A Tale of Two NFL Cities: Jacksonville and Detroit On Sunday
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to play the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Neither team has played in a Super Bowl. Author Charles Dickens had Jacksonville and Detroit in mind, while writing his classic novel “A Tale of Two Cities”.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” is how Dickens began the tale. Dickens is describing the current NFL season for Jacksonville and Detroit. The Detroit Lions are in first place in the NFC North and the Jacksonville Jaguars are 2-7.
“it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness…” is how Dickens’ tale unfolds. Detroit is in position to make the playoffs. The Jaguars have squandered the season away due to poor performances.
“it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…” Dickens writes futuristically. Jacksonville had so much hope entering into the 2016 season. They can only wonder why they are drafting in the top three.
“we had everything before us, we had nothing before us…” are cruel truths from the sad tale. Jacksonville thought that 2016 would be the magical year. A “winning record” is a must, declared the loyal owner.
How Jacksonville Can Re-Write The Tale of The 2016 Season
First, the Jaguars must win six out of their last seven games to finish 8-8. Denver will probably win in week thirteen but the other games are winnable. Four games are road games but the Jaguars have played better away from EverBank Field. (Their two wins)
Next, Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has got to play T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory together. The one back offense is not working. Hackett should design a few plays where both backs are able to revive the dying rushing attack. This would take pressure off the struggling Jaguar quarterback.
Most of all, Brandon Allen must be ready to replace Blake Bortles, when Bortles is struggling. Jaguar fans are tired of the interceptions, bad passes and missed opportunities throughout the past two seasons. Why is replacing Bortles such a bad thing to do, it is happening in Dallas with their franchise quarterback. Remember that Jacksonville is 2-7 and in last place in the AFC South!
When the tale of the 2016 season is told, let it be said that Jacksonville made every move possible to correct its course. However, Jacksonville did not make any trades. The Jaguars have continued to squander away each game with penalties. It’s unbelievable that head coach Gus Bradley approves of Bortles’ poor performances.
In Jacksonville, “…it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” the sad tale of the 2016 season.