Black and Teal » Julian Stanford

Diagnosing 2-14: Linebackers

Luke Sims — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:27:11 +0000

Over the next week or so we will be going through the Jacksonville Jaguars 2012 roster to try and find the problems that led to the franchise’s worst-ever record: 2-14. There were so many problems with this team that it goes well beyond one article. So, for the sake of simplicity, we’ll take it one position at a time.

This time: linebackers.

Here are the other parts of the series: QB, OL, WR, TE, RB, DT, DE

The linebacker position for the Jags lacked two major things: Daryl Smith at outside linebacker and a third linebacker.

Oh how we needed Smith in 2012… Source: Fernando Medina-USA TODAY Sports

For a team running a 4-3 defense, the Jags were woefully shorthanded at the linebacking position heading into the season. Part of that was due to Clint Session never getting off the physically unable to perform list (sorry buddy) and the other part was Smith’s replacement being a below average starter. The outside linebacker position was abysmal and the middle linebacker position was poor as a result.

A lot of the 2012 Jaguars season can be attributed to injuries, but a lot of it falls to planning as well.

Russell Allen was there to step up in case a linebacker went down, like Session did in 2011, but what if two linebackers went down? We found out when Smith was injured. Smith didn’t start a game until week 16. So, instead of having a competent backup starting for the majority of the season, the Jags got Kyle Bosworth and Julian Stanford thrown into the mix as well.

To say that starting two backups at outside linebacker throughout the season was a mistake would be a generous. The Jaguars may not have been able to anticipate Smith’s injury, but knowing that Bosworth was the next man up they should have upgraded the depth a little during the offseason. Bosworth was unproven and, when tested, was wanting in all aspects of his position.

In fact, every outside linebacker performed poorly. Allen proved that he was not a high quality starter, Bosworth proved that he probably should no longer be with the Jags, and Stanford showed that starting an undrafted rookie free agent to solve “the Bosworth problem” actually doesn’t work.

All three of them graded incredibly poorly against the pass. Quarterbacks throwing into Stanford’s coverage (the least experienced linebacker) averaged a QB rating of 85.1. Qbs against Bosworth racked up a decent 89.5. QBs throwing into Allen’s coverage averaged 107.3. That’s pretty ridiculous (9th highest among OLBs). While pass coverage is not the sole responsibility of an outside linebacker, the Jags were constantly beat by tight ends due to poor linebacking play. For a defense coming off ranking 8th against the pass in 2011, having Allen and Bosworth/Stanford contributing in pass coverage was a major factor for defensive shortcomings.

Fortunately Allen was much more prolific in his tackling than his counterparts. Allen finished the season second the team with 129 tackles, he was frequently out of position and was making the tackles after the opponent had already picked up a significant amount of yardage. Allen was able to show that his energy and ability to “be everywhere” (eventually) was not the same as making plays. At least he was better than Stanford and Bosworth who combined accounted for just 44 tackles.

2012 was a wasted season for Posluszny’s talents. Even with some big plays he was unable to jumpstart the rest of the defense. His heart and ability deserves a better supporting cast. Source: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The linebacking positions failures on the outside resulted in increased pressure on middle linebacker Paul Posluszny. Poz is generally considered a good linebacker and had a great year in 2011. This season he led the team in tackles (139), had three interceptions, two fumbles forced, and finished fourth on the team with two sacks. With a good supporting cast that isn’t too bad. With a bad supporting cast it just isn’t enough. Poz couldn’t make enough plays from his position as the “captain of the defense” to matter in 2012. I greatly admire the heart that he showed in each game, but the 2012 season was beyond his ability to fix. This may be most telling in his ability to limit quarterbacks (or maybe they had better places to throw it) to just a 77.8 QB rating when throwing into his coverage. For a linebacker who is not known for being great in coverage, that’s pretty good (they threw 92.7 on him in 2011).

The Jaguar linebacking unit was unprepared this season. Too much trust was put on unproven talent and not enough was done at the position to help lead 2011′s sixth ranked defense back to the top. Rather than improving the defense, the Jaguars failed to address a critical hole at OLB that only widened without Smith in the lineup. That hole proved fatal.

Allen showed that he could continue to be decent depth, Poz showed that he can still be a good middle linebacker in a good defense, and the rest showed that linebacker needs a complete overhaul.

Understanding how the Jags got to 2-14 has a lot to do with personnel failure. Ex-GM Gene Smith’s oversight may be most well seen at linebacker. Good riddance.

Next we’ll look at the cornerbacks.

- Luke N. Sims

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The Revolution City Report

Lionel Joel — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:28:03 +0000

After allowing 38 points in the second half, only putting up a field goal for 60 minutes worth of football, and once again completely sputtering out at home, the blame cannot fall on one person or group, it’s the disgusting amalgamation of sudo-amateur “athletes and coaches” that wear black and teal and they must answer to every fan in Duval County.

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

Jaguars Roster Evaluation

Antonio Furgiuele — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 05:57:42 +0000

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