SB Nation User Blog: FSBlueApocalypse

10 MINUTES UNTIL BCC RADIO

FSBlueApocalypse — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:49:34 -0000

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BigCatCountry/2009/11/12/Big-Cat-Country-Radio

Comcast Presents: The Jaguars not so Comcastic First Half Red Zone performance

FSBlueApocalypse — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:28:16 -0000

This post is brought to you by Comcast. Check out Comcast and the new Red Zone channel. Catch every touchdown from every game.

The Jaguars were one for two in red zone attempts against the Chiefs. Maurice Jones-Drew scored a ten yard touchdown while Josh Scobee missed a field goal attempt. On the year, the Jaguars are 12 for 23 in the red zone.

The Jaguars need to get better with converting red zone trips into seven points. When teams like Indianapolis, New England, and Pittsburgh go into the red zone, it is assumed that they get into the end zone. The Jaguars need to have that same mentality.

The biggest issue for this team has been red zone turnovers. The Jaguars have had four red zone turnovers in the first half of the season. Factor in the blocked FG against Arizona, and the fourth down stand against Seattle, and the Jaguars have had 6 trips into the red zone that have resulted in no points.

Think about that, if the Jaguars make 4 trips into the red zone in a game, the odds say they'll only get 17 points out of it. Two touchdowns, one field goal, and one negative possession.

This leads me to topic I forgot to mention in my Grades and Awards post the other day. The biggest thing that has been dragging this team down is turnovers. The Jaguars are -3 in turnover differential half way through the season. Part of that is due to David Garrard throwing four interceptions in the last two games. However, it is also indicative of a team that adds unneeded pressure to win games.

Let's look at those red zone goof ups and see how they affected each game.

Blocked FG vs Arizona

If Things Go Right: It is 10-6 Arizona. Not the best scenairio the Jaguars want to open at home, but it is still a ball game

What Happened: A blocked FG that was returned for a touchdown. It made the score 17-3 Arizona and with the way Kurt Warner was throwing the game, the words Game Over might as well have shown up on the scoreboard.

Fumble vs Tennessee

If Things Go Right: The Jaguars punch it in for a touchdown and effectively shut the door on the Titans.

What Happened: David Garrard fumbles, leaving the door open for the Titans. However, the door is effectively shut two drives later.

Fourth Down Stop vs Seattle

If Things Go Right: Depending on your thinking, the Jaguars take a 7-3 lead or tie the game at 3-3. They are in the game and surviving a loud Seattle crowd.

What Happened: A bad play call and a throw away by David Garrard. The Jaguars never seriously threaten again.

Fumble vs Seattle

If Things Go Right: We don't get shut out, yay!

What Happened: Garrard fumbles again and the Jaguars proceed to be handed their worst loss since 1995.

Fumble vs St.Louis

If Things Go Right: The Jaguars take a 14-7 lead and don't let the miserable Rams hang around

What Happened: Maurice Jones-Drew fumbled the ball and it remains at 7-7. The Rams go on to take the lead and Jacksonville wonders if it will be the laughingstock of the NFL.

Interception vs St.Louis

If Things Go Right: The Jaguars take the lead and can quit worrying about losing to the Rams.

What Happened: David throws it to a wide open James Laurinitis and the Jaguars can officially worry that they'll be the "lucky" team to break the Rams streak.

With the exception to the fumble against Tennessee, all of these had a direct impact on the game and either cost the Jaguars a win or kept a game much closer than it needed to be. I firmly believe if the Jaguars manage to get that touchdown against the Seahawks, that is a much different ball game.

As Collin mentioned before, the Jaguars have the tools to be successful in the red zone. So why aren't they?

-Jonathan Loesche

Is It Time to Retire the Football Helmet?

FSBlueApocalypse — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:26:11 -0000

Is It Time to Retire the Football Helmet?

H/T to Buffalo Rumblings for posting this. Sorry to Collin for posting this so soon after he did his story, but I just found this very interesting and thought I should share. Expect a full story around this tomorrow after I get the game preview up.

