SB Nation User Blog: silencecs

Northcutt: On the Way Out

silencecs — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:37:38 -0000

Dennis on the ground, without the ball, became an all too familiar sight for Gene Smith.

Reports have surfaced and apparently, Dennis is reporting it himself, that he has been told to shop his services.

According to a league source, veteran wideout Dennis Northcutt is telling teammates that he has been given permission to shop his services via trade.

The Jaguars continue their quest for an adequate WR corp, and Dennis is the next victim of the new regime in Duval. "Given permission to shop his services", equates to being told, "If you want to make your money, find a team that will make a trade."

Northcutt is under contract through 2011. Per NFLPA records, he’ll earn a base salary of $2.45 million this year, $2.95 million in 2010, and $3.95 million in the final year of the deal.

Their likely won't be many teams clamoring for Dennis' services, and it is unlikely he'll find a free agent deal at those numbers, especially after last season. Maybe we can swing a trade for Northcutt for a 6th or 7th rounder, but I find it unlikely. What this story really means, is that Gene is continuing to reshape the roster, and he hasn't seen enough from Dennis in OTA's to justify that salary. The play of the three rookies may have something to do with this move as well, we'll really find out come Training Camp.

With the roster now at 81 players, the Jaguars will need to cut one more player to be at the magic number of 80 for camp. Expect Northcutt to be gone before August, either via trade, or release.

-Collin Streetman

Poll

Should we release Dennis if we can't deal him?

The Saga Continues... Henderson and rookie wide receiver Tiquan Underwood did not participate in...

silencecs — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:54:14 -0000

The Saga Continues...
Henderson and rookie wide receiver Tiquan Underwood did not participate in practice on Thursday. Henderson continues to nurse a shoulder injury. Underwood sustained a hamstring injury on Tuesday.

www.jaguars.com

Rookie wide receiver Tiquan Underwood sustained a hamstring injury late in Tuesday’s practice. D...

silencecs — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:26:24 -0000

Rookie wide receiver Tiquan Underwood sustained a hamstring injury late in Tuesday’s practice. Defensive tackle John Henderson (shoulder) did not participate.

www.jaguars.com

Providing Perspective: The Jaguars' Coach, the Big Lazy, and the UDFA's

silencecs — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:47:20 -0000

"I'M IN!!!" "Get your ass on the practice field!!"

It is a beautiful, relaxing summer afternoon in Florida. Not a cloud in the sky down here; it's the kind of day where you can't help but smile. I figured I'd post some thoughts I've had on the amazing UDFA's, and clarify my position on Jack Del Rio, which it seems became somewhat misconstrued.

The Jack

The last article I posted put some hypothetical heat on Del Rio; it was just an attempt to provide some perspective. Long-time readers know I love Del RIo and his style of aggressive smash-mouth football. I love the fact he goes for it on fourth and short so often. The statistics don't lie, it's a gutsy call, but it is often better to go for it. Del Rio got soft last year, and he realized it mid-season, when he took out veteran linebacker, and longtime defensive leader, Mike Peterson.

I love del Rio, I support him getting another year if the team improves to at least 8-8 this year. He's a proven coach, a good leader, and an excellent defensive mind. That being said, I would also agree with the potential validity of any argument that stated he constantly lets others take the fall, and that his striking personality leaves little room for compromise with anyone, coach or player. The facts don't lie, and I don't mind them. I certainly don't blame the departure of Ray Hamilton or Mike Smith on Jack, but his clashes have resulted in the departure of some. The clash with John Henderson, is an example of sound coaching, but he's a little late to the party. He should've never allowed Henderson to miss so many practices without injury.

Del Rio is obviously a man who values loyalty very highly and his continued presence on the sideline is an asset, not a liability, to the organization. I expect him to succeed this season and continue forward as the Jaguars coach through at least one more contract extension.

The Big Lazy

John Henderson has claimed he's "in". I'll believe it when I see it on the field, that's all I can say. Perhaps I'm jaded from two lackluster seasons marred by unexplained absences from practice, and underachievement on the field. Perhaps I'm disappointed that a guy who makes 5 plus million a year is already repeating the behaviors from his last two years, and it's only OTAs. Perhaps I'm of the opinion that someone making as much as John should be producing more then he has.

Either way, I've been a supporter of trading John for awhile, and I think that may be in his future, but not this season. Without John, our defensive line will be gutted each week. We need The Big Lazy, and if he really gets on board, he'll be kept. He could become an excellent mentor to Kinghton, but he has to get with the program. Saying it is one thing, doing it is something completely different.

The UDFAs

So, I've gotten over my excitement with Abdallah, the former Jaguar who wasn't present at OTAs. I still like his potential, and he may make it on the practice squad of the Jags or another team. As you've see, I've done numerous pieces on the Jags UDFA class, and there is definitely potential for more than one of these young men to make the final 53. Here's a recap of Big Cat Country's write-ups for our undrafted gems.

