I was watching some 2007 Jaguar games and reflecting.  What happened to the Jaguars and will they be back in for for 2010?  I don’t know.

One thing is certain, each team, each year is different.  In today’s NFL, the roster turnover is approaching 25% per team.  This is getting closer to baseball than the old NFL ever was.  With that backdrop, here are some hunches for 2010.

This draft is filled with decent offensive linemen later in the draft. With guys like Kyle Calloway from Iowa, Vladimir Ducasse from Massachusettes, Jason Fox from Miami, and Mike Johnson from Alabama, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Gene stock the offensive line. I do think the Jaguars will start the year with our current offensive line, but add backups and competition. How far would Pouncey fall?  I don’t see first round for him, but third round? Maybe.

I can’t rule out a first round draft choice being a quarterback.  I think if Sam Bradford is available, it will be a hard decision.  One thing that struck me about 2007 was how sharp David Garrard looked and less sharp he looked in 2009.  I think they know David’s days are numbered and I can’t help but think this is an area of concern for the club.  If not a first round selection, Jarrett Brown from West Virginia looks to be a good value pick later in the draft.

The defense clearly needs help, but not at corner. I think they are sold on Derek Cox and Rashean Mathis as starters. Tyron Brackenridge also played well.  The obvious need is Defensive End, but the top first round guys rarely work out.  Guys like Koa Misi from Utah or Austin Lane from Murray State might provide value.  We need to watch the combines to see what the defensive line guys look like.

A new Wide Receiver might be in the mix, but letting Torry Holt go seems to indicate they want the rookies from last year to get more time.  I don’t know if they go wide receiver in this draft.  Certainly there are a lot of them this year and anyone from Cincinnati might be attractive. Marty Gilyard is a smart player that Gene might latch on to.

I don’t see them going with a running back in this draft. 

So my hunches are the lines, defensive and offensive lines get shored up and possibly quarterback.  I don’t know if a Safety is worth taking.  It just looks like the meat of this draft where the Jaguars will be drafting is just were they need help, the lines.  

Do you see it any different?

 - Terry O’Brien

[Editor Note:  In this article Zoltan looks at the possible players we will say goodbye to this year.  Personally, I wish we could say goodbye to Jack Del Rio, but that will come someday. Zoltan tries to predict the future, let's see if he is right.  - Terry]

Gene Smith has been thinking.

Well; February 8th; 2010 is not just the day after Superbowl XLIV; but the first day GMs can cut players from the roster. I’m telling you; Jaguars GM Gene Smith (if he not looking at tape of some of the next generation of future Jaguar players) is already counting the hours to do that.

Smith also has to make some personnel decisions in the near future, although he can’t start releasing players until next week.”(Florida Times Union January 30th 2010.)

Well I made a list about players who can wait next Monday with a bit fear in their heart. Let’s see:

Tra Thomas: He is a classy person; a true legend; I didn’t heard a bad word about him. But he was mostly inactive in the second half of the season. And he is at best a backup for starting LT Eugene Monroe. I think he is too old enough; to have a shot here. The Jaguars are lucky to have him here; but I think we must start to say “goodbye” to Tra.

Chance he is leaving: 100% This is a free space on the Bingo card, it has already been announced informally. 

Torry Holt: Terry already wrote an article about this future hall of famer. Looks like the Jags will loose a great motivator/WR assistant coach. He is thinking of the future as a TV commentator. He was a bit disappointed the Jaguars didn’t call his number in the whole season when they were near in the endzone. I hope there is a chance to him to stay; but I see another true champion will leave the River City…

Chance he is leaving: 100% Good luck Torry!

Clint Ingram: The most disappointment performance -other then an infamous someone; from who I will talk about later- is Clint. He was in his contract year (because of no CBA; he is a restricted free agent now); I expected a monster year from him, instead; he was worse then we expected. He is a good locker room person, but I want more from a player in his 4th year. He represents big value because he is young. I think he is the best candidate to trade for a good draft pick (2nd-4th rounder). Or can let him go-signing a big contract which can benefit the Jaguars in 2011. He is a big question mark for Gene and the player personal department I’m sure.

Chance he leaving: 50% Chance he leaving next week: 20%

Brad Meester: I’m a big fan of Brad. I would like to see him play for this team in his whole career. But he showed us that he was getting really “old” most of the games in 2009. Another adorable Jaguars icon caught by age. I would keep him until training camp at least to share his wisdom with the guy Gene bring to the position (most likely via the draft) and battle for his position. I hope he will last until the final roster cut. But maybe Gene Smith; who was not afraid doing the hard choices thinks otherwise.

Chance he leaving: 60% Chance he leaving next week: 40%

Quentin Groves: Very interesting situation. I think Gene Smith will want to give him one last shot during this off season before he decide either leave him to earn a place at the roster or cut or trade him when the final 53 names will be announced before the season starts.

Chance he leaving: 40% Chance he leaving next week: 10%

Reggie Hayward: One of the biggest question of the offseason is what will happen to Reggie. H e had a very serious injury (again) last year; and he is over 30. BUT he is right now the BEST PASSRUSHER of the Jaguars; also one of the leader of the defense! He is free agent now. What will Gene Smith do with him? I hope he will resign him for a 1 year deal at least! That’s what I would do. But what will Gene Smith plan with Hayward? That is a big question…

Chance he leaving: 40% Chance he leaving next week: 5%

Nate Hughes: If the Jaguars had not played yoyo with Kennard Cox all year in ’09, I would say Nate Hughes was the up and down man. He earned a roster spot, then he dropped 2 TDs against Arizona, and went to the practice squad. Than Jarrett Dillard was injured and Hughes got a second chance. He had a beautiful TD reception against the Texans but he dropped passes in the last 4 games. If Torry Holt really goes away and no WR will come via draft or free agency he had a shot. Otherwise I think he will go away/back to the practice squad when the season will start in September…