Big Cat Country Radio 11/11/2009

FSBlueApocalypse — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:08:52 -0000

WHEN:10pm-11pm

WHERE: Click Here

Call-in Number: (646) 478-3939

First, Happy Veteran's Day everyone! To all the veterans who read BCC, thank you for your service. To everyone who is still active, stay safe and return home to your families.

On the program tonight, we'll discuss the Jaguars 24-21 win over the Chiefs. Have the Jaguars turned the corner on defense going back to the 4-3, or is KC that bad? How does the team look at the halfway point of the season? Best and worst of the first half, and much more!

On the guest spot tonight, JohnB from Gang Green Nation joins us to discuss the New York Jets. How has Mark Sanchez been performing so far? How do the Jets match up against the Jaguars? Is the phrase "Cover 2 Man" even in Rex Ryan's vocabulary?

Join us tonight at 10pm!

-Jonathan Loesche

First Half Grades and Awards

FSBlueApocalypse — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:11:42 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

3 days ago: Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew runs for a third-quarter touchdown during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won 24-21.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Browse more photos »

The Jaguars have completed the first half of their schedule and the results are a resounding...........who knows. This team has had it's share of ups and downs, though it has been entertaining the entire time. This team is in rebuilding, but that doesn't mean it has it's strengths and weaklinks.

Passing Offense: B-

The key here has been the emergence of the wide receiving corp. The Jaguars no longer have a CFL level wide receiving corp and it shows. Mike Sims-Walker has been showing why the Jaguars have been so patient with his injuries, while Torry Holt has been the best free agent pick up since Mike Peterson.David Garrard has been up and down, though that has as much to do with the play of the offensive line as himself.

First round pick Eugene Monroe is seemingly finally entrenched at the left tackle spot. As long as the coaching staff doesn't have anymore divine revelations to start Tra Thomas, I don't see Monroe leaving that spot for the next ten years. Fourth round pick Mike Thomas has certainly been the surprise of the draft class for me. He has been a nice spark plug for the offense.

Rushing Offense:A-

Maurice Jones-Drew is a feature back, enough said. MJD is on pace for a 1,500 yard 22 touchdown season that would eclipse anything Fred Taylor did statistically, which is insane. However, as Jeff Lageman mentioned, Fred was always at his best during the back half of the schedule. Will we say the same about Jones-Drew?

Rashad Jennings has been getting more action as the season has gone on, and hopefully he'll get to be a regular spell back by the end of the year. I know MJD is a monster, but why don't we give the ball to Greg Jones more in short yard situations, if for no other reason then that's one less hit MJD needs to take.

Run blocking has always been the offensive line's strength and it continues to be. 2nd round pick Eben Britton has been excellent blocking the run this season, though he's still a work in progress with pass protection. Also, the interior of the offensive line is starting to show it's age. Hopefully they'll be able to hang on for another year or two because there are only project players to be found if you want interior O-lineman in this draft.

Passing Defense:D

Well, at least the unit isn't on pace to set the record for fewest sacks in the NFL. However, this is still the weak link on the team, as evidenced by the 54 yard prayer that was given up for a touchdown that sparked the Chiefs psuedo-rally. The pass rush is still non-existent for the most part. Unless the Chiefs game was a preview of things to come, the Jaguars will still be looking for that pass rusher. Also, Reggie Nelson is still a liability. While he managed to figure out he was playing TACKLE football, I would still take a "Hole in Zone" over trusting him to make the right read.

On the other hand, Derek Cox has been progressing nicely and looks to be a cornerstone of the team for the next decade. I'm not going to blast Sean Considine and Brian Russell too much as those guys really should be special teams guys.

Rushing Defense: C+

The Jaguars rush defense has been good statistically primarily because team's realized that throwing the ball was far more effective. However, the last two weeks have been a Jekyll and Hyde show for the team. Chris Johnson had a career day in Nashville, while they buckled down against the Chiefs to only allow 60 yards rushing.

Terrance Knighton has been playing the best of the rookies and has been a true bright spot for the season. John Henderson has revived his career and is playing his best ball since 2005. Also, if this team is finally going back to the 4-3, then we'll see our linebackers playing to their strengths again.

(I'm going to save comment on the coaching for another article.)

First Half MVP: Maurice Jones-Drew

Did you think I would pick anyone else?

