Read an interesting point on John Oeshers twitter saying that Del Rio claimed that Blaine's biggest job of monday was to not throw an interception.   And this, is why he had a great game.

Against the Jets the Ravens defense put up 21 of 34 points, meaning that the Ravens offense only scored 13 points.   Especially after the Jaguars got up and the defense began playing like it was, it was more important for Blaine to not throw an interception than it was for him to make a big play with his arm.

Case in point, ESPN talked about how Blaine missed Marcedes Lewis open on a deep post.  I bet he also saw Ed Reed hovering right behind lewis and instead of risking a potenital interception he tried dumping it off.

I think it will be interesting to see Blaine play against a Texans defense, that while improved, is certainly not up to par with the Ravens defense.   Especially going against a Texans offense, it will be imperative that Blaine actually make plays instead of NOT make a bad play.

That was why Gabbert had a good game last night.... he didnt make the big mistake.  And he wouldve had a TD pass had Marcedes Lewis been able to actually catch something

To jump right to it, I think that this week we will see numbers from zach miller, cecil shorts, and brock bolen in the passing game.   With Gabbert starting, his comfort level will be with guys like miller, shorts, potter, dillard, or more importantly the 1st/2nd string guys aka the ones who come off the bench to help out the team.   We've heard through training camp about the chemistry that Gabbert has with shorts, and we have seen in games that Zach Miller has been heavily targeted by Gabbert.

So this leads me to another point, maybe, just maybe we will see the Dallas Clark Zach Miller we all envisioned start to appear in the near future.  Part of the problem with Miller has been that he has not seemed to be targeted a lot by jaguars QBs.  Is that because he isnt open, or because of chemistry issues or just not getting him the ball?  I dont think we can be sure, but Gabbert does seem to find Miller a lot.   

I would also expect to see Brock Bolen come in during 3rd down passing plays.  Bolen is a capable blocker (obviously hes a fullback) but has also seen action already this season and has good hands.   Bolen and Gabbert also seem to have good chemistry, notably becuase I believe that Gabbert, Bolen, and Potter did offseason work together at one point.   

Finally, Cecil Shorts has not registered a catch yet this season, but I feel certain that is to change.  We never saw or heard about a real chemistry between McCown and Shorts nor did we see it in effect during the games.  I also like to point out that while Shorts was listed as second on the depth chart, Osgood played as the second reciever in the jets game for a good portion of the game (before he got hurt).  I would have to think that this is because McCown spent the offseason working with Osgood on the third team.   Anyways, I refuse to believe that Shorts doesnt have the skills, because he has been talked as one of the best recievers on the team by multiple sources.  I think we could see a four to five catch game from Shorts, ranging from 40-80 yards depending on how far he stretches the field.

I also think that maybe the Jaguars should start to run some more spread formations.  This would spread the d out and give MJD more running lanes, while putting Gabbert in a higher comfort zone.   Plus, with our running style of play, short, accurate passes, which Gabbert excels at, could help open the d for more MJD running. 

Just my 2 cents. 

This week, much of the positive talk has centered around the positive improvement of the team in certain areas while the negative talk has centered around the utter failures at another.  So in the spirit of both, I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone thought the starting lineups will be next year.  Now I'm all for outside the box, but lets assume that Tom Brady ends up somehow playing on the Jaguars at Quarterback next year.   On a different tangent, feel free to place a rookie card down, and if you would like throw in a name and/or a round that you'd like to see the player selected.  Free agency is also an option.  Also, feel free to throw in backups names for positions like QB or RB and lets stay with 4 WRs. 

My Starting Line-Up 2011

Offense: Not a lot of Question Marks among the skill positions.  The only competitions I could foresee is a potential QB battle between Garrard and I higher round draft pick  and the interior line having to compete with possible rookies as well.  However, as long as they stay healthy they have kept their starting roles for 2011, but 2012 will probably be the end of the line for some. 

QB: David Garrard (1st String)

Backup: Pat Devlin (Rookie 2nd-3rd Round: When I saw the speedy release, size, and arm that Devlin had in just one game I was convinced that he'd be worth a 2nd round pick.)