Chance he leaving: 55% Chance he leaving next week: 5%

Troy Williamson: He is the biggest mystery the Jaguars have. In the 2009 preseason he was the go-to-guy WR. Then the season started and Troy Williamson was the same non-factor player we saw since he ended up here (via trade for a 6h rounder-another “nice” 2008 offseason move…) He is young; and what we heard so far indicates that he will have a chance once again. I don’t know if he deserved that…We will see

Chance he leaving: 35% Chance he leaving next week: 1%

Reggie Nelson: I left the biggest one for last: “The worst player of the 1st round choice of Shack Harris era still with the Jaguars”. Well I know many want Reggie out of Jacksonville. Probably he will play elsewhere in 2010. Although Gene Smith said he wants to give a chance to the young players like Reggie, I think we saw the obvious. He is not the solution in the defensive backfield we can always count on. Maybe with better pass rush he would be better. But let’s face it, he has had no interception in 2009 and his almost tackles were often just cost us the game. I hope Gene can find a partner where he can trade Nelson for a pick or a player (Northcutt style); but is there any GM who will want Reggie as a player on his team? Let’s hope the answer is yes…

Chance he leaving: 75% Chance he leaving next week: 35%

I could name a couple more players (James Wyche; Kennard Cox; Bryan Smith and I have a few more names) or sleeper picks (John Henderson; Greg Jones; and yes; David Garrard) but this list is focusing on the impact players more then “jar on the shelfs”. Later we will find out I was right. And I’m sure Gene Smith plan to surprise us; about his plans of the current roster.

Zoltan Paksa

The Jaguars are committed to Best Available Player regardless of need. I think Gene Smith makes a smart call, but will the fans agree? Do you agree?  Let us know!

Pick	Team	Player Selected	Player’s Position	Player’s School	Analysis
1.		Ndamukong Suh	Defensive Tackle	Nebraska	The Rams have needs in both of the lines. They gave up a lot of yards on the ground and gave up a large number of QB hits.  With a good run game, maybe it is best to pick the best player who will also help their weakness.  This pick falls right in their lap. Now get off the bottom St, Louis, you have too much talent to stay there.
2.		Eric Berry	Safety	Tennessee	The Lions secondary is just too weak to ignore at the number 2 draft spot.  With Eric Berry sitting in front of then, a rational person would select them. Detroit has James Harris helping them draft, so rational may not be the way they go.  I am giving them Eric Berry for their own good. They won’t like it, they drafted a safety last year, but it is for their own good.
3.		Gerald McCoy	Defensive Tackle	Oklahoma	Tampa Bay can’t stop the run. They are not a horrible team if they could stop the run. Rasheen Morris is in charge of the defense and will want this area addressed. Gerald is a one gap player in a cover two defense. Hello Tampa Bay!  Another pick falls right into place.
4.		Jimmy Clausen	Quarterback	Notre Dame	The Redskins have the defense. They just need a smart signal caller to get things moving. They tried to trade up last year for Sanchez. Will they think Clausen is the right choice? I don’t know, but they want a QB real bad.  I am not sold on Clausen, but perhaps the media attention in Washington will inspire him to play all 60 minutes and not just in a rescue effort.  I don’t like this pick, but so be it.
5.		Russell Okung	Offensive Tackle	Oklahoma State	Who got sacked more than David Garrard? Matt Cassell.  KC drafted  Branden Albert but with Russell Okung sitting here, there is no decision.  This pick is yet another that falls exactly to the right team. I don’t know if KC will listen, but they should!
6.		Sam Bradford	Quarterback	Oklahoma	What does Pete Carroll want? He has always cherished a quarterback and always appreciated a good defense.  He has two first round picks.  Does he go QB then defense?  I think so.  He can’t win without a QB and he has to take a chance on Sam Bradford.  No QB no success.  I think he is forced into this decision. That isn’t too bad, Sam Bradford is simply the only franchise QB in this draft. He will do just fine in Seattle.
7.		Joe Haden	Cornerback	Florida	Cleveland wants Eric Berry real bad.  He could fall if the quarterbacks break as predicted and Detroit drafted a safety last year, they may pass on Eric. If Eric doesn’t make it down to 7, Haden is a nice consolation prize. Joe Haden is the only premier corner in this draft and will boost the Browns secondary and help give Mike Holmgren a good start. The Cleveland fans know football and will appreciate this pick. Bring Dixon and Minnefield in to talk to him!
8.		Trent Williams	Offensive Tackle	Oklahoma	The Raiders have talent on the defensive side of the ball, so this pick should be focused on offense.  They drafted a QB, a receiver and a running back. Is it time to address the offensive line?  Trent Williams is a good choice because if he doesn’t work as a tackle, he can work as a guard.  He is a monster and will help immediately.  Take my advice Al!
9.		Brian Bulaga	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	The poor Bills had to cobble together an offensive line all year.  They were second in allowing the quarterback to be hit even though the QB threw it away as fast as the ball was snapped.  The Bills really need a quarterback but until and unless they address the offensive line, no quarterback will ever look good.  Problem is Buffalo never got this.  Let me help them on this; no college  team develops Offensive Linemen better than Iowa. Brian Bulaga may need time but he is a lot better than many guys the Bills have on the line.
10.	(CHI)	Dez Bryant	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State	Eddie Royal and Dez Bryant, now that is a duo to fear.  But what if Brandon Marshall wants to stay? Has he worn out his welcome?  I don’t know if Dez Bryant is a lock here. They could use a good defensive lineman or linebacker.  Rolando McClain would work.  I really don’t like Dez Bryant’s potential and think Denver makes a mistake, but Zoltan has spoken, Dez goes to Denver.
11.		Rolando McClain	Linebacker	Alabama	McClain can play all three linebacker positions and he would add to an already impressive set of Jaguar Linebackers. McClain would add a solid tackler to the edge of the defense which is currently held by Clint Ingram. Ingram could be gone and having a guy like McClain on the depth chart could prove to be a good decision.
12.		Sergio Kindle	Outside Linebacker	Texas	Miami has a great power running game, a good offensive line and a quarterback they are happy with.  They could go wide receiver since Ted Ginn Jr isn’t what they thought.  A good receiving threat?  Is this a place Golden Tate fits? Miami needs linebacker help, and Sergio is a great choice to get into the backfield and disrupt the play. They will like that.  Sergio is your pick Bill.
13.		C.J. Spiller	Running Back	Clemson	I know Anthony Davis is supposed to go here but I am not buying it. When the combines come around, he falls. So does Mike Iupati. I am thinking excitement here C.J. Spiller or Golden Tate.  I think we go Spiller here. Too much talent to walk away from.
14.	(DEN)	Brandon Graham	Defensive End	Michigan	A lot of people will be kicking themselves for passing this pick. Brandon will climb the charts soon and Pete Carroll will have his QB and a disruptive defensive end. This is a good draft for the Seahawks already.
15.		Carlos Dunlap	Defensive End	Florida	The Giants big time defense suffered this season. Drafting to the defensive line is a trait the Giants always do well and Carlos Dunlap will love this home in NY.  I really like this pick and this placement. Carlos will be a star with Tom Coughlin.
16.	(CAR)	Jason Pierre-Paul	Defensive End	South Florida	Wow, C.J. Spiller and JPP. Hey what about the offensive line?  Mike Singletary let’s it go for the star appeal.  Suddenly SF 49er are dangerous on both sides of the ball.  The QB and offensive line will wait.  There is power in this draft and Mike likes it. A good pick.

