August 17, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) talks to his teammated during their preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

This week the Jaguars travel to Baltimore for week three of the preseason. What can be expected are a few developing story lines, as the roster will face the most intense analysis to prove who will have a job, as well as who is at the front of the line.

Quarterback

Blaine Gabbert has a firm hold on the position, so examining his play will more likely than not come from the media. After two games, he seems to have better poise and footwork, as well as the ability to step up in the pocket to throw even though he might get hit. While these are preseason games that don’t count, it still matters as it is encouraging to see that Gabbert now looks prepared and focused and not scared and skittish. Playing against the Ravens is a good test to see these skills on display, especially if there are any second half adjustments to be made. As far as Chad Henne and Jordan Palmer are concerned, the Jaguars will make strides at evaluating both, but Henne may ultimately win out this duel as more was invested in him as a backup. Unless the Jags are looking to carry three quarterbacks this season, expect more time for Henne.

Running Back

After all the news about Maurice Jones-Drew this week, it feels a bit exhausting to talk more about him. While MJD is on hiatus, Rashad Jennings has clearly been running on all cylinders, averaging a healthy 5.1 average per carry on 23 attempts. The better he does, the more difficult the MJD situation becomes. However I still don’t see a trade for Jones-Drew, he’s too good. The rest of the lineup includes Montell Owens who will remain on the roster as a special teams monster. The fight for the third slot will be interesting to see as Keith Toston has shown big play ability but currently has a hamstring injury. If Jalen Parmele, DuJuan Harris, or Richard Murphy step it up this week in his absence, the depth chart could easily change.

June 12, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) gives a stiff arm to safety Dawan Landry (26) after catching a pass during minicamp at Florida Blue Health

Wide Receiver

Justin Blackmon should get the ball early and often, and it should be time for him to get a deep ball his way sooner or later. Establishing this connection is key, and its easy to see why with his big play ability. Laurent Robinson has experienced an up and down camp, but he won’t b allowed to fail with the amount invested in him. The last thing the Jaguars want is another Jerry Porter. Thomas has been a pleasurable surprise as he seems “ all in” himself. This cast is rounded out by Brian Robiskie (who leads in receptions thus far), Cecil Shorts, and Chastin West who will fight for the remaining spots. Mike Brown and Kevin Elliott might just end up on the practice squad.

Fullback

Greg Jones is a premier fullback, even if its not a premier position. Brock Bolen is his back up but don’t expect this to change at all.

Tight End

Marcedes Lewis had a disappointing 2011 season, but should have a better year this year. He does only have two receptions thus far, but once the season kicks in, he will provide Gabbert a big target as a safety valve. If I was Zach Miller or Zach Potter, I would be afraid…very afraid.  Colin Cloherty has proven he can move the chains and is a good target for Gabbert. All of these players are in their contract year, but Cloherty has not been injured. If Cloherty can rack up some more yards Thursday, consider him on the depth chart.

Offensive Line

The line proved its worth last week against the Saints, giving Gabbert ample amount of time which allowed him to go 13/16 for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The line is still missing Eugene Monroe and Will Rackley but hasn’t been terrible. Cameron Bradfield is currently at left tackle, so watching him against the blitz will determine his stock. During the second half the two’s will take the field. Of these linemen, only half will be taken so it’s important to watch if any of these players allow sacks or pressure to Palmer and Henne.

Defensive line

The defensive line has been reinforced with more meat with 7th round Jeris Pendleton and D’Anthony Smith returning. Tyson Alualu and Terrance Knighton will be the season starters even though C.J. Mosley has started through the preseason. Jeremy Miney has shown he can get to the quarterback, but Andre Branch only has a few pressures to his name. Getting to Joe Flacco will solidify Branch’s role opposite Mincey as he has been stout against the run.

July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars punter Bryan Anger (19) punts during the first afternoon of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health

Linebacker

The backer position has experienced a bit of turmoil, but nothing worth worrying about. Clint Session is still suffering concussion symptoms and reserve backer Russell Allen has taken his spot. While the starters are solid, the backups need to show they can provide depth for the team. Julian Stanford has been highly praised this offseason but has not shown it on the field yet. Rookie Brandon Marshall seems to be in the same situation.  The second half will be important for these two players to see who has their name above the other on the depth chart.