RB: MJD

RB2: Rashad Jennings

FB: Greg Jones

LT: Monroe

G1, 2: Vince and Uche (interior line would be a good place for a late round prospect)

C: Meester (center is an interesting position that would be nice to address but is not one of the most pressing needs on the team, and could probably wait another year, plus Estes has drawn positive reviews)

RT: Britton

TE1: Marcedes Lewis (Pay the Man)

TE2: Zach Miller

WR: 1. MSW (Pay him too)

WR2: Mike Thomas

WR3: Jason Hill

WR4: Jarrett Dillard

I expect Jason Hill vs Dillard to be one of the most important matchups of training camp next year, because the winner will see a lot of playing time, while the loser, not so much.  I have a good feeling about Hill, and as one person on this site alluded too he could be our version of Brandon Lloyd, a bust in the wrong situation but a star in the other. 

On another note, with the emergence and depth of our wide receivers along with the probable drafting of a more passing quarterback we may see the development of a more west coast offense that takes advantage of the speed that the offense possesses.  

In this case, consider the offensive diversity that the Jaguars could achieve, one second pound the living crap out of you the next a finesse Manning-like attack.  Almost like a San Diego of a few years ago with LT plus Rivers but with arguably better receivers.  Plus you have the whole Gates Lewis analogy.

Starting Defense 2011:

1DE's: Kampman Mincey 

DT: Knighton, Alualu, Smith rotates in

LBs: Smith as a definite starter, Durant and Morrison as question marks.  I'd like to see a rookie drafted around round 4-5 especially one that excels in pass defense.  Almost like a big strong safety that could maybe come in as a 3rd down backer.  

CBs: Cox is coming on strong, while Mathis' return is a major question mark.  He reminds me of a John Henderson, a guy who has a little left in the tank, but not enough to contribute to a team on the ascent.  However, there is a chance he is moved to free safety, where he may excel.   I'd like to see our 3rd-4th round pick on another corner and I'd really like to see David Jones in the nickel.  

SS: Greene and a cheap Free Agent Aquisition or late round rookie as a backup.  Good-Bye Considine, but if you must stay lets just keep you on special teams. 

FS: Rookie/Free Agent: While there has been talk about Mathis switching to FS I don't see it as a real consideration from the Jaguars organization as they have never hinted at it in the past.  I would like our 1st round pick to be spent on a FS unless there is a extremely good QB, LB, or CB available in the draft. 

Kicker and punter remain the same.  

Dear Jags fans on this site,

Like all of you I sat on my couch swearing, praying, and sweating.  I couldn't wait for this game, and now that its over, there is an emptiness inside my chest where I expected the thrill of a division title to fill.  I expected a AFC South Championship shirt for Christmas, and I prayed that through divine intervention that the Jaguars would win after recovering the onside kick.   

But alas, that was not to be.  When the clock struck zero it was the Colts, yes the Colts, who had the championships wheel in there hands, like they always seem to do.  I buried my head in the pillow, feeling the pain of a tough tough loss.   This always happens doesn't it? Always. 

What was also just wonderful, was the fact that my head was beginning to ache (just my luck). I slowly trudged upstairs and took two motrin, and then let the nice hot shower pour onto my head as my face relax and the headache dissipated.   

But as I sat there I thought long and hard about the Jaguars.  I wondered, what if Garrard hadn't let that one pass sail, what if the onside kick had been recovered, what if the pitch hadn't been fumbled, what if what if what if.   But unlike the Giants game, or the Colts game from last year my heart wrenching feeling was not as severe.  Maybe it was because we still had a chance, but no.

It wasn't.  As I sat in the shower I realized something that I think we all need to consider on this site.  We should be extremely proud and excited for the Jaguars.  Yes, the title may be gone from Jacksonville, but the hope is endless and the excitement has been 100% there.

Look at our team.  Look long and hard.  

Look first at the offense.  Where a young receiving core, with Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas, Jason Hill, Marcedes Lewis, and dont you dare forget Jarrett Dillard.  Look at that depth.  Its beyond anything weve had in Jacksonville, MAYBE ever.  

Seriously, did you watch Jason Hill today?  Or Mike Thomas, or Marcedes Lewis or Mike Sims-Walker?  They all made clutch grabs at clutch times.  They were open and Garrard found them for the most part.  Its a shame we didnt pass all day or we probably wouldve won but lets not go down that road.  

On a similar note, the tight end combo should be tops in the league, especially with the maturation of Zach Miller.  Did you see that catch by Marcedes? Wow talk about incredible.

And the running backs well, MJD is MJD, but Rashad Jennings has put together a solid couple of games the past few weeks and looks like hes really coming into his own.  

Even David had a pretty good game today.  And the O-Line well, it may need some more work, but still no team is perfect. 