Continue Reading »

When you read about the Jaguars as much as I do, you don’t go a day without seeing Tim Tebow’s name come up and usually not in a kind way.  The Tebow attacks seemed to intensify after the Senior Bowl.  Now even Uche Nwaneri (I assume it was him) weighed in on the negative side.  I don’t know why.  I have never seen this intensity concerning a college quarterback before, ever. The thing that dismays me the most is Tim Tebow has never done anything to provoke it.  Let’s review what Tim has said:

Did he ever demand to be a first round draft choice? No, he said he wants a chance.

Did he say he would only play quarterback in the NFL? No, he said he wants a chance to play quarterback but if it isn’t to be he accepts that.

Did he say he wouldn’t try to change if needed? No, he said he would work harder than anyone to be good and if they coach him, he will learn.

Does any of this sound like a guy who deserves the negative intensity he receives?  Not to me it doesn’t.

What is justified is to discuss the mountain Tim would have to climb to be a good quarterback.  Take a look at this picture:

With Tim’s long front stride and deep arm drop, this situation would be a sack, a fumble or a scramble for him.  For David, it was a touchdown pass.  Tim can’t get the ball out of tight places and that is all. No hatred, no mocking, no character assassination, just a simple observation, he needs work.

When I moved down to Jacksonville the first name I heard was Tim Tebow. In his freshman year I thought he was a bit of a novelty. I running kid with a trick jump pass. Very amusing. I didn’t think he could throw.

In his sophmore year I was shocked. Tim could throw. He won the Heisman that year and I admitted he was good.  Probably couldn’t win a big game, but he could throw.

In his junior year I was amazed again. Tim could handle pressure and win a big game. Tim Tebow had grown up quickly and advanced his skills again.

In his senior year I saw the effect of the concussion. Tim didn’t look the same after that. I thought the blow to the head took his courage away. I thought that until the Sugar Bowl. What he did to Cincinnati was ridiculous.  As Brian Billick said on air “How good must Alabama’s defense be?” I agree.

My point is this, Tim Tebow advanced and grew every year he played.  From what I saw, he got better as an all-around player, much better, each year.  He promises to bring that dedication to the NFL.

So where does he stand?  To me a first round draft choice can play immediately. I don’t think Tim can. He needs to go to work and start from scratch to learn everything over. He needs to tear himself down and rebuild everything about his play.  I think he will do that. I think it will take three years.  He will learn in 2010 and 2011 and part of 2012. By 2012 I think you will see a real NFL quarterback with a bright future ahead.

Unfortunately, you do not draft a guy in the first round to rebuild him for three years. You do that in the third round.  Tim Tebow, as a third round prospect, will be hard to pass up.  I think the team that does pick him knows what they have to do. I think Tim knows what he has to do.  Will Tim Tebow be happy as a third round selection with years of hard work ahead?  Isn’t that exactly what he is asking for? All he ever said was give me a chance and coach me, I’m all in.

Hate Tim Tebow? I think not. Jacksonville has every reason to be proud of him. I think they will have more reasons in the near future.  Tim Tebow, I applaud you and wish you the best.

 - Terry O’Brien

The 2009 Jaguars will be remembered as a team that fought hard and knocked on the door of the playoffs.  Is it because Jack Del Rio coached his butt off? Is it because Gene Smith made performance on the field a job requirement?  Maybe, just maybe, it was because the 2009 Jaguars were graced with the presence of greatness.  Maybe the presence of Torry Holt had more to do with it than we imagined.   

I make no apologies for my steadfast belief that Torry Holt was the best thing to happen to the Jaguars following the 2008 season. He came in and set the tone for work ethic.  He publicly stated he would mentor the rookies to the bench.  Then he set out to make a team and show them how to play and how to love each other.   

Torry Holt didn’t mentor the rookies to the bench, he mentored them in every minute he was around them. The new rookie recievers flocked to him. He spent time with them. When they did well, he was the first one to congratulate them.  It wasn’t only the rookie receivers he supported. I remember when Maurice Jones Drew scored a touchdown against Houston I think.  Torry didn’t congratulate MJD, he went out and congratulated Eugene Monroe for throwing the key block.  He rode on Eugene’s back in a celebration trip to the sidelines.  You could see Eugene smile from the upper decks.   

Torry and Hughes

Remember when Nate Hughes was cut for dropping a touchdown pass? Remember when he redeemed himself and snagged the long bomb from David?  Who ran out to him?  Torry Holt did.   

Remember when Torry caught the long bomb against Miami?  Remember the celebration that ensued? The Jaguars received a delay of game penalty for celebrating too long.  I didn’t care. Celebrate all night long, Torry deserved it.   

