In the three home games this season, the Jaguars have lost by a combined score of 105-20. We don’t even average a single touchdown at home!  That is unacceptable from a collection of 53 men that call themselves professional football players.  I don’t care as much about road games, but losing home games like that is extremely embarrassing.  We want The Bank to be a place that opponents fear!  A place that they prepare an extra week in advance for because the home team always plays above their abilities every time and find ways to win for their raucous home crowd foaming at the mouth to add another visiting victim to the slew of paupers graves we toss their mangled remains into.

Instead it is a daycare center that visiting teams use to get healthy, pad their stats, and give backups and rookies large amounts of playtime.  It is an automatic victory for everyone that comes into our home!  This atrocity cannot stand.  There is only one way to fix it.  SELL OUT EVERY HOME GAME.

The Jaguars need to sell out every game.  I don’t want to see a single untarped seat empty.  Buy all the Jaguars apparel you can afford (I can’t believe how expensive that stuff is btw), come out in droves, tailgate your face off, and stay until the 4^th quarter clock strikes 0:00.  And Boo.  Boo until you go raspy and then boo some more.  Stay absolutely silent when the other team is on offense.  Go absolutely nuts when the offense is out there.  Do not give this Jaguars team a single moment’s peace.  If they are going to hose us, we’ll hose them right back.  This is the best way to get the results we want. Why, you may ask?

If the Jags suck and no one goes to the games, we’ll be LA bound in hot minute.  We need to support the IDEA of the Jaguars.  We need to let Khan, the other 31 owners, Goodell, and ESPN know that Jacksonville is a hell of a place for NFL football.  We need to get the point across that the product on the field is no longer acceptable.  Fans must band together, arm in arm, and rise up as one to fix this abysmal situation we have on the field.  Force major changes and they will come.

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!!

-LJ

As exciting as the win was, the last thing that matters in a preseason game is the final score. You of course want to watch the starters in the early stages of the game, and watch individuals trying to make the team in the later part.

Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

The Jaguars opened up Friday night’s game with a 9 play 80 yard drive. It was a bit more run heavy than last week’s opening drive, but similiar in execution. Rashad Jennings had some impressive runs. He had 6 carries for 42 yards all by his lonesome in the opening drive alone. He continues to prove that he is ready to be the lead back in Jacksonville. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and ended the night with 62 yards on 11 carries. Blaine Gabbert continued to throw short and intermediate passes, but at a high completion rate. He’s playing safe, smart and very tough. He saw a little pressure in this game, but stood tall and delivered. He capped the drive off with a 16 yard bullet to 2012 5th overall pick Justin Blackmon for a touchdown. Speaking of Justin Blackmon, it’s apparent he’s an extremely physical receiver who is able to get separation at the line of scrimmage. He ended his night with 48 yards on 4 grabs and a touchdown. I saw two catches in particular where he was able to shake his defender, and it turns out he’s got a mean stiff arm. Just ask Curtis Lofton. Is Blackmon the answer? He’s definitely better than anything this team has had in a long time.

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Drew Brees and the Saints more often than not answer right back because that’s just what they do. They were well on their way. They had some good gains on their opening drive. At first our linebackers seemed to have a very difficult time running with their arsenal of backs and receivers. Paul Posluszny did a good job of floating sideline to sideline, and whenever the ball carrier would burst through into the second level it seemed as if “Poz” was always there to either make the stop or chase him down before he could gain any more yards. Posluszny swatted down the pass that stopped the Saints in their tracks and forced them to settle for a field goal.

Blaine came right back and led his guys down the field for a 14 play, 66 yard drive. Colin Cloherty, who seemed to catch everything thrown his way, caught the 15 yard score. There’s a play in the 2nd quarter, however, that really caught my attention. 12 minutes and 55 seconds to go until the half. The Saints seemingly brought heat from everywhere. Gabbert didn’t flinch. He stood and hit Mike Thomas for a first down. That play in itself showed our quarterback’s progression. He actually looked like an NFL quarterback.

