Some interesting videos if you've got nothing to do and feel like watching some recent Jaguars' vids.

David Garrard on Jim Rome is Burning (In case you missed the show this week).

CBS breakdown of the Jaguars vs. Browns.

Football Gameplan breaks down the Jaguars vs. Browns matchup.

Kirk Morrison interview. After seeing this, we should call him Kirk "Callous" Morrison.

Pete Prisco makes his picks for week 11.

David Garrard on Sportscenter this week.

-NO  SOUND- Mike Thomas relives the moment on ESPN and does the TD dance he didn't get a chance to (Watch at 1:25).

-Collin Streetman

Dirk Koetter came to Jacksonville from Arizona State University, where he directed the schools all-time leading passer and WR. He was expected to bring that same high-powered passing attack to Jacksonville, however, the personnel have forced Dirk to adapt and become a run-first coordinator. Many people thought we'd see some new wrinkles with the exit of tenured assistants, Kennedy Pola, and Mike Tice, both of whom loved the power game. This year has shown that Dirk is an excellent offensive coordinator who will develop a game plan around his players, and not try to force his players to fit his scheme.

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Jack Del Rio dangled a carrot in front of his team when they faced the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago. He promised them something very precious during an NFL season... Time. It is true that the Jaguars needed this win against the Texans desperately, however, we're talking about a young team, not a group of savvy veterans. These players still have a significant amount of growth and potential they have yet to reach, and Monday is usually a day filled with film review and meetings.

Monday is when the game is still fresh in the players' minds, and is the perfect time to truly teach and correct any mental errors that occurred during the game. Typically, players are given Tuesdays off for this very reason. However, after a brilliant coaching performance, complete with excellent offensive and defensive play-calling, Jack does the unthinkable, and gives the team MORE time off.

Could these kinds of decisions be the cause of the up and down inconsistency we see occasionally from the Jaguars on a week-to-week basis? I don't know, all I know is that I don't agree with the decision. The team got their "carrot" last week after demolishing the Cowboys, and we didn't dispose of the Texans in such decisive fashion. We barely won against the league's worst defense...

I love Jack Del Rio. I love his coaching style, I love his aggressive nature, I love his old-school mentality, and I love his passion for running the ball and playing defense. I do not, however, "love" this decision. Coach 'em up! If we come out flat next week, I'm going to point to the day off on Monday and say, "BAD DECISION".

What are your thoughts? Am I overreacting? Would Tom Coughlin give his team days off on consecutive weeks (that's purely rhetorical, as we all know the answer)?

-Collin Streetman

After a stellar performance in week one, the question must be asked... What if the collapse of the offensive line in 2008 was the true reason for David's struggles? We all remember the mass assault on the lower extremities of the offensive line at the start of the 2008 season. From that point forward, David has not been the same. He was the most hit quarterback in the league last season and has shown a propensity to make mistakes when pressured.

Fast forward to 2010...

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Opening day attendance 2009... 46,520

Opening day attendance 2010... 63,636

One word suffices... Wow.

The Jaguars' success on the field against the Broncos only served to complement the surge in fan support we saw begin with the Team Teal initiative last year. This team is here to stay, folks. Forget telling me it is to early, I know what I see. This team is on the verge of breaking out, and the city with it. We're seeing a return of fans to the team based on the acquisition of high character individuals who perform on Sunday. The fanbase is not only learning to trust that Gene Smith knows what he's doing, they're flat out betting the (figurative)house on this guy as a top tier GM. Smith has done nothing to erode our trust in him.  What a difference a year makes...

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Here we go... NOT... We just got a lightning delay... haha, you're kidding right?!?

Well... Let's pass the time...

Mortal Kombat is about to begin... At 1 PM EST the Jaguars will attempt to begin reclaiming their reputation as a top-flight defense and a smash-mouth offense. Expect nothing less than sheer brutality as Kampman, Knighton, Alualu, and Harvey all prepare to bring the nasty. D'Anthony Smith and Jarrett Dillard remain the only significant casualties after a sweltering training camp and preseason. Now is the time for battle... Now we see who we really are...  Now, it has begun.