Defensive Back

The cornerback group will be interesting to watch as Rashean Mathis will take the field for the first time this season. Seeing if he can perform at a high level will be important in establishing the pecking order for the season. Following his injury he was given a one year “prove it” contract. If he can flash, he will stay as either the left corner or nickel. If he fails, it could cut short his days in teal. While Derek Cox is nursing a hamstring injury, William Middleton will most likely start in his place as he is the best candidate to play against Torrey Smith. With Dwight Lowery and Dawan Landry at locks for safety, the play of Courtney Green, Chris Prosinski and Rod Issac will determine which two stay.

Special Teams

Scobee is a kicking machine, and Bryan Anger is projected to be one as well, even if the Jaguars are the only ones who think he should be a third round pick. A few coffin corner punts would help ease our minds or maybe even a Shane Lechler 80 yard punt would suffice. Either way, every fourth down is another chance to see why the Jaguars covet this player so much.

- Antonio Furgiuele

Man I loved his mean streak. Source: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

This has led the Jaguars to skipping over quite a few good players in the draft and free agency in favor of other players that seem to have good heads on their shoulders.  Kirk Morrison filled middle linebacker, Mike Thomas was moved up the depth chart, and the Jaguars passed on Ryan Mallett (so did everyone else, mind you) for Blaine Gabbert.  Were these moves bad moves?  No, I don’t think so.  Were they excellent moves?  I can’t say that with certainty either (I really loved Morrison, but he is not with the team any more).

The reason to argue that the moves to acquire such high character guys is that the Jaguars organization places an emphasis on a ship that is run by its players.  A ship that self-polices itself.  If someone does wrong (as Justin Blackmon just did with his aggravated DUI), the front office and coaching staff need only bring up the focus on staying a high character team and everyone else does the work to right the ship.  This can be seen by Laurent Robinson coming in to talk to Blackmon on Tuesday:

[I] told him that you’ve got to grow up. NFL players are targets, so you have to stay low key, low profile.

I’m a fan of having a high character locker room.  The team corrected its Bengal-like bad boy persona in a couple short seasons by focusing on high character.  But what about winning?  Can’t we win and have high character?  Why can’t the Jaguars bring in problem players and turn their problems into productive play on the field?  How does Bill Belichick do it in New England?

Bill Belichick’s rise to prominence is pretty well documented in New England.  He has made an impact on the NFL unlike any coach has for a long time.  His coaching tree spread far and wide and has helped secure jobs for many new head coaches who have all, curiously, been a lot less successful than their head in New England.  While Belichick is a scheming mastermind, make no doubt about it, I don’t think that his football IQ is a million points higher than the next head coach or GM.  Yet somehow players just seem to play better for him.  Kevin Faulk has carved a niche out in the Patriots offense for years.  Troy Brown?  Oh he’ll play wide receiver and corner/safety and make it look good.  The circus act that is Albert Haynesworth?  He won’t make a peep in New England.

Corey Dillon came to New England and suddenly all you heard about was his football playing ability. Source: US PRESSWIRE

How does he do it?  It’s not that Haynesworth, Corey Dillon, Chad Ochocinco, Randy Moss, et al are suddenly transformed into paragons of virtue.  It’s not even as if they suddenly revitalize their careers with the team.  I say it’s due to the management style of Bill Belichick.  A management style I like to call the “No Bullshit” style.  If there were two words to describe Bill Belichick, they could very well be “no bullshit.”

Let’s look at the Randy Moss case:  Moss was a joke when he wound up in New England.  After exploding onto the scene in Minnesota, Moss was shuffled to the depressed Raiders where he showed little enthusiasm for the game and looked like his career was more of a flash in the pan.  Who picks him up?  The Patriots of course.  Suddenly Moss and Tom Brady are setting records playing pitch and catch over cornerbacks and safeties.  What happens when Moss leaves New England? 19 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns in twelve games.  The year before Moss had had over 1,200 yards, 83 catches, and 13 touchdowns.

Could Minnesota and Tennessee have gotten an inferior product in Moss?  The evidence suggests otherwise.  While Moss “retired” following the 2010 season, he worked out for teams this offseason and signed with San Francisco, still able to ratchet up an impressive 40 yard dash time.  What were the differences in Tennessee and Minnesota?  In Minnesota, head coach Brad Childress was a joke.  His time was winding down, he had desperately wanted Moss for years, and he was succumbing to the wishes of Brett Favre.  Childress would have signed anybody with a big name in his final two years.  What about Tennessee?  Jeff Fisher was at the end of his tenure.  The guy is a genius, but he knew he was lame duck.  There was no need to control his team.