During training camp I remember Derek Cox trying to cover Torry.  Derek followed him every step of the way until the final step. In a blink of an eye, Torry was gone. Derek never knew what happened.  Derek learned a lot from following Torry.  

To me, the loss of Torry Holt means greatness has left the Jaguars.  We are back to relying on Maurice Jones Drew. No offense MJD, but Torry could add the magic like no one else.  When he was introduced, the ovation was loud.  He isn’t coming back.  The great one will not return as a Jaguar.  I am simply sad, very sad.  

 - Terry O’Brien

It was a cold night on January 12, 2010 and Wayne has had a long day already. The meeting with Jack and Gene had lasted 4 hours. The media buildup to the event was huge speculating on Jack being fired. All of this was a surprise to Jack.  Wayne then held a very aggressive press conference in which he declared the team was the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jack Del Rio was the coach. He then met Tony Boselli at 4:00 for a meeting with 60 of the top corporations in Jacksonville to discuss support for the Jaguars.  Finally at 6:00 PM, the tireless 75 year old owner of the Jaguars braced the cold to lead an opening cheer for the fans and begin the rally for ticket sales introducing Team Teal.  Continue Reading »

[Editor Note: When I wrote for Big Cat Country, Zoltan was a regular contributor and commentor. I asked him to be a part of the Black and Teal Family as well. He agreed and this is his first post.  I want to say I am so very happy to have Zoltan participate and will post whatever and whenever he writes for us]

We all know how important the Draft is for General Manager Gene Smith in order to rebuild the Jaguars. I think he considers April 22-24, 2010 as the most important 3 days of the year. But in my opinion: April 22nd, the first day of the draft, maybe the most important day for any Jaguar GM in a very long time. Among the possible candidates to be selected is someone everyone from Jacksonville and a Jaguar fan knows and is rooting for, Tim Tebow!

Well I’m from Hungary; but even I heard Tim’s name mentioned for a long time. And because I’m not a local maybe my view is more objective about the Tebow case. In my opinion he is a huge risk factor; because almost every analyst raises big question marks about whether he can be a successful player in the NFL. I think he can; but not in the Jaguars system! He doesn’t fit here. He is not ready to be a Day 1 starter; and no matter what many people says; he is someone you cannot put on the bench, not in Jacksonville. Although every Jaguars fan has some issues with David Garrard; he is by far a better pro QB then Tebow will be on day one. Owner Wayne Weaver said exactly one week ago-that he wants to return into the playoffs in 2010. I think with Garrard the Jaguars have a chance (not to big; but they have one); with Tebow; well not much. So that means for Gene and for the Jaguars the obvious: Tim Tebow will be NOT a Jaguars player in the draft. Gene wants players ready day one and that is not Tim Tebow.

But Gene Smith must take actions against the massive upset; and (fake?) outrage for a possible “No Tebow” draft. How he can do that? Well it is simple: with the 1st round choice he must select a big difference and playmaker. A talent that he can say in the end of the season: “Hey; you still wanted to pick Tebow with that pick?” Yes this is the only way to do that. He needs a home run.

Now the fantastic 2009 Jaguars draft class made a major impact for this team, but it has something missing…. A STAR! I know Eugene Monroe can be a Pro Bowl-All Pro caliber left tackle; Terrance Knighton might be a pro-bowl player some day as well. Derek Cox; Mike Thomas; Jarett Dillard; Zach Miller and Rashad Jennings all have a potential to grow. But let’s face it: only one player was mentioned at the all-rookie team from the Jaguars: Terrance Knighton; and he does not have as much the fame as say a Cushing; Byrd; Laurinaitis; Matthews; Raji a.k.a. the real star defensive rookies from this class. We are lacking a STAR draft choice!

The first round pick of the Jaguars in 2010 MUST be a player like that. He must be racing every week for the “rookie of the week” awards; and he must be one of the candidates in the defensive/offensive rookie of the year title. Only then can Gene say to all the Tebow lovers: Hey I made a better selection and choice with the pick I had. I made this team much better then picking Tim. Thankfully with the top 10th – 11th pick he can find a player like that. Joe Haden; CJ Spiller; Rolando McClain; or Derrick Morgan (just to name the most talked candidates right now) might become players who can fulfill that need. All we can hope for is for Gene to make a wise choice among them. And in the end of the year; nobody among us will regret that he passed on Tim Tebow! Gene Smith has his hands full this year!

- Zoltan Paksa

I was listening to the Pete Prisco show the other night.  I don’t do that often but now and then I wonder over.  Pete had a guest on that I wish I could remember his name because he was very astute. He made this point about the New York Jets; they can never be blown out because they play good defense and can run the ball.  They will hang around every game and can never be counted out just for that reason.  If I compare a Jaguar team to that description, it would be the 8-8 2006 Jaguars.  I looked back at their season and sure enough, they were never blown out.  I think Pete’s guest was right, play good defense and run the ball and you have a team that can go places.

I know the Jaguars say they want to build that kind of team so I looked at the player decisions this past year to see if they were consistent with that strategy.  I found two glaring mistakes Gene Smith and Terry McDonough made.  See if you agree with me.

Mistake #1 – Not signing Gerald Sensabaugh to a five year contract. 

The Jaguars do not have a safety the quality of Sensabaugh on the squad. Sean Considine, Reggie Nelson and Gerald Alexander are not even close to Gerald’s level of play This lack of good Safety play in the backfield opened the Jaguars up to the passing game and cost them at least one game this season if not two.  Gerald played the run better than the pass, but at least he could play the pass. We have no one back there today and are trying to fill a gap we didn’t need to fill.

Letting Gerald Sensabaugh walk away was a big mistake. – agree?

Mistake #2 Drafting Eben Britton.

