I just read an article on ESPN describing how Chad Pennington is getting used to life as a backup QB, as the Dolphins focus their efforts on developing Chad Henne.  Obviously we all know about the bum shoulder, but the guy has a 66% career completion percentage, has won in the past, and could be at least a very capable backup to Garrard.  In the article it mentions that "Pennington may not even be the primary backup, as he battles with Tyler Thigpen for the backup spot".  If this is the case and the Dolphins are happy with Thigpen, could we get him on the cheap (6th rounder)?  

I understand we made the similar move last year for McCown and I know it's very early, but it's sounding like the QB's have not been sharp so far in camp, which is starting to worry me a bit. Again, just a random thought, but I thought this was at least more realistic than the "trade Garrard to the Vikings" talks.

In the ESPN Insider, NFL Rumors section today...BCC was the "update":

On May 3, reports were coming in from Jacksonville Jaguars organized team activities that Luke McCown was looking better than incumbent starting QB David Garrard. While no one was insinuating that McCown would be taking Garrard's job, there was some thought that perhaps the competition was closer than some of us believed.

Then on May 17, we passed along word that Jags coach Jack Del Rio was much happier with how Garrard was performing and that there didn't seem to be much doubt that this was Garrard's offense again.

On Sunday, Alex Marvez of Fox Sports revealed the final piece of the puzzle: McCown has essentially conceded the QB battle. "It's David's job," McCown said Saturday on Sirius NFL Radio. "There's been a lot more made about it being a competition than there really should be. If anybody even hints to me about the idea of it being an open competition, I'm all for it. But that's not the case."

Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country concurred with McCown's self-aware appraisal, writing Tuesday that the QB's play has "tapered off" as the team has gone through OTAs, and it seems the competition is more or less over.

Here's a great video segment NFL.com did on Del Rio and Garrard... I always love to hear the mic'd up players on the field...

http://www.nfl.com/videos/jacksonville-jaguars/09000d5d8141e757/Sound-FX-In-the-cats-cave

What's everyone's thoughts on what went on in the video?  Does Jack Del Rio seemed to lax on the sidelines for someone on the hot seat? Or do you think players should be loose and just play?

According to Harris Interactive, the Jaguars are America's least favorite team.  We've been at the bottom for 4 out of the last 5 years and honestly, I was not shocked at all by this.  At least I can say I never jumped on the bandwagon!

Fun Fact: in 1999 the Colts were the 27th most popular team, ten years later they are number 4 and have been as high as 2.  If you win, they will come.

http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/pubs/Harris_Poll_2009_10_07.pdf

The Texans game has changed my whole perception on the season.

You could attribute it to MJD torching the Texans D, or MSW emergence as a go-to receiver, or how the O-line finally gave David a pocket to throw in, or the D making plays (D. Smith sack and forced fumble) when it counted most.  There were so many positives that give me hope for the future.  But the best thing to come from this game?  We got our MOJO (pun intended) back!

There was a swagger that I haven't seen since Stroud, Henderson, and Mike Pete were bouncing to hip-hop during TV timeouts.  I don't know how many smiles I saw, MJD, Holt, and Del Rio were beaming every time they were pictured on the sidelines.  They played loose, responded to every Texans TD, and just acted like they knew they were going to win.  And you know what? For the first time (in a LONG time) I felt the same way.  I wasn't thinking about how we were going to somehow find a way to screw this up (ok maybe a little after the MSW fumble), but even after the fumble I felt the D was going to make a stop.  I was even confident that we were going to win it if we went into overtime.

Something I've always learned playing sports (and being a fan) is to always stay level headed.  Never get to high during the highs and never too low during the lows (although the Jags seem to enjoy the extremes, which will some day give me a heart attack).  While it's great to get this win, we shouldn't blow it out of proportion.  This team, in all likely hood, is not Super Bowl (or probably playoff) bound.  But it gives us some great things to look towards and finally some things to cheer about.  This team IS moving in the right direction, and we're starting to see the foundation being laid for something great.

Believe in these Jaguars.  Get behind these Jaguars.  But most of all, beat the TITANS!!

The Jaguars agreed to a contract extension with backup offensive tackle Jordan Black that could keep him with the team through 2011, according to a source. Under terms of the new deal, Black will make $3.65 million over the next three seasons and has a chance to make another $1.8 million in incentives, the source said. The signing is significant because it could indicate a release of one of Jacksonville's veteran tackles.

Looks like Pashos or Tra is in serious trouble...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4443670

I just sat through Vic's BRUTAL Inside the OTA's video segment but as bad as it was, he mentioned the Jags are working on their version of the Wildcat formation.  Vic said they were using Montell Owens and Zach Miller as the up back.  Are we too late to the Wildcat party?  Is it a good idea for the Jags to be working on this new wrinkle in their offense? Do you think we'll actually use it in games?  What are your thoughts on the WildJag formation?

Here's the link....

http://www.jaguars.com/multimedia/?id=3220

This is Paul Kuharsky's article on his AFC South Blog...

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver and coach Jack Del Rio will shake things up on the field, in the front office and with the coaching staff after a disappointing season, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

The first change involves defensive coordinator Gregg Williams not returning to Jacksonville. A one-year marriage to Williams is headed for divorce, sources told ESPN.

Philosophically, it hasn't worked, and it wasn't an expensive hire because Williams had one year left at more than $2 million when he was let go by the Washington Redskins.

Williams could reunite with Jeff Fisher in Tennessee if Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz lands a head-coaching job in the offseason.