The Saint’s second drive of the night didn’t last very long at all. It was ended pretty quick by a Mincey sack forced fumble, and a Terrance Knighton recovery. The Jags took over in Saint’s territory, and while they didn’t get 6, they were able to get 3.

Later in the second quarter, Brees did take the field and pretty much threw the ball all over our defense. If halftime arrives and you hold the Saints to only 10 points…I’d consider it a small victory nonetheless.

Our starters on both offense and defense did well last Friday night. It’s clear that we will be running a lot of high completion pass plays and the running back by committee approach led by Jennings and Owens has been more than successful this preseason. Blaine no longer has happy feet and completed 13 of 16 passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns which is highly encouraging. Our offensive line still needs to get healthy. Bradfield had a better game at left tackle than he did right tackle and Whimper was OK on the other side, but the Saints aren’t really known for their destructive pass rush. Yes, they can get after the passer just as good as the next team, but their defense isn’t feared or mentioned with the likes of teams like the Steelers or Ravens. Facing teams with more aggressive defenses like the Bears and the Texans will really put this line to the test and hopefully by then Monroe and Rackley will have returned and Britton will be playing his natural position at right tackle.

We still don’t seem to have a deep threat. That could come back to haunt us when facing offenses that put up a lot of points like the Patriots, Lions, and the Packers. We’ll have to find ways to score quick if we get caught up in a shoot out.

This year’s defense will be much like last year’s. They play very tough at the line of scrimmage, and have the potential to get penetration but have to do it more consistently. I’d like to see our defenders shed blocks a little better and do a better job of tackling. Too many times they’d get tangled and the ball carrier would just fly on by. The front 4 looks ready. Especially Andre Branch. He plays with speed and held his own against pro-bowl tackle Jermon Bushrod.

Yes, Tucker’s unit made the Saints settle for a field goal and forced a turnover but unfortunately for us if this were the regular season the Saints wouldn’t have taken Brees out at the half.

I don’t know why we didn’t, but Mularkey totally let the Saints get away with one. I believe it was Andre Branch who chased down Lance Moore and knocked the ball out of his hands. It was clearly a fumble. We can’t let those calls get away during the regular season. I’m confident we won’t. After all it’s preseason for the coaching staff too.

What’s the other thing we watch for in preseason games? Individuals and their position battles. You can really get a feel for what coaches think about certain bubble players by where they start in case of injury. For instance Kyle Bosworth was starting for Daryl Smith. Does that mean he has a leg up on young linebackers like UDFAs J.K. Schaeffer, Julian Stanford, and 5th round pick Brandon Marshall? Probably.

Looks like Mike Brewster is officially the back up center for BRAD Meester, and Kevin Rutland, not Antwon Blake, ran with our ones in nickle situations.

Speaking of rookies like Schaeffer and Blake…Schaeffer had a nice 2 yard TFL and Blake had an AMAZING tackle on a punt return stopping the PR in his tracks for no gain. If they want to make this team, they better play special teams.

I liked the protection converted defensive lineman Drew Nowak provided but as the game went on, particularly on the last drive of the 4th quarter, he seemed to get sloppy.

Keith Toston was on his way to having a very good game with a long run of 40 yards. He would have been on his way…until he injured his hamstring. Hopefully it’s not serious.

The two players on the 2nd and 3rd team defense who really impressed me were Chris Prosinski and 2012 7th rounder Jeris Pendleton. Prosinski ended the night with 5 tackles and made some nice ones in space. He showed good pursuit and good hustle. Pendleton is a very large man and totally collapsed the pocket on one play. I hope there’s room for him on our already crowded defensive line rotation.

Chad Henne had a poorly thrown ball intercepted. Then he was attacked out of nowhere by one of the Saint’s 2nd teamers. Henne actually did alright though. Yeah he got knocked down, but dragged down the back up defender with him using one arm. The best part was when Henne walked to the sideline. Did anyone else see Gabbert say to Henne, “man…f*ck that guy.”?