Disregard what you are being told about great bookend tackles being drafted, only Eugene Monroe lived up to the billing. Eben Britton was close to being the worst pass blocking right tackle in the NFL last year.  We can only hope he improves dramatically over his rookie season.  Drafting a right tackle was not a mistake, not drafting Sebastian Vollimer was.  Eben Britton was picked at draft position 39, Sebastian was drafted at position 58.  Vollimer is not only a good pass blocker, he is a devastating run blocker. The Jaguars almost gave up running to the right by the end of the season. If Sabastian Vollimer had been there, the Jaguars would have had an awesome running attack to both the left and the right side. I can show you examples of how Maurice could have busted some big runs if Eben had blocked. Eben Britton is closer to being a bust than a star, Sebastian Vollimer is already a star.

Choosing Eben Britton over Sebastian Vollimer was a big mistake. – agree?

With these two players, Gerald Sensabaugh and Sebastian Vollimer the Jaguars would be a lot closer to having a good defense and a very strong running attack. They may have made the playoffs.

 - Terry O’Brien

Man, am I confused.  The Jaguars hired Joe Cullin whose defensive resume is second only to his rap sheet. What happened to ensuring the moral character of the team? I thought we were on a different journey?

It was written that Donnie Henderson was let go as the defensive secondary coach because someone didn’t like how he swore at players. It was not Jack’s decision but done higher up.  OK, I bought into that because we said we wanted good moral character.  So consider this from the Detroit Free Press:

  Cullen, a fiery coach who screamed so much during the preseason that he lost his voice, likely is Marinelli’s type of man on a football level.

By Jim Schaefer and Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Detroit Free Press. 9/7/06.

Gerald Sensabaugh was not pursued as a Free Agent because he was carrying a loaded gun around in his car when he went home for a visit.  I don’t know if that was the real reason he wasn’t pursued, but it was the impression we all had.  So consider this from the same Detroit Free Press article:

Cullen was arrested and charged with indecent and obscene conduct Aug. 24, the night before the Lions’ third exhibition at Oakland. A worker at a Dearborn fast-food drive-thru window saw him naked behind the wheel of his SUV and called the police, according to police reports.

This arrest coupled with multiple DUI’s make up this man’s personal life.

Joe Cullin supposedly sought treatment and received a strong endorsement from Roger Godell to Wayne Weaver that he has more than met all requirements placed upon him.  He has sought redemption through his actions.

Joe was let go, along with everyone else after the 0-16 2008 season with the Detroit Lions. While there, he did lift the Lions Defensive Line performance up a level. The sack totals were 2006 (30), 2007 (37) and 2008 (30). He supposedly knows how to get to the quarterback.   

Here is what I think is going on.  45,000 people attend a home game doesn’t generate enough revenue to pay the expenses. Player salaries are not going down, at least not the good player salaries. The Jaguars must make cost adjustments to stay even close to solvent. Mike Tice was a very high paid assistant coach.  I am glad for him if this move is what he wanted. I don’t think Joe Cullin commands the salary of Mike Tice. I think the cost of coaching is being reduced.  In short, we are bargin hunting.

I remember when the Joe Cullin story broke and I thought “only in Detroit”. I do not want my Jaguars to become laughing stocks of the NFL.  Joe Cullin needs to remain sober and be a model citizen here in Jacksonville.  Joe Cullin needs to pitch in and help this team and this community.

I am all for redemption. I am all for giving him a chance.  I am not for a double standard on this team.  Players and coaches need to live up to the high moral standards bar that has been set. Joe Cullin needs to lead by example.

- Terry O’Brien

Consistency. As defined by dictionary.com ” the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.”

Consistency. This word is not something one is accustomed to using when talking about the Jacksonville Jaguars, but right now this may be a word we should consider using. I think consistency is what we will soon talk about and appreciate.

As of right now there is one open spot on the Jags coaching staff roster and that is the Assistant Head Coach / Tight Ends coaching role formerly held by,  now Chicago Bears Offensive Line coach, Mike Tice. There is talk about Running Backs coach Kennedy Pola leaving for a possible Offensive Coordinator role. So, as of today, we may be looking at possibly two vacancies in the coaching staff. We don’t yet know what Joe Cullen’s role will be (hopefully not going for takeout) or if we will be replacing the TE coach position.  This is not a lot of turnover when your team finished just missing the playoffs and has the potential for a top-ten draft pick.

This past season we had five new additions to the coaching staff, including a Defensive Coordinator position. By contrast, the Indianapolis Colts have five new coaches since they won the Super Bowl 3 years ago. The Colts have established consistency. I believe the best way to be a constant contender for the Lombardi trophy is not just to draft well and have a great collection of talented players, but also to have consistency within your coaching staff ranks. If you are frequently changing coaches the way certain teams do (see Redskins, Washington) you are more likely to be drafting top ten rather than last twelve.

If you look at the top franchise of this past decade, the New England Patriots, you will see that while their decline occurred when Tom Brady aged and got injured, it was also the time everyone of the coaching staff ended up leaving for coaching jobs at Cleveland, Denver, and Notre Dame.

Mr. Weaver signed all of the coaching staff to extensions last year. I believe Mr. Weaver wants consistency because he understands it tends to breed winners. The Jaguars may not be Super Bowl contenders yet, but by becoming consistent in the coaching staff, they are placing themselves in a stronger position to become playoff contenders in 2010.

- Bryan Simek

[Editor Note: Zoltan returns with another great article. His last one was picked up by ESPN. Time to make him part of the staff]

Zoltan Paksa watches the Jaguars from Hungary

Watching the playoffs and specially the games of the New York Jets keeps me wondering: How in the world could the Jaguars beat this team in “The Meadowland”? The Jets embarrassed the Cincinnati Bengals not once but twice in back-to-back weeks, the same Cincinnati Bengals that won the really hard AFC North and had a 6-0 divisional record. Then they defeated the San Diego Chargers in California, the team almost every expert said was the favorite to win the Super Bowl. The NY Jets are a legitimate Super Bowl contender and yet, not so long ago, the ’09 Jaguars beat them. How could they do it? Was there just luck; coincidence; or something else?