The defense played better against the Colts especially in the second half than I've ever seen them play.  Seriously guys, try and remember the Colts TD's in the second half.  Oh wait, the Colts offense score ONE and only ONE offensive touchdown in the second half.  

Derek Cox guys, Derek Cox had a FANTASTIC DAY.  He literally SHUT DOWN Reggie Wayne.  Yeah you heard me right Reggie freaking Wayne.  

The D-line may not have had a "great" day but they are young as young can be.  The direction is skyrocketing and they don't even have Kampman OR D'Anthony Smith.  They're gonna be good next year.  

The linebackers, well Daryll Smith was a MONSTER against the Colts. A Monster.  He was all over the field.  The rest of them didn't stand out but oh well. 

Courtney Greene may be our strong safety of the future.  You see how much his absense effects this teams rush defense.  Lets put it in perspective.  With Greene, they shut down Foster, Johnson, and Hillis.  Without, they can't even stop Donald Brown.

Now yes there are weak spots.  Like William Middleton who was TERRIBLE today (why didn't we have David Jones as the nickel guy?), but thats not what this article was written for.  My point for this piece is to tell ALL of you to hold your heads high.  We split with the Colts, and in a season where many predicted 7-9 or 6-10 the Jaguars will probably go 10-6.  

And still have a shot to win the division.  Think about it guys.  Even if the Jaguars don't make the playoffs, they have given us a season of excitement, thrills, and tons and tons of hope.   They have ALREADY exceeded all expectations that we have had this season.

To put the final touch on this letter, I offer a story.  Once upon a beginning of a season I said "all I want for Christmas is the Jaguars to beat the Redskins," because I live in Maryland and my parents and entire family is Redskins fans and I took so much crap after the Redskins beat the Jaguars 4 years ago in overtime.  I said that as long as the Jaguars beat the Broncos (the whole Tebow thing) and the Redskins I would be happy with the season.

A few weeks ago that changed slightly, well drastically actually.  That wish soon became "the Colts, or division championship"  which is a large change considering how bad both the Broncos and Redskins are.  

My point is that we shouldn't shift our expectations of the Jaguars just because they start winning.  Is it wrong to be disapointed they didn't win today, no, but is it wrong to beat yourself up about it, scream FIRE JACK DEL RIO, or say "wow Jaguars really?"  Absolutely.  

The Jaguars have brought nothing but happiness, excitement, and hope to me in the last couple weeks and I have nothing but the uptmost pride in my team even after a tough loss.  So I urge you to pick your head up and stay strong.  Our arrow is pointing way up and the future is bright.

And who knows, maybe, just maybe the Jaguars will get a real Christmas gift and find a division championship waiting under the tree next week with a Colts loss.

Go Jags/In Gene We Trust/We Are Jaguars/Merry Christmas,

Tim Higgins

The past few weeks we have seen a Jaguar team pull miracle after miracle.  This sunday, they pulled one miracle, that being the offense in the first half, and almost pulled another miracle that being the last drive before their luck ran crashing to a hault.  Yet still, people must see the other miracle, that being that the Colts are looking a little off their normal path of division dominance.  While the super bowl loss curse has some credibility, it must also be pointed out the the Jaguars inconsistency and seemingly cursed end of season woes also have credibility.  So which one wins out; hope or doubt?

Jacksonville Jaguars: To Hope

Besides slip ups at Kansas City and Tennesse, as a team we must admit that the Jacksonville Jaguars have improved as the season has continued on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.   If the Jaguars can run for almost 150 yards on the ground against the Giants defense, how badly can they shred the Colts defense, how can Tennesse or Houston dare touch the red-hot Jones-Drew? 

Garrards consistancy has been iffy, but its been better than in past years.  While he does seem to have his off games, his off games of late have been less off than in past games.  For example, in Cleveland, although throwing for multiple interceptions, some which granted weren't his fault he also orchestrated two huge touchdown drives which would eventually win the game for the Jaguars.  Last week, barring a disaster of a game ending drive, no matter who was at fault, he still did manage to drive the team to the 30 of the Giants, and played a wonderful first half. 

The combination of Sims-Walker, Thomas, and Lewis is the best passing combination in years for the Jaguars.  Even with Sims-Walker's unfortunate drops last game, he made a few nice catches and lets also remember is on the high ankle sprain.

On a similar topic, the character of this team is greater than arguable any Jacksonville team of the past.   And on this note and fact, we surmise that this team is different.  It is older than last, more mature, more wise, more focused.   This in itself, along with the betterment of the team is what will carry the Jaguars to first place in their division.