Palmer threw the game-winning touchdown. He hit receivers Chastin West and Mike Brown on the game winning drive, but the Saints didn’t help themselves much by committing several penalties. It looks like Palmer took a page out of the Gabbert playbook and hit Kevin Elliot in the end zone for the game before getting drilled. Palmer’s numbers were much more pedestrian this time around and that’s putting it nicely…but one threw a pick and the other won the game. Just stating facts.

So almost all of the local news stations are bragging about being 2-0 in preseason. That’s just how starved this city is for a winning team. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone bragging about that. It’s preseason. Don’t get caught up in the hype. We don’t know how this team will perform come regular season.

We DO know:

-Gabbert HAS improved

-The offense includes a healthy dose of run/pass

-Losing MJD hasn’t hurt us

-Rashad Jennings can carry the load

-Our defense and kicking game SHOULD be two of the best in the league

And that’s something to be excited about. It’s enough to get this fan base excited about football again and hopefully revitalize the city’s passion for this team.

-David R. Johns

When preseason rolls around and one of these unheralded rookies make a play, I want you to know exactly who that player is. Following is a very quick run down of the undrafted rookies signed after the 2012 draft.

Joe Banyard, RB, Texas El-Paso: A bit of a long shot to make the roster, but who knows? Maybe he gives someone a run for their money. Some quick hits: He ran a 4.46, had 25 reps on the benchpress, 35 1/2 vertical jump, and 10 ft. broad jump. He was selected All Conference USA Honorable Mention. He’ll be wearing #35.

Lee Barbiasz, OT, Northern Colorado: At 6’7 and 310 lbs., he is a very tall tackle. His strength concerns me. As big as he is he only totaled 24 reps. In 2010 Barbiasz was selected for All-Big Sky Honorable Mention. He’ll be wearing #72. To say he’s a long shot is an understatement.

Antwon Blake, CB, Texas El-Paso: I think this kid is from Jacksonville. Correct me if I’m wrong. He clocks a 4.39 40 yard dash which is promising. He’s quick-footed and has rare leaping ability according to profootballweekly.com. He recorded a 10 yard split time of 1.4 seconds and can keep up with receivers going deep. It’s hard not to root for a hometown kid isn’t it? According to the report, he will definitely need to be coached up but has the physical tools already in place. #38

Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State: This was the signing that made me jump out of my seat. He was a four year starter at Ohio State and was the only junior in college football history to be a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. He has a high football IQ, and doesn’t really have any holes in his game. He’s a better pass protector than he is run-blocker. Sounds great right? Then why did he go undrafted? Well…he does lack exceptional athleticism, his feet are bad, and his overall technique needs work. He is late seeing the second level, has trouble recognizing blitzing linebackers, and disengaging from his double team. Could he be coached up? I think it would be worth the investment. #60

Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE

Jeremiah Brown, S, Wagner: Maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places, but the only thing I could find on this guy are his pro day results. He ran a 4.40, 19 reps, 37 1/2 vertical, 10’5 broad, 4.08 20 yard shuttle, 6.95 3-cone drill. The only thing I saw is that he played cornerback in college and Jacksonville has him listed as a safety. Ya gotta love it when a workout player gets a contract though. #30

Mike Brown, WR, Liberty: Yet another workout player who walked out with a contract, I believe Brown played quarterback in college. According to his coaches he’s a very competitive, coachable, athletic football player. He also has good leadership skills having been named offensive team captain for two years in a row. He played both quarterback and wide receiver before making the full time transition. #12

Ryan Davis, DE, Bethune-Cookman: A lot of people here are very excited about this prospect, and I’m gonna have to jump on the bandwagon as well after doing research on his collegiate career. He was named Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference defensive player of the year. He racked up 21 1/2 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks in his senior campaign. In other words he can rush the passer. I think he has a very good chance of making the team. #49

Antonio Dennard, CB, Langston: He’s patient with quick feet and very fluid. You can be fluid all you want, but if you’re a cornerback who only runs a 4.55 you’re going undrafted. Maybe his” football speed” is better. #16