Well let’s see. Yeah the Jets were in a bad shape when the Jaguars meet them, having lost 4 of the 5 games before meeting in Week 10. But; they were the same team! They had that outstanding defense. They had the running game. Darrelle Revis was that impact player on that game like he is in this season. Then how could the Jaguars win?

Well one reason might be that the Jets have issues with teams with a good running game; which the Jaguars had on week 10(what happened with the rush attack from week 11 is another story…). The Dolphins won both games against the Jets; the Dolphins are also a powerful running team. So yeah the Jaguars have that advantage in my opinion.

But what was a major factor besides Maurice Drew’s fantastic performance in the Jaguars win?

Three things that were not frequent enough in 2009. First was (especially in the 1st half and the end of the game) very good offensive play calling. Dirk Koetter did his homework for that game. He often gave good answers to Rex Ryan’s defensive challenges. No matter that he called 5 running plays in a row (that ended up in a TD in the 1st Jaguars drive) he also called wise passing calls against Ryan’s blitz schemes-which also helped for scoring TDs.

But that game had one more thing that proves me that was not a lucky victory. Something the eagle eyed Jaguars fans said and missed over and over again. Both the offense and the defense performed very near in periods of the game to 100% of what they are capable of doing. There were moments when the offense played at its best against a very good defense. The second Indy game had something like that; except in this game the defense could helped out David Garrard and the offense in the second half. They took away the Jets biggest weapon-the ground attack; and they did (compared with other games) quite well against the passing game.

And the third key was in that victory-the Jaguars could finish that game. With the positive moment of the “09 season (Maurice Drew took a knee at the one yard line) the Jaguars can executed the game plan almost perfectly for 60 minutes! We see come from behind wins against the Rams; and the Bills-but they were not good caliber team-opposite of the Jets.

I agree and believe that talent wise that Jets team was way better then the ’09 Jaguars. We need more talent and we will have an opportunity to address that need soon. But I think in the Jets game we saw the future as well. Good game plans; offense and defense playing at the same time near 100%; and finishing in the game at crunch time. I think doing those three elements consistently and talent wise upgrade at the roster can transform this team real fast to become a real contender in 2010, even with the upcoming hard schedule the Jaguars have! The QB is a significant factor but I don’t think Mark Sanchez is a better QB then David Garrard; and yet his team is still standing! If all that happens-we could follow easily the footsteps of the ’09 Jets. And who knows maybe one of the participant team of the AFC Title game will be called the Jacksonville Jaguars one year from today…

Zoltan Paksa

Assume it is draft day and the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock.  Sam Bradford and Joe Haden are available.  You are Gene Smith and the draft room is divided.  You have the conn, make the call. If you want, tell us why.

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Congratulations to David. Does anyone other than me thinks it is time for a simple award banquet?
- Terry

[Editors Note: The web is a great avenue to share and exchange team information as many fans are spread across the globe.  I added that statement to our Mission Statement and little did I know how true it was.  With Zoltan reporting from Hungary, I then receive an email from Fabio Rios from Chile asking if he could post an article.  I'm floored and honored. Jaguar fans across the globe are finding us and joining in the discussion.  With that, let me present Fabio's first American post with part II coming tomorrow]

Fabio: First I have to thank Terry for giving me this opportunity. One of my dreams during the past 15 years was to write something about the Jaguars, because here in Chile, as a journalist, I only report such sports as tennis and soccer.

Coach Jack del Rio said the past week that he isn’t thinking about free agency or the draft yet, because he must finish his own player’s evaluations. So that got me thinking about doing some evaluation myself.

So here we go with the Jaguars roster evaluation: Continue Reading »

[Editor Note:  I am amazed that the Jaguars have international fans and that they are so knowledgeable. Here is Fabio's take on the offense.  I hope we hear from him again.]

Offense

Offensive line: If there’s one position that Gene Smith will try to avoid drafting in the first round is offensive tackle. Let’s be clear: Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton are the present and the future. I like Eben more, because of what Jeff Lageman has said about him. Hard worker, down to earth guy. I know Terry loves Eugene, but he still seems a little stiff sometimes.

On the inside, it seems the team loves Uche Nwaneri, so they will keep him as a starter, for sure. Also Vince Manuwai will be given another season to get stronger after blowing his ACL in 2008. But if he continues to get worse, he could be gone at the end of next season.

Brad Meester is one of the team’s most deteriorated players, and will likely be cut. That’s sad because he’s one heck of a guy and the longest tenured Jaguar.

The team likes Jordan Black, while Tra Thomas seems to be gone. The team needs a new starter at center or guard, depending if they move Uche to the middle. Another backup tackle late in the draft or in free agency isn’t out of the question.

Continue Reading »

It has been very frustrating for the coach.

One day after the season ended, Jack Del Rio takes a vacation and the knives come out aiming for his back.         

FOX’s Jay Glazer reports that some members of the Jaguars’ organization have been “killing” coach Jack Del Rio behind close doors.          

Jack Del Rio said that he and Gene Smith have a good relationship and I believe him.  I don’t believe Gene Smith is behind these attacks on Jack. These are coming from someone closer to Wayne Weaver.        

There are other reports that said the problem is a disconnect between Jack’s guys and the others. But who is deciding it is a problem?         

Del Rio has never hesitated to change assistants but seemed headed for a stable off season. Indications from inside have long been, however, that there were two tiers on the staff — those who qualified as JDR’s inner circle and those who didn’t.        

By Paul Kuharsky Jan 15, 2010        

Continue Reading »

I couldn’t be more pleased with the announcement, or pending announcement, of Ernest Byner and Rob Boras as new assistant coaches.  Take nothing away from Mike Tice and Kennedy Pola, both are top quality men and coaches.  I hope the best for them both, but their replacements are fantastic!     