But is that really true? Are the Jacksonville Jaguars really going to reach for first place?  They have no one stopping them.  If they don't win the division it'll be no ones fault but their own.  But is that fair to place upon a young growing football team? Or are we bound for another year like last year?

Last year the Jaguars had a tough end of schedule.  This year it is not so frightening, as it features teams that all fall one win below 500 besides the Colts 

The Titans: You have to think that the Jaguars will want to avenge their loss, and will be playing with fire after a tough tough loss.  This is a team of character and this is what they are known for.  Rebounding. 

The Raiders:  This is in Jacksonville, thank God, and hopefully the 1 o'clock time will affect the Raiders.   Plus, the Raiders are more of a Running football team than a passing one which is also comforting.

The Colts: The grandaddy of them all. Enough said.

The Redskins: I watch this team every week and I must say they are very similar to the Jaguars of last year.  Can be good when they want to be, and they have a very good deep ball, which scares me. 

Texans: Hopefully, by this point, the Texans will have nothign to play for. And if all goes well, niether will the Jaguars.  If there is somethign to play for, pound MJD all day.

So if you really think about it, the Jaguars could feasibly, and I mean feasibly run the table.  Then, theyd have a playoff game IN JACKSONVILLE.  Wow, what a place that would be.

  More interestingly though, we know that the sucess of the Jaguars is linked to MJDs level of production.  In the losing streaks, he has struggled.  In the winning ones he has soared, besides the Giants game, but let us remember that 3 weeks ago they were the best team in the NFC if not the league. 

Run Defense Rankings:

Titans: 17th against the Rush

Raiders: 28th against the Rush (and at home)

Colts: 30th against the Rush

Redskins: 26th against the Rush (and at home)

Texans: 8th against the Rush (but who are we kidding, the reason that's so low is that if you don't pass on the Texans there's obviously something wrong with you)

So besides the Texans rush defense which ranks as 8th, which I find incredibly misleading, the Jaguars will not face a defense that should have any chance of stopping MJD considering the way he has been playing. 

That usually means a W for the Jaguars.  Usually.  However, lets say that the Jaguars do in fact lose to the Colts in week 15.  Lets look at the Colts schedule.

Dallas: They've looked strong of late, and against the Colts defense, anythings possible

AT Titans: Hopefully, they'll be pissed coming off a loss to the Jaguars and look to shock the Colts on Sunday Night Football.  This would be a huge win for the Jaguars, becuase it would place the Colts with a lower divisional record even IF they beat the Jaguars, that is IF the Jaguars beat the Titans.

Jacksonville: In this scenario, lets say that the Colts come out with a Win.

AT Oakland: The Colts must travel TO Oakland, which may give them some problems.  The Raiders aren't a terrible team, can run the ball, and can defend the pass very well (they rank 5th in the league).

Titans: Divisional games can be tough, but I really don't see the Colts losing this game.  If anything, they lose to the Titans in Nashville, but anythings possible.

No matter what the Jaguars will win the divison if they beat the Colts and go 3-1 in games versus the Titans, Texans, Redskins, and Raiders.  If they lose to the Colts, MAY NOT be absolutely necessary to win out provided that the Colts slip up somewhere else.   The Jaguars games in importance are

1. Colts

2. Titans

3. Texans

4. Oakland

5. Redskins

No matter what the Colts game will be the most important, no debating that.   The Titans game is above the Texans becuase if the Jaguars beat the Titans it should instill the confidence in this team that it needs to make this end of the season run.

However, this is where we reach the doubt section.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Doubt Section

The main reason to doubt the Jaguars is simple.  Their incosistancy is opposed by the Colts consistancy.   The Colts win every year, even when the Jaguars go 12-4 or 11-5.  Whats to think that this wont happen this year too?

1. The Experts Pick the Colts:  Not like we care, but could we be biased? We are all the most hard-core fans that the Jacksonville Jaguars have, so maybe just maybe we want to think that our team has more of a chance then it actually does.  Is there anything wrong with that, no, but take this into consideration.

2. The Jaguars Always Do This:  I read the fanpost about the sinking, bad feeling being gone from Jaguars games the other day and I must report that I still have those feelings.   The Jaguars did this last year too, they grabbed our imaginations and then they quickly dropped us back to earth.  Isn't that what Garrard is famous for? (Not to hate on him, because I do believe that he is given way to much crap for the way he plays)

3.  The Jaguars Defense: They aren't very good, if you haven't noticed.  And while they are steadily improving, even on pass defense, they still are nowhere near even decent.  Rush defense has been better, but overall is our defense really going to win us a divison when our offense is incosistant. 

