Does Gruden want a head coaching job yet?  Source:  Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

With Thursday’s firing of head coach Mike Mularkey, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in the market for a new head coach.  While some teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns, have started filling their vacancies, the Jaguars are just beginning.  Potential candidates range, but the proposed emphasis seems to be on offensive coordinators.  Fitting that bill is Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.

According to reports, Gruden has interest from the Jaguars as well as a number of other teams.  Since working with the Bengals to revamp their offense around young Andy Dalton, Gruden has become a popular candidate for head coaching jobs the last couple of years.  He turned down jobs last year, saying that he would like to focus on his family and continuing his work in Cincinnati.  For those of us who really like Gruden, it is only a matter of time until he hunkers down and accepts an HC position with a team.  It may as well be the Jaguars.

The Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles have all made overtures to Gruden and it will be curious to see how he responds.  Gruden is recognized as an innovative offensive mind who looks to exploit matchups with his personnel.  He has helped Dalton’s development and contributed to the Bengals making the playoffs this year and the year before.  Statistically, the up and coming coach is not as sound as other coordinator potential head coaches.  Gruden’s offense plays smart football but has not been in the top ten of major statistical categories.  He has only been at the job for two years, however, and it is anticipated that he will continue to grow as a coach.

If the Jaguars lean young, then Gruden could very easily be at the top of their list.

- Luke N. Sims

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A.J. Green could dominate with an explosive run and his great hands.  Source: Rob Leifheit-US PRESSWIRE

Last week in a win over the Redskins, the Bengals ran the ball a total of 28 times and Green-Ellis only carried 17 of them.  Andy Dalton had two attempts for 16 yards, but it isn’t just about Dalton being able to run as well as pass.  The ball went to six skill position players in the game and every one of them resulted in positive yardage except one.  Specificaly, Brian Leonard, A.J. Green, and Andrew Hawkins looked dangerous throughout the game.  Leonard had two carries for 18 yards, Green had one for 11, and Hawkins had two for 16 yards.  Of Cincy’s 93 rushing yards, these three accounted for 48% on a meager five plays.  Most of those players were trick plays like end arounds in order to exploit a stingy Washington middle.

I highlight this in order for us to better understand the adaptability of the Bengals offense.  This offense is not an offense that needs to stick to a gameplan to wear out the opponent.  Gruden understands that he has playmakers and getting the ball in their hands can do things that wearing down the defense can’t. When Hawkins touches the ball on an end around the defensive coordinator will have a fit because he knows its something that is too tough to defend.  Green-Ellis isn’t a premier back, but he’s good enough that if you try too much at containing the offense’s big plays on the outside you run the risk of him beating you between the tackles.  It’s a tough predicament for the Jaguars.

This will really test the gap discipline of the Jaguars’ linebackers and the run stopping ability of the the defensive ends.  Andre Branch has surprised in his ability as a rookie defensive end in stopping the run, but he will probably be targeted the most by these trick plays.  Branch has demonstrated that he can bite too easily on fakes and the Bengals will undoubtedly have observed this.  Unfortunately, with Russell Allen or Kyle Bosworth helping Branch on whatever side he is on (Daryl Smith is still out with injury) the Jaguars will have a very tough matchup when the Bengals give the ball to their unorthodox ball carriers.

On top of worrying about the Bengals’ offensive tricks and gimmicks, the team can also play some very good traditional passing.  Dalton is not to be underestimated and A.J. Green, Andrew Hawkins, Armon Binns, and Jermaine Gresham can’t be allowed space to get the ball in their hands and do what they want with it.  I have confidence in the Jaguars back four, but it will still be tough to contain this offense.

The difference in this game may just be Jay Gruden vs the Jaguars personnel.  Mel Tucker demands a lot of discipline from his defensive players, but sometimes the opposing coordinator is just too good at exploiting weaknesses.

- Luke N. Sims

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How Could you NOT Hire a Face Like That?

Editor’s Note: This article is from Black and Teal’s newest contributor, Daniel Lago.  He’s got some pithy insight into the Jaguars going into the offseason.

Before we delve into the Jaguars coaching search, let’s take a look at a few numbers and pose a question.

1. 36 Wins – 44 Losses. One playoff appearance as a head coach
2. An offensive coordinator who just led the lowest scoring offense in the NFL.
3. An offensive coordinator who just led the highest scoring offense in the NFL.

If you were to hire one of these three candidates to coach the Jaguars, which one would choose? Follow the jump to find out. (more…)