95 Catches!!!

Let’s start with Rob Boras.  If there has been one thing the Chicago Bears could count on, it was the play of the Tight Ends.  In 2008, Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen combined for 95 catches.  95 CATCHES!!!! I can’t contain myself… 95 CATCHES!!!  Hello Marcedes, Hello Zack Miller!  If you can make early picks in your fantasy league, get either of these two.  95 CATCHES!!!  This is an over the top good coaching selection.   Marcedes and Zack are both offensive weapons that can contribute a lot more, looks like they will be! They had about 50 catches together this year. I expect over 100 catches next year.    

Welcome Rob Boras!   Is Desmond Clark our next Torry Holt?  Maybe, probably not, but maybe. Desmond was very outspoken about losing his coach.  I can understand why.  I don’t understand why Rob Boras was thrown out with the others to save Lovie Smith. Rob did nothing wrong.  In fact he did a lot right. 

Continue Reading »

The Jaguars are committed to Best Available Player regardless of need. In this draft, the 11th position shows the absolute top players dwindle quickly.  Gene Smith makes a smart call, but will the fans agree? Do you agree?  Let us know!

Pick	Team	Player Selected	Player’s Position	Player’s School	Analysis
1.		Ndamukong Suh	Defensive Tackle	Nebraska	The Rams added the likes of Adam Carriker and Chris Long along the defensive line in recent years. By adding Suh, the best player in the draft, St. Louis adds quality depth to their d-line and Carriker could bump out to left end.
2.		Gerald McCoy	Defensive Tackle	Oklahoma	Gerald McCoy is yet another difference maker in this draft class. He would bring star power to the Lions defensive line. McCoy is well-rounded and would improve the Lions rush defense as well as create pressure up the middle.
3.		Eric Berry	Safety	Tennessee	Berry has drawn many comparisons to Ravens safety Ed Reed. He is a ballhawk who is not afraid of contact. The Bucs would prefer either McCoy or Suh fall to them, but in this scenario Berry is a great consolation prize.
4.		Jimmy Clausen	Quarterback	Notre Dame	Mike Shanahan is the new sherrif in town and he will likely be looking for his own signal-caller. Even before Shanahan, the Redskins seemed to look at every possible move that would rid them of Jason Campbell. Campbell will likely not be back in Washington and the ‘Skins hope Clausen can be the answer.
5.		Russell Okung	Offensive Tackle	Oklahoma State	Matt Cassell was never able to return to his 2009 form mainly due to the Chiefs atrocious pass protection which ranked near the bottom of the league. Adding Okung would allow KC to switch Branden Albert to either right tackle or his natural guard position.
6.		Derrick Morgan	Defensive End	Georgia Tech	Seattle has one of the worst pass rushes in the entire league and Derrick Morgan is a dynamic pass rusher who could help turn around the Seahawks D. Quarterback is also a possibility, but at this point Bradford may be too much of a reach.
7.		Sam Bradford	Quarterback	Oklahoma	Mike Holmgren is a Quarterback developer and he needs raw talent to work with. Sam Bradford is the guy for Mike to start with IMO.
8.		Bryan Bulaga	Offensive Tackle	Iowa	Protect the Quarterback. Al Davis is still in love with his QB and any IOWA O-Lineman is a good addition.
9.		Joe Haden	Cornerback	Florida	Joe Haden is the only premier corner in this draft. Haden will boost the Bills secondary and help start the defensive turnaround. This team still has a long way to go but Haden and Byrd make a nice duo.
10.	(CHI)	Dez Bryant	Wide Receiver	Oklahoma State	All signs point to Brandon Marshall being traded this offseason which would leave Denver with a big hole to fill at wide receiver. Dez Bryant has drawn comparisons to Terrell Owens — like Marshall. Bryant is the best receiver in this class and he would be a perfect fit to replace Marshall. Eddie Royal also compliments Bryant extremely well.
11.		Rolando McClain	Linebacker	Alabama	McClain can play all three linebacker positions and he would add to an already impressive set of Jaguar Linebackers. McClain would add a solid tackler to the edge of the defense which is currently held by Clint Ingram. Ingram could be gone and having a guy like McClain on the depth chart could prove to be a good decision.
12.		Sergio Kindle	Outside Linebacker	Texas	Joey Porter is unhappy with his role in Miami last year and he has expressed interest in leaving the team. The key to any 3-4 defense is the linebacker position. Kindle is a hybrid DE/OLB, and fits in well with Bill Parcells scheme.
13.		Anthony Davis	Offensive Tackle	Rutgers	Frank Gore is a superstar and the 49ers can be successful if they pound the rock with him on a consistent basis. One way to ensure that is improving the offensive line. Joe Staley is doing a good job at left tackle, so adding a guy like Anthony Davis to play the other side could hold down the ends of this line for years to come.
14.	(DEN)	Taylor Mays	Safety	USC	Mays is a big-time hitter at the safety position and he would bring a new attitude to the defense that new head coach and former USC coach Pete Carroll is all too familiar with. Mays also grew up in the Seattle area and he would be welcomed by the fans.
15.		Jason Pierre-Paul	Defensive End	South Florida	The Giants big time defense suffered this season. Drafting to the defensive line is a trait the Giants always do well and selects JPP, who is a raw, pass-rushing specialist.
16.	(CAR)	C.J. Spiller	Running Back	Clemson	With San Francisco securing the offensive line with their first of two first-round selections, they can afford to play around a bit with their second pick. Spiller is an explosive back that could bring an element much like Felix Jones brought to the Cowboys to San Francisco.

Continue Reading »

As Vic Ketchman said last week, on his ”Ask Vic” column, Joe Namath has said that “[the Quarterback] is the trophy.” This is now commonplace in the NFL. Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Rothlisberger, Eli Manning are all players who have been to the big dance and perhaps after next Sunday all will have won a Super Bowl. Their draft position isn’t what they have in common, it’s the fact they are elite QBs with great offensive linemen.

Now draft position may help. If Bradford or Clausen is available when the Jags draft at 10/11 they will probably consider them, how seriously only Gene Smith knows. I do think there is a strong possibility we could see the Jags trade down and draft Mike Iupati to put some more youth on the offensive line. With Minnesota and Arizona needing QBs,  a trade partner to get the Jags back later in the first and back into the second is feasible if Bradford or Clausen are available and desirable. 