4.  Inconsistancy- Hopefully, the Jaguars will save their full games for right now.  They need them.  Especially versus the Colts.

5.  Third Quarter Struggles-  While the Jaguars have seemingly played well in 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters, they have fallen apart in third quarters, and that could really cost this team the divison.  At least its better that not showing up for any quarters though.

6. Who have we really beat-  We asked this at the end of last season as well.  This year the Jaguars have beated medicore teams, instead of terrible ones like last year.  But isn't this following the same script? Remember the Jaguars had a nice 3 game winning streak last year too, only to see it fall apart in Miami and the dream in Indy.

7th and most concerning to me, will the Giants game throw this team in a depressed slumber?  Remember last year what happened in Foxbourough?  The Jaguars had just played a game VERY similar to the Giants game of a week ago, where they had a 31-28 lead for most of the 2nd half, but the team couldn't bury the Colts, and just like the Giants the Colts stopped the Jaguars around 20-30 yards away from a valiant comeback.  Can the Jaguars rebound, or is the air of excitement gone?

And even with the loss to the Colts, if the Jags had beaten the Pats and Browns last year they would have been in the playoffs. So they had a lot to play for. 

In other words: is the belief gone? is the magic gone? is the hope gone?

For us fans, no its not.  But for the Jaguars it may be.

CONCLUSION:

The Jaguars have a chance to be talked about, to be noticed, and to win a division.  Could you imagine the support that winning a divison would bring the Jaguars? We might finally have a complete sellout in Jacksonville. 

They also have a chance to be called the same-old Jaguars. 

Last year, many Jaguars players spoke of regret, wishing they could have the chance they had again, to prove they could do it, to redeem themselves.

And here they have it.

We all agree that MJD had a great season last year, and a repeat performance would be great.  Some peole across the leauge are begining to worry about Maurice Jones-Drew, and the fact that he hasn't had a 100 yard rusing game and his longest run is 18 yards.  

Dont be too concerned.  Heres why:

21 carries 97 yards: 23 carries 98 yards

16 carries 66 yards: 12 carries 31 yards

Pretty similar huh?

Those are the numbers from 09 on the left and 10 on the right

We have nothing to worry about from MJD.  Yes he may have a lagging injury but you get the feeling that with all the negative press the superstar back has recieved this week hes bound for a breakout game.

Week three of  the 09 season MJD rushed for 119 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Will the patern continue?

 Its no secret that the Jaguars need help at the safety position. 

According to bleacherreports Max Kienzler the Bears made a "surprise cut" of a safety named Al Aflava who

"started 13 games last season and accumulated 53 tackles, two sacks, seven pass deflections, and a forced fumble as a rookie."

Considering hes in his second year, this might be a guy to check out.

Heres what windy city gridiron had to say

 " What a turn of events Mr. Afalava has seen in the last year."

"And Afalava will be a startingSS for someone in this league for years to come."

"Cuts to the roster like Afalava really let you know how sorry our talent evaluating really is."

However there were some reports that his performance has regressed of late.

Yahoo Sports reported:

"This was the shocker to me. Afalava was a low-round pick out of Oregon State just last year, and started 13 games in Chicago's depleted defensive backfield. Waiving him seems like a weird move -- the kid's only making $395,000 this season - but the Bears have seen their share of unusual transactions in the last few seasons. Afalava will be a bargain for a team looking to bolster its depth at safety."

Other safetys that are begining to surface.  The Eagles released Quentin Demps who played safety for the Ravens defense for some time I believe.

Some of my thoughts of the Eagles game:

1) The Gene Smith Era draft picks all played well barring Derek Cox:

Mike Thomas had the biggest play from the first team offense

Pot Roast was a beast, and had the most QB pressures of really anyone

Derek Cox: the one bad, but apparently hes playing with an injury

Jarrett Dillard: PUP

Zach Miller had a REALLY nice grab from Luke McCown on a nice play

Tiquan Underwood had a 55 yard pass reception.

Rashad Jennings- I believe had the most rushing yards of anyone, sadly, but also had a couple nice grabs on dump passes

 2) This years draft looks almost as good:

-Yes Larry Hart was beaten up some, but he had some QB pressures.  He got in the face of the QB a couple times and almost had a sack, tripped Vick preventing a big gain.  Larry Hart is better than Groves already.