Kevin Elliot, WR, Florida A&M: He was a three year starter awarded all conference honors his senior season. He snagged 41 balls for 720 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s an adequate sized receiver who is more of a possession pass catcher. He can make catches while swarmed with defenders and provides his quarterback with a good-sized target at 6’2 202 lbs.. He’s an aggressive downfield blocker on special teams and is willing to sacrifice his body to lay a block. One setback to his game, however, is that he had average production on the small school level. He lacks burst and only has one speed. #87

Chris Forcier, WR, Furman: We certainly signed a lot of wide receivers didn’t we? As referenced before, this will be the battle to watch. Forcier is yet another workout player to get a contract. He played two years at UCLA. He red-shirted in 2007 and played sparingly in 2008. Forcier is from St. Augustine. Is that considered local? #13

DJ Hall Jr., G, Texas State: He was an FCS All-American selection in 2010 and was a four year starter at Texas State. He earned All-FCS Independent first team honors in 2011 and was an All-Southland Conference First Team selection as a junior and sophmore. #61

Dontrell Johnson, CB, Murray State: Johnson has been nominated for several awards: 2011 Top FCS Special Teamers-Sports Network, 2010 FCS Punt Return Average Champion (22.80), 2010 College Football Performance Awards Elite Punt Returner, and 2010 All-OVC Newcomer Team…and those are just a few. Seems like we might be interested in his return ability? #43

Drew Nowak, DT, Western Michigan: He earned All-MAC Defensive Player of the year in 2011. He totaled 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss. He was also named third team All-American. #64

Odrick Ray, DE, Tulsa: He’s a bit undersized, but plays tough. He is aggressive at the point of attack and has the ability to knife through blockers. He’s quick and explosive in his overall game, but he doesn’t use his hands well and has a tendency to be engulfed by blockers. Was signed after his workout last weekend. #69

Donovan Richard, LB, South Carolina State: Standing at 5-11 he seems a bit short to be a linebacker, but the coaching staff must have seen something in him seeing as how he was signed after his workout much like Ray, J. Brown, M. Brown, and Folcier. He does have some speed running a 4.40. He finished his career at South Carolina State playing in 46 games, racking up 308 tackles, 15 pass break-ups, and 6 interceptions. #47

J.K. Schaeffer, LB, Cincinatti: He was selected to 2011 All-Big East Conference First Team. He is a tackling machine, ranking 3rd in 2011 having 8.8 tackles per game. He finished with 105 tackles, the 3rd time he’s broke the century mark. He had 12 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 pass break ups, 9 pass defended, and 3 forced fumbles and recoveries. Quite the senior season. #59

Julian Stanford, LB, Wagner: Recorded a 10 yard split of 1.44 seconds, a 42 1/2 vertical, 10 ft. 8 inch broad, short shuttle time of 4.14 seconds, and a 3-cone drill time of 6.71 seconds. His athletic ability alone earned him a spot on the training camp roster. #57

Matt Veldman, TE, North Dakota State: He visited Jacksonville during pre-draft visits. Standing at 6’7 he’s a very big target. He started all 15 games in the Bisons’ run to the NCAA Divison I FCS Championship. During their road to Division I FCS glory, he reeled in 26 passes for 331 yards and 3 touchdowns. Fun fact: Veldman earned MVFC Special Teams player of the week during the 2011 season for blocking a field attempt against Southern Illinois. #85

Kendrick Adams, DE, LSU: Alfie Crow of Big Cat Country did a write up on Mr. Adams. According to Mr. Crow’s report, Adams was rated in the top 5 for his position in the 40 yard dash running a 4.66. He was supposed to be a starter, but was a starter in “name only.” Apparently he’s a solid run stopper, but his versatility across the line stops there. He’s good at recognizing plays, but lacks the athletic ability to execute. He does, however, fit the “smart, disciplined, and smart” role which Gene Smith really appreciates. Not a bad flier to take coming from such a distinguished program as LSU. #66

So those are just some quick hits on the other rookies on the roster. In truth, all of them are a long shot to make the team, but ya never know right? If anything some of these players could push for a roster spot making the veterans entrenched in front of them work harder.

-David R. Johns