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The Jaguars prepare to start the season with a whopping six players at the RB/FB positions. I love this move and couldn't be more excited. Brock Bolen showed too much to be cut, and the team is obviously sincere about sticking to their run-first mentality. The Jaguars are now loaded with weapons all over the field on offense. Gene Smith has loaded up the Jaguars backfield and MJD should have nowhere near the number of touches he saw last year (thankfully). The excess of backs will easily provide the respite MJD needs to stay healthy for 16 games.

Let's examine each player from the backfield and what they bring to the positions.

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The Jaguars played well in their third preseason game against the Bucs, and a few things stuck out that are worthy of note. Garrard played well if you forgive his endzone interception, and that's a great learning experience to have prior to the season. That pick was all on David, and making that mistake now may prevent him from repeating it when it counts. With our QB situation squarely in order after the third preseason game, let's take a moment to look at what else we learned from the game in Tampa.

The Offensive Guards looked bad.

The Jaguars have 4 players contending for two open guard positions, and only one of those players has performed like they are worthy of a starting spot, Uche Nwaneri. Justin Smiley is by far the quickest lineman we have, but I saw him whiff on a few key blocks that concerned me. Vince Manuwai did not look like a multi-million dollar guard, and we may get the close to the same production out of Kynan Forney. Brad Meester is our center for this season, but that is a position of need as drastic as the safety spot. Uche is not the answer at center, that much is clear.

The Jaguars' defensive front looked strong.

The Jaguars' front seven was without three starters at linebacker, yet still managed to stifle any running game the Bucs tried to muster, and got decent pressure on Josh Johnson. Tyson Alualu looked solid, and Terrance Knighton looked like the dominant player he is. It is slightly concerning that Derrick Harvey doesn't generate more pressure when he is paired next to Knighton, as Terrance is double-teamed on virtually every play, leaving the DE alone on the tackle often. Kampman seems to feed off the one-on-one match-ups he sees as a result of Pot Roast, and may be the best FA signing of the Gene Smith era.

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The Jaguars' were eviscerated by the Eagles starters on offense. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that other individual match-ups weren't won during the course of the game. These are important for determining who the Jaguars' starters will be going into the 2010 season, and if we have a reason to worry or boast.

Was the pocket collapsed? How does the first step of the DE's look? Who's bringing pressure? Who redirected the play? Who's getting doubled?

These questions will be broken down play by play while the Jaguars' first stringers compete against Philly's starters. My first impression is one of concern, hopefully that will pass after watching the tape.

Let's take focus on the defensive starters, Derrick Harvey and Terrence Knighton especially, as they represent two players the Jaguars need to contribute at a high level.

Eagles Start with the ball.

1st and 10

Knighton is double teamed. Harvey is blocked. Quick pass to Jackson, Russell Allen is beat. Gerald Alexander misses a tackle.

1st and 10

Run play inside. Knighton bursts up the line. Jeremy Mincey dominates his blocker and is in on the tackle. He looks strong enough to play DT potentially.

2nd and 9

Hand off to McCoy. Guard goes to block the LB's. Ellison has a free shot in the back field, but whiffs on the tackle. Missed opportunity for a big defensive play.

3rd and  5

Larry Hart and Derrick Harvey both collapse the ends, Knighton and Mincey (playing DT), run a stunt and Mincey comes through the middle like a man with his hair on fire. Kolb is forced to roll out and run to the sideline. He manages to barely get a first down. Justin Durant quit on the play or he would have stopped him.

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When you sit down to watch the Jaguars this evening, there are some specific things to look for in the trenches. The Jaguars have tried to improve along the defensive line, and we should expect noticeable gains there. However, the interior is an area of significant concern, and watching how they play tonight can go a long way towards giving us an idea on who will win the position battles.

Offensive Line:

Watch Jordan black in pass blocking situations. He's virtually guaranteed a spot on the roster based on his run blocking prowess, as he frequently comes in as a TE on "heavy" packages. If he can show he's improving as a pass blocker, it will allay a lot of fears regarding our ability to field a competent back-up tackle should the need arise.

We'll take a look at the rest after the jump.