- Deji Karrim had a fantastic game, especially in the return game.  He almost got a first down on a dump pass and almost made something out of nothing, but that 68 yard return was special. 

-Scotty McGee also did very well barring one bad punt return.  He did well on kickoffs and had one where he broke a couple tackles and almost took it the distance.  The jaguars almost had a couple big touchdowns

3) Pass Protection was pretty good

- Considering these were backups against the eagles starters I thought the Jaguars actually did pretty good.

- As far as I could tell the interior of the line did better at pass protection.

4) David Garrad:

-  Yes David didn't look good, yes he didnt go through his reads but let me ask you a question.

IF YOU WERE David Garrard and you had two backup tackles against the eagles starting line, youd want to get the ball out really fast too wouldn't you?

- What I'm trying to say is that David Garrard may have been a little antsy to get the ball out of his hands because he knew he didn't have the greatest protection, and honestly I dont blame him.

- I also think Mike Sims-Walker should have caught both passes.  Yes they werent beauties from Garrard but a WR is supposed to make those catches, and sometimes you have to get hit to make them.

5) The Defense:

-Without Alualu and Kampan, the rush really cant be judged accurately.  But they were defiantely IMPROVED.  The rush was a little bit better than last year, as the Jaguars got 2 sacks.  Keep that up all season and you have 32 sacks. 

- The secondary I thought was a little shaky at first but also definately better.  They couldnt stop anything last year, and especially in the Red Zone they made a couple big plays. 

- Justin Durant really stood out to me. 

-The starters run defense was pretty darn good if you ask me, especailly without kampan or alualu or leading tackler Daryl Smith

6) Luke McCown

- I'm a David Garrard supporter, but I'd really like to see McCown get some reps with the ones, just to see.  Its David Garrards job to lose, but if McCown can play better, why is he number two?

7) Josh Scobee

- looked really good kicking field goals hit them all pretty much right down the middle.  Nice to see that accuracy.

-Kickoffs were a little short at times which is a bit concerning.

8) Podlesh

- I thought Podlesh had a good game especially pinning the Eagles inside the 5 yard line. 

DOLPHINS PREVIEW:

Here are my 10 things to look for:

1) David Garrard- With the probable return of his starting tackles, does he make the right reads and establish some quality drives?

2) Luke McCown- If he performs like he did again, and Garrard plays like he played in game number one, we could see him in a possible starting role to experiment.

3) Mike Sims-Walker- If he does play, can he go back to being a reliable target? And can he be a real number one instead of just an acceptable number one?

4) The rookies- Alualu should be back and hopefully Lane as well.  How do these guys live up to last years class? 

5) Alualu and Knighton-  Boy if Alualu is as good as hes been said to be, Knighton and him are going to be VERY disruptive in the middle, and thus Harvey and Kampan should excel on the outside.

6) Contiuned good play from special teams, Maybe a touchdown?

7) Keep the tunrover differential up again.

8) The sophmores continue to grow and develop

9) The defenses holds the dolphins starters to a three and out.

10) Continue with the strong redzone defense.

I believe David Garrard will have a strong game next week.  He always seems to counter a good game with a bad and vice versa.  Dont be surprised with a solid showing from him next week.  Those are my thoughts on the game, feel free to comment.

I was watching inside training camp with Vic on jaguars.com, and I couldn't help but notice a few things in the video.

1. Aaron Kampman had a much better burst off the line in the one clip they showed of him in a drill beating Jeremy Mincey by a long shot.  Its good to see that explosion out of him.

2.  David Garrards passes look strong.  Yeah no pads yet, but his passes look nice and crisp.

3. Mike Thomas looks good making a nice catch across the middle, but the throw was dead on.

4. Uche was playing center in the Mike Thomas catch

And on two occasions it looked to me as if Tyron Brackenridge was playing safety.  I could be wrong but he was in a safeties position on the interception, now it could be a cover 3 or a different scheme granted, but he also showed up in the safety position on the Mike Thomas catch. 

http://www.jaguars.com/Multimedia/?id=3658 

From ASK VIC this morning:

Ah, Vic, you sly dog. As soon as the EverBank announcement hit my inbox I recognized the "exciting news" you hinted at back in June.

Vic: I expect some more exciting news to be on the horizon. It’s not as exciting as stadium naming rights, but it’s the kind of news that could put ticket sales over the top.

