Myles Jack needs to replace Paul Posluszny sooner rather than later
By Luke Sims
Myles Jack is the linebacker stud the Jacksonville Jaguars need and the sooner he replaces Paul Posluszny, the better.
One of the bigger frustrations in watching the Jacksonville Jaguars preseason is seeing just how little Myles Jack is allowed in with the first team to prove himself at middle linebacker. Everyone knows he’ll eventually be taking over, but his lack of reps has been frustrating at times.
In particular, seeing Jack on the sideline while Posluszny is on the field on obvious passing downs (sometimes set to cover a wide receiver!) seems boneheaded. For all of the good Poz has given the Jaguars and for all of his skill sets, he has been exposed repeatedly in coverage and should be replaced by someone faster and with younger legs.
Yet Jack is still not seeing the field in those situations.
Maybe this is just a preseason thing and the Jags are bringing him along slowly. Maybe things will shift in the regular season and Jack will be allowed in on those key downs or, ultimately, replace the guy who has captained the defense since he arrived from Buffalo.
Make no mistake, this isn’t an indictment against Poz. I’ve loved his “thumper” play style his entire career. I love that he can make plays on the ball (second on the team in interceptions, surprisingly in 2015) and I love that he does actually act as a general for the defense. Still, he has his limitations.
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Jack’s athleticism is an upgrade over Posluszny. He’s capable in coverage and he plays just as aggressively. He’s still learning NFL speed and the mentality of the game, but he’s capable and should be able to step in sooner rather than later.
Which is exactly what the Jags need.
Whether Jack sees most of his time at the OTTO (generally the strongside linebacker) role or immediately picks up for Poz at middle linebacker, it’s important to get him on the field. He and outside linebacker Telvin Smith are the future. They both play fast, aggressively, and have a knack for the big play.
Myles Jack is already becoming a leader on defense and it’s only a matter of time until he finally does usurp at least some of Posluszny’s duties. As much as I enjoy Poz, this needs to happen sooner than later in my opinion.