First Half LVP (Least Valuable Player): Reggie Nelson

Nelson is proudly continuing in the tradition of other Shack Harris first round picks, by not progressing or living up to their potential. It seems everytime the defense gives a big play over the top you can see that Reggie is out of position somewhere.

Best Moment: Week 4 vs Tennessee

Easily the best performance from all sides of the ball since 2007.

Worst Moment: Week 8 at Tennessee

I have to agree with Vic on this one. The playoffs were on the line and despite being thoroughly outplayed, it seemed MJD had delivered a knockout blow with his second long touchdown to tie the game at 13-13. Then, the extra point was blocked and the team collapsed.

Best Rookie: Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton

Not only has he played the best of the rookies, his arrivial has resparked John Henderson.

Most Pleasant Surprise: The Jaguars no longer having a CFL level wide receiving unit

The Jaguars top three wide receivers in 2008, Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, and Jerry Porter are out of football now. Would anyone want to bet Mike Sims-Walker, Torry Holt, and Mike Thomas would be free agents for long if the Jaguars cut them tomorrow?

One thing I want to see over the next eight games: Close losses

You're probably wondering what I mean by that, but this team is going to lose a few more games this year, that is certain. However, the Jaguars have lost by an average of 18 points this season. I'm not asking this team to go in and beat New England at home in December. I would ask you make it worth my while to tune in.

-Jonathan Loesche

Poll

The team MVP is

Better Know the Jacksonville Jaguars: Ask Big Cat Country

FSBlueApocalypse — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:01:16 -0000

Hey everyone

I'm John, one of the writers over at SBN's Jacksonville Jaguar blog Big Cat Country. My Jags travel to Jimmy Hoffa's final resting place this Sunday in a battle of 4-4 teams. The winner get's to keep the playoff hopes for one more week, the loser finds themselves with more questions. Mark Sanchez was reportedly a major target of the Jags heading into the draft, so it will be interesting to see him in action. Also, a quick FYI, BCC does a weekly radio show from 10-11pm Wednesday night. JohnB will be joining us to discuss the upcoming game. You'll be able to find that here.

Quick Bytes: 11/9/2009

FSBlueApocalypse — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:18:12 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

3 days ago: Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, right, catches a fourth-quarter pass from quarterback David Garrard, left, during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won 24-21.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Browse more photos »

Jaguars Notebook: Rookies played a key role in win | Jacksonville.com

Rashad Jennings shows what Dirk Koetter was thinking when he called for Jennings to run out of the shotgun last week. In addition, Mike Thomas continues to impress as a X factor. Torry Holt get's to 900 career receptions and 11th on All Time receiving yards list.

Big numbers for Jaguars' Sims-Walker against Chiefs | Jacksonville.com
Ok, so it was just the Chiefs defense. However, Sims-Walker's 147 yards is the most by any Jags receiver since Jimmy Smith was still in his prime. He might "Need-a-Walker" but he's also the best wide receiver on this team.

Jaguars vs. Chiefs: Report Card | Jacksonville.com
Gene Frenette grades the Jaguars.

Jaguars hang on and hang in against Chiefs | Jacksonville.com
Jack Del Rio says it is time to take off following the win against the Chiefs. How about he says that after a win in New York next week?

Chiefs get going too late in 24-21 loss to Jaguars - KansasCity.com
The Kansas City Star says this was just a new way the Chiefs found to lose.

Wrap-up: Jaguars 24, Chiefs 21 - AFC South - ESPN
Paul Kuharsky look at the Jaguars-Chiefs game and is impressed the team is at .500 this late in the year.

Jaguars' defense undergoes alignment change

The Nashville Nightmare makes the Jaguars go back to the 4-3 and it had positive results.

Jaguars Growl for Food Donations

The Jaguars held their 15th annual Food Drive for 2nd Harvest Food Bank.

Jaguars-Chiefs Highlights

FSBlueApocalypse — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:13:02 -0000

Brought to you by TheSection300

Jaguars-Chiefs Video Preview

FSBlueApocalypse — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:37:16 -0000

BCC Radio in 10 minutes

FSBlueApocalypse — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:50:17 -0000

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BigCatCountry/2009/11/05/Big-Cat-Country-Radio