I was thinking the other day that Jaguar fans really need to come up with some better cheers.  For some reason the "Move those chains, move those chains, move those chains, move 'em" chant has become the signiture cheer at Jaguar games.  The first time I heard that at the stadium I laughed out loud.  Just kinda stupid in my opinion.  Anyways, I thought people here at big cat country might have some better, more creative suggestions for a stadium wide cheer.  For starters, I think we could do a variation of the Florida State chant (even though it pains me to copy anything that is Florida State).  Instead of spelling out the letters of Florida State, we could instead chant, J-A-C-K-S-O-N ...V-I-L-L-E, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Jacksonville....JAGUARS! Say it out loud, it works baby! Any thoughts? Am I just being rediclous? Anything else you guys could come up with?

I was watching Jim Rome this afternoon (I know normally he sucks) and he had an interesting ranking of the 5 toughest coaches in the league (guys you wouldn't want to get into a fist fight with). His top five were:

5. Herm Edwards - Chiefs

4. Mike Singletary - 49ers

3. Ken Whisenhunt - Cardinals

2. Mike Tomlin - Steelers

1. JACK DEL RIO - JAGUARS

"Jack could still take out some of his own players" - Jim Rome

Welcome to Duval, Prepare to get HIT

Now that it's Tuesday and the bitter taste in my mouth has finally worn off, I thought it would be appropriate to do some positive thinking...

1.  The Jags were the trendy pick to upend the Colts in the AFC South and many expert's pick to make it to the Super Bowl.  But through Week 5 there are some new things that have come to fruition that we just didn't know before the season started.  Everyone thought that the Titans and Bills were going to be mediocre, they were wrong.  Think about it, the three teams we've lost too are a combined 13-2 with our worst loss being only 7 points.  Every game we've played so far has been close, which I believe is the biggest positive of all.  This team is being battle hardened early, and has shown the ability (and has the QB) to come from behind and win close games.  The Patriots didn't have these types of games last year and it ultimately hurt them.  I have a very good feeling about the Denver game because I believe we are going to be able to run it and keep the ball out of their offense's hands.  Our next few games are very winnable and we have a much needed bye squeezed in there.

2.  I will be the first one to admit our defense has been terrible.  But from what I saw Sunday there were flashes of a pass rush.  Now while it wasn't a whole lot, at least we it was an improvement from the Houston game.  Mathis' interception was directly correlated with our d-lineman getting in Ben's face and if he doesn't make the two miracle plays with our guys drapped over him, the game is very different.  Also, the more Harvey plays the more he will improve, I'm seeing it already, give the guy a little time.  Mario Williams needed a whole year before he lived up to his hype.

3.  We have been plauged by injuries.  Nelson and Drayton should be back next week and Meester will hopefully be back.  Drayton has proven his contract worth this year because our secondary is SO much better with him in there.  Will "you cover anything?" James is just terrible and Brian Williams is a much better safety.

4.  Receivers.  Matt Jones is a dependable possession receiver.  Mike Walker is an emerging number one receiver.  At least 2 of these guys are starting to step up.

5.  When we run we win, but also when we can't run the ball very well the Jags have shown they can stay in it relying on Dave Garrard.  He is truly the MVP of this team and has shown we can ride him if we need too.

6.  IT'S STILL EARLY.  A ton of things can change, the Pats season changed in 4 minutes.  The Titans season changed (for the better) the minute Vince Young got hurt.  I mean if we make it to the Titans home game at 6-3 this is a whole new ballgame.  JUST GOTTA BELIEVE BABY

7.  We burned a few terrible towels at our tailgate last weekend.

I know I'm probably drinking the koolaide but don't throw these guys under the bus yet.  Maybe next week, but not yet.

I just thought of a great party theme.  Get blackout for no blackouts. Amazing.  Well there are still tickets left (of course), but the Jags have finally sold emough for a Jags-Bills game to be shown on local TV.  Well now we don't have to worry until that pesky Houston game comes around and can focus our worries on our offensive line.  Happy Blackouting!

http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=7236

Vince has a torn ACL that will require season ending surgery.  The extent of Mo Williams' injury is still pending.  "Manuwai represents a significant loss. He was the main force in the team’s run-blocking."

'“He’s a powerful player. He’s a big part of our run game. He moves people,” Del Rio said of Manuwai, who has missed just one game due to injury in his six-year career.'

Read more on the Jaguars website.

http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=7217

All I have to say is yikes.  I was at the game, and didn't really focus on Groves (it also didn't help I was a few deep),  but I got a chance to watch the first half from the replay on NFL Network.  He was atrocious.  Almost every snap he was late to point for contact, and when he got there he was getting manhandled (most of the time by tight ends).  I understand he's lining up to Rob Meier and John Henderson, but the guy looks like a runt out there.  It obviously showed he can be no more than a situational lineman because when the OL is attacking him on a running play, he gets rag dolled.  I hope the front office watched the tape of that game and saw how badly we need Harvey in camp.  He might not have an immediate impact since he's missed so much time, but we need to get him in ASAP.

ESPN's Paul Kuharsky is reporting that Reggie Williams is likely to be placed on the PUP list due to a knee sprain.  This is another blow to the Jags receiving core after Jerry Porter will not participate in the preseason.  This brings up more questions about the team's timing and workouts.  Will Matt Jones now see an even more increased role in the preseason?  Will longshot John Broussard now have a better shot of making the team because of more reps?  We shall see.