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The Issue

The Jaguars' QB play thus far has been underwhelming to say the least. Garrard is replicating his yearly struggles in training camp, which always makes us fret. Luke McCown, after narrowly losing a battle to start for the Buccaneers, was pursued and acquired by Gene Smith and immediately declared the #2 QB. McCown was even thought by some (myself included) to have the potential to push Garrard this camp, but he hasn't demonstrated that ability yet.

Competition?

Enter Kellen Clemens. The 49th overall selection of the 2006 NFL Draft, Clemens has the ability to succeed. But, has his inability to entrench himself as the starter have more to do with unceasing tumult in NY over his tenure, or does it have to do with a lack of ability?

We'll take a look at the situation after the jump.

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Training Camp is a high-impact simulation of what happens in game situations. Drills are run, plays practiced, and there is frequent contact. As a result, we typically see injuries occur, especially in rookies. Rookies see more injuries as a result of both straining to make the team, and trying to work with diets and bodies that are ill-prepared for a rigorous NFL work regimen.

D'Anthony Smith has gone down with what's being described as an ankle injury. Although this is an unfortunate turn of events for the young man, at least he didn't sustain a season ending injury. The third-rounder was a sleeper of a pick. He didn't have fantastic numbers in college, and frequently faced both run-option offenses and double teams. However, his measurables were definitely solid and he was given a glowing review by his college coach. He'll be sorely missed.

Let's take a look at some other players who would represent a major blow to the potential success of the Jaguars' season should they miss any significant time.

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Dear BCC Brethren,

This season marks the beginning of my third year writing and editing for Big Cat Country, and it has been a wonderful and plesasent experience getting to know so many fellow fans while watching this community grow. I feel like I know many of you as friends, even though few of us have ever met face-to-face. I've grown more knowledgeable, and I know you have as well, thanks to our little corner of the internet. Thanks to all of you who have made this community what it is today. 

As a few of you may know, I volunteer extensively with the homeless community in both the Tampa and New Port Richey areas. Recently, I've been approached and asked to help coordinate a new homeless ministry in Jacksonville, Florida. I'm not taking classes and my summer was open so I agreed to oblige their request. I'm leaving Monday, and I'll be staying and working "the streets" to minister to the homeless and coordinate their care. As a result, I will be unable to write or edit (step ya game up, team), until I return in early September. I can't envision anything keeping me from missing the season. 

My one request: please keep both myself and all of the homeless people in Jacksonville in your thoughts or prayers. You will all be in my thoughts, and I'll see you in September.

-Collin Streetman

The Jaguars have recently begun their OTA's. These practices, as we've outlined before, are good for evaluating only a few positions. This is due to the lack of pads and contact which prevent any real conclusions from being drawn on the offensive and defensive lines and at the linebacker positions. As a result, we'll take a look at a position that is such a weakness, it necessitates in-depth analysis as we try to discover who will make the team's final cuts. We'll examine two players in particular that the Jaguars' need to step up. One of these players is the odds on favorite to be the slot DB in Nickel situations. 

Two players have emerged and shown that they are ready to go after sitting out the 2009 season on IR. Longtime Jaguars' speedster and oft-injured Scotty Starks has made what appears to be a full recovery from serious knee problems that he is now two years removed from. Don Carey spent last year on IR after being snagged by the Jaguars from the Cleveland Browns in what can only be described as borderline felonious larceny. 

Former BCC sage, Terry (Tkopa), has written a couple of great pieces on Scott Starks the last few days that are worth a quick read. Check out blackandteal.com to see his thoughts, today though, we'll go more in-depth. 

Click here to continue reading about Scott Starks and Don Juan Carey.

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There is a crucial point that seems to getting lost in the shuffle of Mathis-gate. One of the reasons this is all occurring now, happens to be that Gene Smith has shown a heartless and cold attitude toward a number longtime Jaguars' mainstays. Although this had to be done, the purge has definitely left those remaining realizing that they have to get paid now, because it may be their last season as a Jaguar. Henderson, Taylor, and Brian Williams were all do large paydays, and all were released without hesitation. This was the right play to make, but you have to know it has a lasting effect on those players who were "left behind".

Could it be the way the Jaguars have been run as a team these last two years that has players scared for their jobs?