Anyone have any idea what this news could be?

Heres the link to the ASK VIC

http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=9086

I was reading this on ESPN and only really expected to see names like Maurice Jones Drew and maybe Mike Sims-Walker, but I was a little shocked to see Mike Thomas' name at number two on Catches Percentage.   Besides that I thought it was a good piece and could be shared. 

Its nice to see, for once, that a Jaguar reciever has the number two catches percentage in the NFL

Also if you continue reading Mike Thomas is on another list along with Mike Sims-Walker for least drops.  did you know both Sims-Walker and Thomas had just one drop last season...

Talk about Gene Smith Change.

Also the very last statistic show the top 10 quarterbacks from 07= 08 and 09.  and guess whos number 2 in 07? behind only tom brady in adjusted net yards per attempt..  Yeah it was David Garrard.

Heres the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k10advancedstats 

The topic was brought up in a recent ask Vic interview the other day and it got me thinking that althought the vuvuelas can be slightly obnoxious, boy would it be a cool way to insert a bit of home field advantage.  It would be in an essence the terrible towel of pittsburgh, we could even call it a teal trumpet or something of that nature. 

All i know is that sometimes these advertising things can have a big impact on fan attendence.  No i dont propose that inserting these trumpets will necessarily fill the stands, but I think it would keep fans in the stands and it would produce a hell of a home field advantage. 

Picture this: Teal Trumpets blasting every time that Peyton Manning lines up to get the ball, or every time MJD runs in for a big touchdown.

Picture that every single team would fear coming to jacksonville.  It would be like, oh no not jacksonville, i dont want to have to listen to those trumpets.  Its an advantage, and a large distraction and something that the Jaguars could really grab by the "horns".

Not only would it help with keeping fans in, it would certainly bring national attention.  I can almost guarntee NFL Network and ESPN would be all over the Teal Trumpets like the terrible towel.  It would gain national significance and really cast off the thought of the jaguars moving.

And could you imagine if the team started winning games.  The fan base would be reborn.  I can provide witness to this fact.  I live in Maryland, and have watched the growth of the washington capitals.  Of course Ovetchkin is a special player, but the whole ROCK THE RED campaign has really turned washington DC into a hockey town of sorts.  

And as a high school student i can testify to the fact that just a more energetic pumped crowd is much more fun to be in and at.  And, as a high school player, I can also say that a wild ravanging crowd definately boosts performance.  And these are two things the Jaguars need.

So really, if you think about it, the whole Teal Trumpets Idea may be a bit far fetched, but maybe it shouldnt be

In almost every draft site, MJD is number three.  The third best fantasy option in the league.  Yeah, thats imprressive in itself, but I get the feeling that Adrain Peterson might be recieving alot of "name respect."  What I mean by this is that people think of Adrain Peterson and think the greatest running back in foootball besides maybe Chris Johnson.

But is this really deserved?  Yes Adrain Peterson is a heck of a football player, but what about Maurice Jones-Drew?

Does Jones Drew deserve a higher fantasy draft day status than Adrain Peterson?

Here are the numbers from last year:

PLAYER A: 

Carries: 312

Yards: 1391

Average: 4.5

TDs: 15

receptions: 53

reception yards: 374

FUMBLES: 2

PLAYER B:

carries: 314

Yards: 1383

Average: 4.4

TDs: 18

recpetions: 43

reception yards: 436

FUMBLES: 7

MJD, is player one.   He has a higher yards per carry, higher yards, more receptions, way less fumbles 

Adrian Peterson is number 2.  He has more touchdowns and more yards receiving but more fumbles. 

Give or take, the two are pretty darn even, but Maurice seems to have an edge. 

can someone explain why he doesnt receive the same respect that Adrian Peterson does?  

from ask Vic:

http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=8943

“Jamarcus Russell is going to immediately energize that fan base, that football team – on the practice field, in that locker room. Three years from now, you could be looking at a guy that's certainly one of the elite, top-five quarterbacks in this league. You're talking about a 2-3 year period once he's under center. Look out because the skill level that he has is certainly John Elway-like.”

i thought that this would be a nice LOL moment for all of us, as we continue to bash the man who continues to make him self look stupid

Anyone going to the Jaguars Mini Camps open to the public?