Julius Williams, DE

Pete Ittersagen, DB

Brock Bolen, FB

Mesphin Forrester, DB

Russel Allen, LB

In order for any of these players to make the squad, they'll have to contribute on special teams. The Jags released Chad Nkang, and that means there's room for someone to steal his spot as a major special teams tackler. Russ Purnell will have the players, he better follow it with production.

-Collin Streetman

Poll

How many UDFA's will make the final 53?

0 - I'm not impressed with this year's stock of undrafted players

6 votes

1 - At least one will squeeze on the squad for special teams

39 votes

2 - I see a few I like as potential contributors

78 votes

3 - Out of 18 players, at least three will make the final roster

45 votes

4 or more - This roster has tons of holes, first year players will be filling them

32 votes

200 votes | Poll has closed

Jaguars' fans want to know: "What's up Jack?!?"

silencecs — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:02:13 -0000

Surely you don't think this is all my fault?

In 2006, John Henderson was a force to be reckoned with. He and Stroud were THE dominant DT's in the NFL. Now, He's a shell of his former self, and has been for two years. Marcus Stroud missed constant practice due to microfracture surgery rehabilitation issues. He's gone now, mind you.

John Henderson missed practice continually for "personal reasons" or minor injuries. That slack treatment has gone on for too long, and it is Del Rio's fault for ever fostering that environment. This issue should've been quelled in 2007. Instead, it lasted throughout 2007, 2008, and now into the beginning of 2009! I'm a fan of Del Rio, but I have to call them like I see it, and in my view, he's to blame for this situation escalating to the level it has.

Every year, we get a player clashing with Jack, and we lose the player, pronto. Marlon McCree, Mike Peterson, Marcus Stroud, Byron Leftwich, and now possibly John Henderson. The same thing happens with asst. coaches of Del Rio. Ray Hamilton, Mike Smith, Joe DeCamilis, Gregg Williams, Donnie Henderson, and lastly, our previous offensive coordinator. What is going on, this is only over an 8 year period people!

Did anyone ever consider that maybe Del Rio has something to do with the poor chemistry in the locker-room? I support my coach, and I love Del Rio's style. I think he's a very good coach who is developing and learning to be a great coach. However, his inability to work with both asst. coaches and players has finally caused me to question whether or not he is a problem in the locker-room... Just something to consider.

-Collin Streetman

Poll

How much blame is on Jack Del Rio's shoulders?

All of it... It's his team isn't it?

66 votes

Half of it... He can't control every aspect of a player's behaviors, but he bears some responsibility

183 votes

None... He's just dealing with the low character trash that has been drafted by Shack

83 votes

332 votes | Poll has closed

Jaguars' WR Video: MUST SEE TV!

silencecs — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:56:36 -0000

I was able to locate some video of the Jaguar's new WR's Jarrett Dillard and Mike Thomas. They each have great and unique skill sets which differentiate them from one another. One is a superb route runner, the other is a shifty speedster, and I would expect both to make the final roster.

This is a must watch video that highlights the literally astonishing route running of Jarrett Dillard, whom the Jags snagged in the 5th. I am really impressed a rookie can sink his hips that much. Speed won't be an issue, and I look for Dillard to compete immediately with those skills. He's got amazing hips, which are one of the most important aspects of a WR's game, second only to hands. Our WR corp got a huge upgrade in this year's draft, none of our first rounders even had this ability after years of playing experience. This kid comes up out of college and makes thelast 3 years of WR's look like trash.

Here's the video on Jaguars' fourth round pick Mike Thomas that I found

It becomes clear why the Jaguars picked Thomas from the video. His breakneck neck quickness and body control. The kid can accelerate to top speed and stop on a dime like nothing. That gives him a great advantage in punt and kick returns. Good hands, great speed, and excellent explosion are the highlights of Thomas' game. Look for him to return some kicks and play some slot receiver this season.

-Collin Streetman

Poll

Which WR do you like more... Thomas or Dillard?

Thomas... Speed Kills

25 votes

Dillard... Look at those hips man!

128 votes

153 votes | Poll has closed

Jaguars' DT Video: MUST SEE TV!

silencecs — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:35:38 -0000

The Jaguars' have a huge problem on the interior of their defensive line, and it is becoming apparent that a changing of the guards will have to occur sooner rather than later in regards to John Henderson. I would get what I could for the disgruntled vet now, and as such, I thought now would be a good time to introduce you to the future of the Jaguars' line. I was able to find video on two of the new DT's for the Jags. Third round selection Terrence Knighton, a man whom the Jags feel should be a potential fixture at the position, is first. I also found video on an undrafted free agent whom I've been touting since we signed, Nader Abdallah. I almost expect him to make the final roster, seriously, the kid has got game.

Here's the Jags 3rd round pick, Terrance Knighton.