I'm fairly confident I would only take a chance on one of these guys. Source: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Somehow, Belichick gets it done.  Problem players come in, Super Bowl champions come out (or Super Bowl participants as of late).  Belichick is a no nonsense man.  He polices his team.  If someone gets out of line, it’s handled within the team.  In the rare case that something hits the media, it’s handled with a curt response and a deadpan stare.

While I love the high character, self-policed version of the Jaguars, I wonder if there may have been a chance to become a “no bullshit” team.  Is there another man like Belichick that could run such a tight ship?  Is there another team that could accumulate so many high quality players like the Jaguars to create a team that does not need such a tight head coach?  I’m not certain there are really two other teams that have carved out their niches so securely.

I think the comparisons between the two organizations and their respective approaches will be embodied in the careers of Ryan Mallett and Blaine Gabbert.  Gabbert was taken #10 0verall in the 2011 draft to lead the Jaguars.  Meanwhile, problem child Ryan Mallett skidded from first-round status to the third round where the Patriots gladly picked him up.  While the Patriots can make anyone look like Tom Brady (remember Matt Cassel?) they have to actually replace him with someone eventually.  It will be curious to see if Mallett is that man and if he has become the best he can be under Belichick’s tutelage.

- Luke N. Sims

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have become known the league over as a very selective team in choosing the talent on the roster.  It doesn’t matter if you’re the consensus top wide receiver in the draft, if you aren’t a high character guy then you aren’t going to be playing for the Black and Teal….unless you’re Justin Blackmon?

Blackmon was easily the best receiver in the 2012 draft coming out of college. He was the most productive, the most versatile, and the most hard working.  Reports of his 2010 DUI incident in Texas didn’t matter because he had shown he could work hard and succeed at a high level when he put his mind to it.  His suspension by Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy appeared to refocus the young wide receiver and put him on course to be even more successful in college.

But with another DUI – this time an aggravated DUI – on his record now, it is easily fair to wonder if Blackmon really is the kind of guy the Jaguars have always wanted, or have the Jaguars reverted back to the Shack Harris era?

Shack Harris was the general manager before Gene Smith took the job in 2009.  He became infamous for his big busts (Derrick Harvey) and trying to find talent even when it wouldn’t mesh well with the rest of the team (Jerry Porter).  He took bit risks and failed quite often.  This was all well and good so long as he got players like Maurice Jones-Drew and Marcedes Lewis from time to time.  But after the Jags started to become known as a team similar to the Bengals, it was time to make a change.

How will Gene Smith and Mike Mularkey react to Justin Blackmon's off-field arrest? Source: US-Presswire

Enter Gene Smith.  Smith has focused on bringing in top tier talent that has a strong motor, a demonstrated history of leadership, and intangibles that add up to a high character person – not just a talented player.  This year, he interviewed the wives of potential free agent pick ups to see how the player is in a non football setting.  Above all else, character is the primary concern of the Jaguars.

Yet here we have Blackmon arrested in Oklahoma with his second DUI charge since 2010.  You’ve got to wonder what is going through Smith’s head.  Did he know that this could happen again?  Did Blackmon have us all duped?  What will the effect be on the rest of the roster?  How will this affect public relations?

These are all good questions.

For me, I don’t think that Blackmon’s arrest will be too much of a mar on the Jaguars high character persona.  I think that, if handled correctly, the Jaguars will be able to maintain locker room support and their integrity.  But how does one handle a DUI arrest correctly?

I think there has to be a suspension.  Maybe the first two games of the season.  Make Blackmon practice, make him interact with his teammates, but there is no reason he should be a starting wide receiver with a team that places so much emphasis on character during his first two opportunities.  It’ll hurt the kid to not be in the spotlight during the first two possible games of his career, but it could hurt the Jaguars more to not take any action when the tight, self-regulated ship they are running is in jeopardy.

Maybe it’s blown a little out of proportion to say that the entire basis of the Jaguars roster is in jeopardy.  Maybe not.  Making sure that Blackmon understands that his actions, especially driving drunk, go beyond him is an important part of making him into a better player and a better man.

A suspension will hurt his pride, but his drunk driving could have hurt other people.

- Luke N. Sims

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