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Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.
 -Sun Tzu

Having examined the weaknesses of the other teams in our division, it is time to take a look into the mirror at our own issues heading into the 2010 season. Gene Smith has given Jack Del Rio an overhauled defense for this season, much like he gave Dirk Koetter a revised offense last season through the draft. Make no mistake, Jack Del Rio is a defensive-minded coach, and seeing his team struggle to consistently stop the run or the pass was painful to him. Despite all the defensive additions, this team still has some glaring holes to fill in the Secondary.

The old adage "Defense wins championships", is still true today. Look at the Colts, who despite having one of the most prolific passers and make the playoffs yearly, rarely get past the divisional round. It is difficult to win in January without a hard-nosed defense. Strong defenses, solid rushing attacks, and average QB's who don't turn the ball over are what vaulted teams like the Buccaneers and Ravens into their championship years. David Garrard can be such a "game-manager", as he's shown he doesn't throw many picks.

Before we get ahead of ourselves though, a closer look needs to be taken at the areas where the Jaguars are desperate for a player(s) to step up.

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To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence. 
Sun Tzu 

What this quote means is that you have to beat the best to be considered the best. Jeff Fisher has done that and is the best coach in the division by a sizable margin; he is a top-five NFL coach. He is the rock of that organization, much like Gene Smith is on his way to becoming in Jacksonville. A successful general (Fisher) garners trust from his King (the owner). 

First of all, let's banish the idea that Chris Johnson is going to have a protracted holdout, he's not. Running back is not a weakness on this team, and LenDale White is easily replaceable. In fact, I expect one of their recently acquired backs to fill his role easily this season. 

That being said, the Titans are not unstoppable and have a few glaring holes on their squad that must be assessed and targeted. 

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The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. 
Sun Tzu 

For the second part of our three-part series we'll be taking a closer look at the weaknesses of another divisional rival, the Houston Texans. I felt like this quote very eloquently described Gary Kubiak. Everyone knows my excitement at Kubiak's extension, as he is the definition of a poor field-general. Gary Kubiak has provided the opportunity for other teams to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on numerous occassions. From the infamous "Rosen-Copter" incident, to the halfback pass at the goal-line. He is a choker when calling plays in do-or-die situations.

That being said, let us take a look at the biggest weaknesses of the Houston Texans heading into the 2010 season. 

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"Hence, that general is skilful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skilful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack."
Sun Tzu 

Jack Del Rio has set his sights on the divisional title, and believe it or not, I think we have the capability to succeed in this endeavor. Over the course of this series we'll take a closer look at our opponents in the AFC South and their biggest weaknesses, We'll begin with the Colts'.

Indianapolis Colts: The Colt's have held a stranglehold on the AFC South for years, but this season is going to be different...

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The Defensive Rookie of the Year, Brian Cushing, has been suspended four games for using performance enhancing substances. This just goes to show how precarious the draft can be, and why having character is so important. Cushing's season was as spectacular as any team could hope for from a mid-first round pick. His four game suspension will leave the Texans' defense a clear step below where they were last year when he was present. 

The Texans first four games come against the Colts, Redskins, Cowboys, and Raiders. This could turn out to be an enormous advantage for the Jaguars in the AFC South... Let's look at the debacle of an off-season the Texans have had.

First of all, we were given an early Christmas present in the form of a Gary Kubiak extension earlier this year. It's almost as if he and his staff panic, both in the draft "war room", and on the field. The team's average drafting, coupled with his extreme knack for calling just the wrong plays at just the right time, will now continue for the foreseeable future. 

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Samuel Myers

show details 8:35 PM (23 minutes ago)

Mr. Streetman,

I wrote you last year about sacks and Marcedes Lewis. I have some thoughts about the Jaguars safety concerns and what I perceive to be incomplete research on the part of many NFL "experts" when it comes to the finer points of roster construction, what it means to be a "talented" NFL player, and the overall quality of non-star players in general on small market teams. I noticed that ESPN's Scout's Inc. or one of their various representatives characterized the Jaguars safety situation as a competition among back-up caliber players, but I disagree with this statement very strongly, and I expect that their unwillingness to acquire one in the draft ( I know Gene Smith is a tireless BAP advocate, but he has conceded that in the later rounds when the available talent - or more accurately, perceived upside - begins to level off significantly, need does become a more significant factor) reflects the fact that they are not in a panic about their prospects at that position.

