dead horse too much. However, I'm saying this right now, I won't go to another FSU game until he is gone from the program. If FSU wants me to drive three hours to see the team play, the better put a team committed to wining out there.

I understand that to many, Bowden and FSU football are one in the same. However, if FSU wants to be known as more than a one trick pony, it has to move on at some point. I don't want to be like Bama fans and see 40 year old pictures of Bowden winning the 99 National Championship and not have anything else.

Live Chat with Muarice Jones-Drew at 3pm

FSBlueApocalypse — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:15:52 -0000

Live Chat with Muarice Jones-Drew at 3pm

Live chat with MJD about his offseason and the Jaguars in 2009

Jaguars vs Cardinals on the PS3 version of Madden 10

FSBlueApocalypse — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:02:24 -0000

Jaguars vs Cardinals on the PS3 version of Madden 10

Quick Bytes: June 29th, 2009

FSBlueApocalypse — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:51:05 -0000

Jaguars get safety for Northcutt | Jacksonville.com
Simply confirming that the Jaguars dealt Northcutt from what they saw out of the rookies during OTAs.

T-U 2: Taylor leads list of outspoken ex-Jaguars players | Jacksonville.com
Fred Taylor in a Pats uniform, MJD on the NFL's "Media Bootcamp", and other interesting tid bits.

Mailbag: The best of what you wrote - AFC South - ESPN
Best of Paul Kuharsky's (ESPN's AFC South blogger) mailbag

Ex-Jaguar LB Peterson still loves to "Bring It" | Jacksonville.com
Mike Peterson held his annual "Bring It" football camp in Jacksonville last week. It's great to see he's doing this despite all that happened in the off season.

Lorenzen Learning Tight End Position With Jaguars - Courant.com
Once again the Hartford Courant provides a great article on a former UConn Huskie. This time it talks about Tyler Lorenzen's switch from QB to TE and how he managed to avoid the first cut.

Will Jacksonville Jaguars Pursue Veteran Options at Wide Receiver? | Bleacher Report
After Torry Holt, the Jaguars WR experience is non-existent. Will they go after another veteran receiver?

ProFootballWeekly.com - Expectations soaring for Jaguars rookies
PFW writes that the Jaguars' rookie class is expected to produce great things. Personally, I'm getting more and more excited about Rashad Jennings.

Another veteran lands in Detroit - NFC North - ESPN
Dennis Northcutt's impact on the Lions

Better Passing Needed | Teal Power
In order for the Jags to compete in a tough division incluidng Tennessee and Indy, they need a better passing attack.

-John

Better Know Your Jaguars 2nd Round Pick: Eben Britton, Right Tackle, Arizona

FSBlueApocalypse — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:36:46 -0000

Eben Britton comes to the Jaguars out of Arizona. Britton played Right Tackle for the Wildcats in 2006 and 2007 before switching to Left Tackle in 2008. Britton was a 2nd team All-PAC 10 selection in 07 and a 1st team selection in 08. Whether simply a product of being overhyped by the scouting community, or growing concerns over his marginal ability to get off the snap and foot quickness, he slid from his mid first round projection into the second round. Britton will contend for the Right Tackle position as a rookie, where those concerns are marginalized. Just as Jag fans want Eugene Monroe to remind us of Tony Boselli, can Britton remind us of Leon Searcy?

Video Killed The Scouting Report

Eben Britton: By The Numbers

At A Glance
Position 1: Right Tackle	Height: 6'6
Position 2: Guard/Left Tackle	Weight:309
Class: Redshirt Junior	Age: 22
Round: 2	Bench Press: 24 reps

According To The Experts

Positives:

Mocking The Draft:

Britton is a large offensive tackle who has a frame to get bigger and stronger. Knows when the blitz is coming and has the smarts to adjust. Excels at run blocking in line. Started all three years he was at Arizona. He uses his aggression to maintain and finish off blocks. Knows how to use a strong hand punch to jar opponents. Does a decent job getting to the second level, but he needs to seek out defenders better.

Draft Countdown

Ideal size with a large frame and room to add more weight...Excellent technician who understands angles and positioning...Tough, physical and plays to the whistle...Good strength and power...Gets a nice push in the run game...Has a terrific initial punch...Is stout at the point of attack...Neutralizes defenders when locked on...Outstanding football IQ and awareness..Hard worker..Leader..Durable...Lots of experience.

CBS Sports

Britton plays with great awareness, knowing how to use his size to engulf and his quickness to get in front and lead on sweeps. He needs minimal reps to retain and has a firm grasp of the playbook. He is the unquestioned leader of the offensive line and knows all of his other line mates' assignments. He is quick to pick up the game plan and it is rare to see him make a mental error.

Negatives:

Mocking The Draft

Inconsistent off the snap. May not have the great foot quickness that’s required of a left tackle. Needs to slide his feet better instead of taking small steps. Benefited from playing in a wide-base spread offense where he was standing up off the snap. Marginal lateral agility.