Terrance displays an above average bull rush ability, as seen in the video. On top of that, we also see some nice disengagement skill. His active hands and his arm strength enable him to shed some of the hands thrown at him in the blocking drill. The potential is there, and his bull rush and overall strength can be further improved under an NFL workout regime. I think that Terrance benefits largely from his size and would expect him to be a big contributor in stopping the run.

Next we move to relative unknown, but a guy I'm personally very high on, Nader Abdallah. Watch and you'll see why I've mentioned this young man more than once on this site. It is a travesty he wasn't selected in the draft. It would not surprise me one bit to see Nader make the final 53, I like the kid that much.

So, now you all know why I love this kid. He's got a decent pass rush ability, and he's clearly as strong as a mule, as evidenced by the way he tosses aside grown men like dolls. He can also recover quickly if taken down, a rare ability for men his size. Finally, when we look at his body type, it is clear he can still grow into an every down DT. He's got very long arms, enabling him to wrap up tacklers and make plays with one arm while engaging a blocker with the other arm. He doesn't have a lot of definition in his arms yet, but that is due in part to their length. The longer the arm, the longer the muscle, and consequently the stronger and bigger it can get. That is why long arms on linemen (offensive and defensive) are so important, from a physical standpoint. Length equals potential strength.

Next time, I'll follow with a video series on the new WR's.

-Collin Streetman

Poll

How screwed are we at DT?

Let's see... an aging disgruntled vet, an undersized and unproven 3rd year player, and a bunch o' rooks. Yeah, we're screwed.

47 votes

I don't think it will be that bad, we have improved DE's this year.

55 votes

Pass the vasoline... ;'(

17 votes

119 votes | Poll has closed

This is a must watch video that highlights the literally astonishing route running of Jarrett...

silencecs — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:31:49 -0000

How lucky Jaguar fans are... Buy tickets people! As an outsider and a Titans fan... I have to say...

silencecs — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:48:14 -0000

How lucky Jaguar fans are... Buy tickets people!

As an outsider and a Titans fan...
I have to say I would kill for season tickets to 1) Actually be F***ing available and 2) Be only $400. The PSL’s alone cost more than that. For those not aware (I’m sure most are) a PSL is a license giving you permission to purchase season tickets, and THEN you have to buy the season tickets! PSL’s run from $995 to $15,000 (depending on seating area), and the tickets themselves also cost tons. I don’t mean this to brag, I really don’t. I guess what I am trying to say is if it’s only $400, that’s an AMAZING bargain. Unbelievable, really. If I lived in Jacksonville, I’d freakin buy season tickets just to see good football (as a rival, it may pain me to say it, but most years you guys are pretty good and entertaining). I think at a cost of $400, it’s not unreasonable for blackouts. I mean, you guys have a top 3rd product in the Number One Sports League in the USA, possibly the world. That’s pretty damn impressive, and for $400 that’s unbelievable.

www.tracsposse.com - A bomb-diggity blog on the Titans.
by T--Rac's Posse on Jun 3, 2009 12:26 AM EDT

Falling Star: Why the Jaguars should trade "The Big Lazy"

silencecs — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:46:16 -0000

We see again today that John Henderson has missed a second consectutive OTA practice due to "Injury". Jack Del RIo is not happy, and said as much in an interview when asked about the DT.

He is not this man anymore!

John has a shoulder, that, back when I played, nobody would've missed a snap. Lombardi might be rolling over (in his grave). It's disappointing to see him pull himself out.

Excuse me, but what is going on with Big John Lazy John. The last two seasons he has had constant issues with staying on the practice field, and it has shown to have detrimental effects in games with dwindling production. John is not the same as he was in 2006 and 2007. He's not a star anymore, he's just not, so stop it. Now, It appears he's drawn the focus of his coach, who doesn't think he's even going to be a team leader anymore.

Gene Smith needs to pull the trigger on a trade deal to send this malcontent to another squad. I don't care where, all I know is that I would take a 3, or a 4 and a 6 for the cat. His trade value will be higher now that the draft is over because teams would get Henderson's services for the entire year before the Jags get to use their picks. Like trading a 3 this year, for a two next, trading John now would allow us to recoup greater overall value for the former standout DT.

I know some of you are saying, "But, he lets people hit him before the game", well, he's not a star anymore, and he's not a leader either. We have a new DT, and we don't want him to learn bad habits. Big John Lazy John should be leading our defense, instead, he's a leech on the Jaguar's pocketbook who hasn't produced in years, and is living off the past. I say let's cut bait and trade the chronic under-performer while he still has value. After next season, he'll be a year older, and still missing practices... I've been in favor of trading John for literally months now, I think this latest incident may give Gene the impetus to pick up the phone and see what kind of garage sale deal he can swing for the aging, overpaid veteran.

What say you? Give him yet another year, or cut bait now?

-Collin Streetman

Poll

Should we trade Big John now, or give him another year?

Cut bait and drop Big John. He isn't worth 5 million

233 votes

Give him another chance... Big John can still return to form!

234 votes

467 votes | Poll has closed