Jarrett Brown has impressed many this week at the Senior Bowl while Jacksonville native, Tim Tebow has proven his detractors right with his inability to take snaps under center and make accurate throws. Neither look to be first round selections.

There is still quarterback depth in the later rounds, which is in the favor of the Jaguars. The Jags do not need to rush a rookie QB out onto the field. Garrard will be serviceable to do what the Jags need from the QB position this season. This gives the drafted QB a chance to learn the offense and be put in a position to lead the Jaguars into the future and possibly hoisting the Lombardi trophy this decade.

Rebuilding takes time, and the Jags right now are in a situation to capitalize once age catches up on the AFC elite, the Pats and Colts. As I said the Quarterback is the trophy but the the trophy needs protected.  The best way is to build a solid wall of security around him with a youthful line growing in experience together.  Whoever is the QB for the Jaguars in 2012 and beyond will have one of the best security around him. If you don’t believe me, just look to New Jersey and see what the J-E-T-S did this season with their first round offensive line and Mark Sanchez this season.  Drafting again into the offensive line makes a lot of sense. Don’t be surprised if Gene Smith finds the BAP to be an offensive lineman.  

-Bryan Simek

[Editor Note: Zoltan and I continue our look at the top candidates available to the Jaguars with the 10th or 11th draft selection.  So far, we like and hope for Joe Haden. Today we look at Rolando McClain who we also like very much. Here is Zoltans write-up with some of my notes included.]   

McClain a Jaguar? We hope so!!

Well we can dream about Eric Berry or Joe Haden (or some about Tim Tebow…) but let’s face it, we would need luck for either of those two to be available. But that doesn’t mean the 10th or 11th spot won’t produce an impact player. If we had to project right now, the title of “Front runner of the 2010 Jaguar 1st round draft choice” belongs to Alabama LB Rolando McClain! He is most likely to be available when the Jaguars are on the board no matter how the coin flip ends up. Rolando McClain would fill a role missing since Mike Peterson left the team, a true leader of the defense!   

I can hear some of you now, “But Zoltan, we don’t NEED a linebacker, they are the strongest unit inside the defense!” Well; in 2009 we saw some little bit disturbing signs. First of all the major disappointing season Clint Ingram produced. He was in his contract year (he is an RFA because of the uncapped year; so his fate is still in the hands of the Jaguars) and he was clearly the worst of the starting linebackers. Even the best player of the 3; Justin Durant struggled sometimes-mostly because he suffered a concussion and battled with that the whole season. The only 100% performance belonged to Mr. “do-it-all” a. k. a. Daryl Smith. He did everything; even tried to rush the passer later in the season. He finished over 100 tackles. He is the only one we consider to be a locked starter among the linebacking corps. The Jaguars have UDFA rookie Russell Allen; a big gem found by Gene Smith; who showed he can be a reliable player, who may be able to start for this team, but he also might not belong as a regular starter yet. And there is another UDFA; Brian Iwuh; who can ht people; but he might be more of a ST/LB player and a true backup; then a starter.   

Listen to GM Gene Smith a she explained (to the Florida Times Union) how he saw right now the LB position:  

That’s just one of five positions on defense where Smith expects very competitive battles for starting spots. He lists the two safety spots and two of the three linebacker roles in the same category. Daryl Smith is set as a starter at linebacker.  

So looks like to me there is room for a new starting LB player…   

Continue Reading »

I can’t help but think how much has changed in the Jacksonville Jaguars over the last two months. The Jaguars have been very active and it is hard to take it all in unless you step back and consider it all. 

Everyone come - the team is ready

There are two things working against him. The first is attendance. Wayne can’t make money with attendance at 45,000. This is a money losing proposition. We know this. There will be a series of cost cutting measures to attempt to operate as low as possible, but not below a feasible amount.  

The second is the end of the collective bargaining agreement. This works against Wayne, not from a player salary perspective but from a revenue sharing arrangement. The subsidies from the rich teams to the poor teams will end in the near future. Wayne will have to depend entirely on television revenue and us. No help from Dallas and Washington is coming. We are it and where he is placing his bets.  

So how did Wayne respond to this? With more vigor and energy and boldness than I imagined. I know why he is successful, he is decisive. First he announces that Jacksonville is not an “average” team or town. We will not stay at the bottom. He used the word accountability a lot and called himself out for not leading.  

Second, he conducted a complete review of the organization top to bottom. Soon after his review we had three new coaches. The coaches leaving were not coaches Jack Del Rio wanted to see go. New guys are here and understand winning is an accountability. I think Wayne has every member of his organizations attention now. Do you think anyone isn’t alert to 2010?  

Then he challenged Jack and Gene to define this team.  We will be a one-gap attacking defense with a dedication to the run.  We are going back to Jaguar football.  Everyone get on board. In the Gospel, Paul wrote the best management sentence I ever heard, ”For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8.) I think the trumpet is giving a clear sound now. 

Come join me in the box

New ticket prices are announced. If you want a Jaguar ticket, they are as close to free as you can get. Come and watch the Jaguars.  

Finally, he put everyone on notice he is on the watch and expects results. He expects us to fill the stadium and he expects Gene to bring the players and he expects Jack and his new team to win. All of these must come together next year. When we fill the stadium, the team must respond and put on a good show.  

All of this was done with LA waiting in the wings waving big dollars. 

In short, Wayne could have taken the easy way out. He didn’t. He is placing a huge bet on his management team and us. The odds are not in his favor. My guess is he has been here before and knows what he is doing. The odds don’t matter, the feeling of success and doing something well inspires him. The feeling that he helped make things right for others is powerful. Wayne is betting on us because he believes in people and believes in the people of this city. That is how I read it.  

A lot has changed already.  This will be a different team in 2010. I just hope Torry Holt returns one more time! (Sorry, I had to add that) 

 - Terry O’Brien