There were some strong safety options available late in the draft, but they failed even to add a developmental prospect outside of former Norfolk State standout Terrell Whitehead ( a player to watch, as he was dominant in college) and I think this is primarily because of their hopes for Gerald Alexander's progression in only his 3rd full season.

 It seems that everyone considers safety to be the Jaguars biggest weak spot moving into the season, but I feel like that perception needs to be modified somewhat. I felt Gerald Alexander was a player for them last season. He made plays consistently for a team that conspicuously lacked that quality on the defensive side of the ball last season, and outside of Daryl Smith (who I must tell you I believe to be every bit the equal of Clint Session as the best OLB in the AFC South, and who is rated tops at his position by Pro Football Focus), was the only player at his position who seemed to posses the proverbial "nose for the ball" quality essential in a safety. Now, I will modify this by saying that he was inconsistent at times, particularly with his angles to the ball, occasionally leading to missed tackles. However, he was mostly productive and steady, particularly in the second game against Houston, where he caused two turnovers, one on an interception at the goal line - albeit on a poorly conceived play - and the other on a timely hit that jarred the ball from the receiver's grip and into Justin Durant's arms. A play against Tennessee also stands out, when he tracked down Chris Johnson and forced a fumble with an explosive tackle.

Now, I am aware that these vignettes do not demonstrate consistency, but they do speak to his ability, instincts, and most importantly, his potential. It is easy to forget that he was a second round selection by the Lions who developed a reputation at Boise State as a heady, athletic (if not overly fast), and explosive player who had a knack for coming up with big plays in critical situations. He enjoyed a productive rookie season, starting 16 games at FS and finishing with 82 tackles, two sacks, two INTs, seven passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries. Were it not for the fractured vertebrae he suffered in 2008, he may not have become available to the Jaguars before the start of 2009, and I feel certain that the Jacksonville defense, though it was mightily bad at times, would have been noticeably more porous with Sean Considine pressed into pass coverage for an entire season.

Now, all this is but my humble opinion, regardless of how strongly I might hold it. However, Jack Del Rio has made it clear recently (and in the past, though I cannot locate the transcripts) that Alexander is the only clear standout in the team's mediocre safety pool, "I think Gerald Alexander had an outstanding weekend. He played well last year for us. He was the most consistent performer over this weekend. Now that’s one weekend into it, but he’s a player we think can do some things for us." This may be underwhelming, but Del Rio is a fairly honest individual when it comes to appraising a player's abilities and/or performance, and he holds his defensive players to a particularly high standard.

They would certainly like to add a veteran presence on the back end of their defense,as evidenced by their pursuit of Darren Sharper, because Rasean Mathis is not known as a strong organizational presence. After failing to acquire Sharper, I think they are holding out hope that Reggie Nelson will find his game and reestablish himself as a rising talent, and that they are comfortable with Alexander starting at SS. However, with Nelson's development far from a certainty, I would not be surprised to see the Jaguars make a play for OJ Atogwe from St. Louis. If they fail there, I expect them to put their hope in an improved pass rush (even 30 sacks would be tremendous; consider how many close games could have been changed totally by even 10 more sacks, if the Jaguars had reached 24 they might have made the playoffs) and a young, talented, if unproven secondary.

The point? I fully expect Alexander to start, and I feel like he is almost guaranteed this honor so long as he remains consistent throughout the off-season, because he has already proven that he can be an effective player who could develop into an entrenched starter if he continues to progress. Only time will tell, but this is my respectful opinion, and I encourage you to reconsider your impression and perhaps encourage other experts to do more research on players in places like Jacksonville. There really is no evidence that Alexander is just a guy or nondescript back-up material. I think the 2010 season will demonstrate this to those who are in a position - and sufficiently aware of football as a complex sport, where to be effective is not necessarily to stand out in the mainstream eye - to recognize it.

-S.M.