Draft Countdown

Average athleticism...Has short arms...Doesn't always play with the proper pad level...Does not handle speed off the edge well...Struggles in space and range is limited...Does not have great feet...Poor lateral mobility..Marginal agility, quickness and balance...How much upside?

CBS Sports

Doesn't have ideal lateral movement, may not be able to contain more athletic defensive tackles

Why is Eben Britton a Jacksonville Jaguar

Everything I have read about him suggests he is a leader in the weight room, practice field, and off the field. That automatically gives him major points with Emperor Smith. However, Britton represented excellent value where the Jaguars picked in the 2nd round. I'm sure it was a tough decision between him and Florida State defensive end Everette Brown. However, I think that Britton won out because he can step in day one as a starter.

What to Expect from Him

First things first, Eben needs to try and take the Right Tackle position from incumbent Tony Pashos. It seems Pashos hasn't taken the drafting of Britton lying down, and is in the best playing shape of his career. I would expect their battle to be the headline battle through out the Pre-season. If he does not gain the starting position, then expect him to slide into the Right Guard position.

Either way, it is clear he and Monroe were drafted with visions of Searcy and Boselli in mind. If these two tackles can come close to that kind of dominance, this draft class will be a home run.

-John

Poll

Who will be the starting Right Tackle opening day?

The Jaguars 2009 Pass Defense

FSBlueApocalypse — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:21:40 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

A common sight last season, a complete pass against the Jaguars pass defense.

Browse more photos »

Here is a quick rundown of Jacksonville's 2008 Defensive statistics against the pass.

Category	Yards/%/ETC	NFL Rank
Completion Percentage	63.9	24th
Yards Per Completion	8.1	30th
Yards per Game	224.1	24th
Touchdowns Allowed	25	27th
Interceptions	13	17th
1st downs allowed	166	12th
20+ yard receptions allowed	55	31st
40+ yard receptions allowed	17	32nd
Opposing QB Rating	95.4	28th

I'll give everyone a minute to grab the beverage of their choice to deal with those numbers. The only category the Jaguars pass defense didn't rank in the bottom half was first downs allowed. Call me cynical, but I think that was helped by the fact the Jaguars gave up so many big plays.

The stats that really bother me are the number of 20+ and 40+ yard receptions allowed. Those are the big plays that can change a game around. Jacksonville gave up between three and four of those a game, and one of those was going for 40+. To put that into perspective, the Pittsburgh Steelers gave up 23 20+ yard passes and only two went for 40+. The average number of 20+ yard pass plays given up in 2008 was 42.3. The average number of 40+ yard plays given up was 7.7.

Putting things lightly, the statistics show the Jaguar's pass defense was bad last year. That 95.4 QB rating would have been good for 5th in the NFL last year. The question now becomes, how do the Jaguars improve in 2009?

Defensive Line

If Shack Harris wants any kind of vindication, the defensive line needs to make a resurgence in 2009. The Jaguars never generated a consistent pass rush last year, leading to receivers managing to work their way open. It doesn't matter if we had Deion Sanders in his prime, if Peyton Manning has all day to throw, he'll pick the defense apart.

Derrick Harvey needs to step up in a big way. He was given a mulligan last year, as many noted how other now dominant defensive ends struggled their rookie year. However, considering Harvey's reputation for taking plays off and not giving 100%, he'll need to show a lot this up coming year.

Reggie Hayward may finally be all the way back from his ruptured Achilles. Hayward seemed to be a great free agent pick up until the injury has slowed him down through out most of his career as a Jaguar.

Quentin Groves is going to be submitting quite a few samples to the NFL's drug testing personnel. Groves is absolutely massive compared to how he was last year. It's obvious he is set on being an every downs player instead of being simply a pass rusher or a 3-4 OLB stuck on a 4-3 team.

These three players have to provide the majority of the pass rush for the Jaguars. If anyone of these can turn in a 10 sack season that can force a double team off of Henderson, then they'll be doing their job and the Jaguars will improve.

Defensive Backs

As I noted in the first Camp Battle article, the defensive secondary should be improved no matter what. With no Drayton Florence and a hopefully rebounding Reggie Nelson, that area should be improved.

Where the question marks lie are with Derek Cox, Brian Williams, Sean Considine, and new comer Gerald Alexander. Alexander was a solid player before a neck injury sidelined him last year. I believe he is a lock at the strong safety position going into camp.

That now leaves the battle between Cox and Williams at the corner position. Regardless of who wins, I'm sure both will see plenty of action as the nickel back. I believe Williams will win the position in training camp, bumping Cox to play nickel this year.

The Conclusion

Well, the Jaguars pass defense can't get any worse. A now healthy Reggie Hayward and veteran Derrick Harvey have to provide a consistent pass rush for anything to change. If they can, the Jaguars secondary has the talent to take advantage.