Things I am excited about

I can’t help but be excited about the Jaguars. I have been excited about this season for some time but here are some things I have seen that make me even more optimistic:

Mike Thomas dropped my jaw at mini camp. No one has written or spoken about this, but Mike Thomas was making cuts in his routes I didn’t see last year. He has really developed and I think he will be a very big surprise this year.

Alualu is the real deal. Not just as a player but as a leader as well. He is clearly emerging as a leader in work effort and talent along the defensive line. He will raise everyone’s game by example. Just as Michael Jordan lifted Scotty Pippen, Tyson Alualu will lift Terrance Knighton and Derrick Harvey to new levels.

Kirk Morrison is a fantastic addition to this team. He is not only a spark plug, but he is a rushing the QB linebacker. He will let Daryl Smith be all he can be. Sounds like an Army commercial, but it is true. Kirk Morrison is the real deal as well.

And there is more! After the jump, we will discuss more reasons our sun is rising…

Joe Cullen, despite his past, is a real real good coach. Do not under estimate his impact on this line and this defense.

The offensive line will not be embarrassed again this year. Vince Manuwai moving over to Eben Britton’s side will create an absolute challenge to every defense. They will be that good!

Eugene Monroe was fantastic in his early appearance. The only man Tyson could not beat was Eugene. Monroe is a pro bowl caliber tackle, mark my words.

Mike Sims-Walker declared himself a pro bowl caliber receiver. I expect him to live up to that.

Karim Deji looks to be a very impresive guy. I didn’t see much of him, but his presence is unmistakable. Look out Rashad Jennings, there is a new man in town, That competition should spur action.

MoJo is Mojo and his leadership will be unmistakable and invaluable.

I worry about the secondary and I worry about David Garrard. Somehow I see problems in this area which tells me Gene is one more year away from his Championship rebuilding. That is fine. Gene has a firm hand on the rudder of this ship.

Ticket sales are good! You can buy a season ticket right now and probably scalp half the games and make your money back. Tim Tebow’s return to Jacksonville will be a hot ticket.

I see problems around the AFC South. Tennessee looks very unsettled right now and the Texans still have Kubiak. We have an opening. One more year for Peyton Manning before the light begins to dim. Our time is emerging.

We thought Russ Purnell was the worst coach of Special Teams ever. It hasn’t turned out to be true. Indy still has problems in this area without him. Russ has earned my respect. He did a nice job last year and has even more impressive players to utilize this year.

This might be the greatest redemption year for Jack Del Rio yet. That cat has nine lives, but he might turn out to be a real good coach after all.  I think Jack will love this season.

That right there is enough to be happy about but let me give you one more. My favorite guy, Jarrett Dillard looks to be completely healthy and ready to compete. What a talent he is.

I saw a real good showing at mini camp. I saw a new attitude, one I never saw before. If you have doubts in this team, I understand that. But something is different, something very positive is different. Are you ready for some football? I think the Jaguars are! Tell me I am wrong, go ahead. I don’t think I am.

– Terry O’Brien