I live in maryland, so there is really no feasible way or reason for me to drive all the way down for mini camp but I would really appreciate if someone going could do a little write up or blog, even if its just a stream of consiousness about how minicamp went or if anyone in particular (especially the rookies stood out)

thanks, Tim 

FROM ASK VIC TODAY:

"QB Trevor Harris of Edinboro. He’s a guy with size, mobility, athletic ability and a live arm. It’s his demeanor, however, that made him a big hit during a pre-draft visit. He let it be known he wanted to play here. A scout told me he has “it.”

Im not sure about you, but when i read this, this guy makes me feel like hes a fan favorite already.  Apparently he told scouts he wanted to go to Jacksonville. 

And hey maybe this is Tom Brady 2.0.  This guy might have been drafted a whole lot earlier in most drafts: aka the sixth round....

Maybe, just maybe.

From Kuharskys AFC SOUTH BLOG:

In the heat of the moment, after losing out on guys they like, other teams picked up the phone to tell the Jaguars and the Titans, “nice pick.”

This from Jaguars director of player personnel Terry McDonough:

"We got calls from Denver and Miami and they were raving about the pick.” 

From Jacksonville.com article

"We watched more tape on him than any other player in the year-and-a-half we've been doing this," McDonough said

Is it just me, or does this prove that these sports people are idiots? 

And does it show that Alualu might turn out to be one of the best picks of the draft?

Here are some of the more specialty playes: (not the lineman) that the jaguars grabbed in undrafted free agency)

Roren Thomas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UXdAADUHTI&feature=related

Terrell Whitehead 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKil32mf-3M

Jason Harmon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knc3zPD3ipI

Aaron Morgan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_wsNG1cqgI

Josh Gordy (highlights start about 2:50)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLMa5aMq314

Chad Kakart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEFds_RpTTM

Chris McGaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez0tTdXH4vI&feature=related

When i first heard the pick Tyson Alualu i buried my face in my hands wondering what Gene Smith had done.  I went to bed feeling much more optimistic, after watching film, looking at stats, and finding out hte the people of the American Samoa are superb football players with not much training.  Or natural athletes.  

But then it dawned on me: Real Fans don't care.  Because real jacksonville jaguars fans can say, "In Gene we Trust" and know that Tyson Alualu is a Jacksonville Jaguar and there is nothing that can change that barring a shocking trade.  Who cares if it was a reach? It happened, and lets embrace Alualu.  Maybe, as Paul Kuharsky noted, Jacksonville has found jackpot. 

But the bottom line is Tyson Alualu did not choose to be the subject of critism.  Hes a jacksonville jaguar now, and hes our jacksonville jaguar now.  Regardless, see what he has to say, see how hard he plays, see him not miss a day of training camp.  For he is our newest Jaguar 

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5064634&categoryid=2459789

Here on the Jaguars on the clock, I was not impressed by the analysis of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Trent Dilfer comes out and speaks to the fact that the Jaguars attitude and body language was poor last year, which is a giant question mark for me, as although I only saw the Jags on TV for the Colts game, I'm not sure what Dilfer is talking about.  (BTW i live in Maryland so i cannot attend Jaguars games, if I lived in jacksonville i would be locked in probably for life).   Secondly, Kassim Osgood doesnt need to become more then a special teamer for this team to work Mel Kiper, as WR is not a real need for the Jaguars in the draft. 

And the Jaguars arent Drafting Tebow in the second round, shut up Chirs Mortensen.  I just wish that sometimes people who are payed to do this stuff actually know what they are talking about.

I think that I may have the greatest expertise on dealing with the Jason Cambell topic, considering I grow up in a Redskins family in the middle of Maryland, so I am forced to watch the Redskins each Sunday.

Let me start by saying, yes I am in favor of signing Cambell IF AND ONLY IF it is a free agent signing.  

To be honest, I think you need to treat Cambell as a rookie quarterback of such.  However, if signed as a backup he has no risk and huge potential reward.  How so?

Cambell has been misplaced in Jim Zorn's west coast offense for years now.  Cambell was at his best (when the Redskins went to the playoffs) when he was in Joe Gibbs scheme of heavy running and play action passing.  

Now enter Jacksonville: does this not sound like the optimal place for Cambell.  Hes not pressured to suceeed, but could back up Garrard, and provide a possible leadway for the future.  Cambell played decently last year considering he may have had the worst offensive line in foootball, with little running game and no protection. 

All I'm saying is i think it would be interesting to see if Cambell suceeds in a system in which he is ment to be, that being a play action passing system, which is one in which he has typically performed well in over his time at Washington.

I think hes worth a low end free agent signing.