Cleaning House Once Again

May 6, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey talks with general manager Gene Smith before the start of rookie mini camp at Florida Blue Health

Mid Season is an interesting time as divisions start shaping into who will make the playoffs, injuries begin to make or break a team, and the temperature begins to drop as winter looms. Yet for teams under performing, the temperature begins to rise as seats begin to feel a bit warmer for coaches, players and personnel alike.

The argument can be made that Andy Reid, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, is on thin ice under a large flame as his team, one year removed from being the self titled “Dream Team,” is under performing once again. Yet another argument can be made that no one’s seat is hotter than that of General Manager Gene Smith of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Four years since being named GM, the Jaguars have not had a winning season, with only the 2010-2011 season ending 8-8.

Multiple factors to contribute to their losses include:

• Having to rebuild the offense line
• Last year’s lockout
• Not spending on big name Free Agents
• Having a project in Quarterback Blaine Gabbert
• Acquiring a new Head Coach
• Having a vanilla offense
• Lacking play at Receiver
• Etc…

A Player I would hate to see go

Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Yet these are all excuses that can no longer be tolerated. This year the Colts have brand new coaches and a strong draft after the removal of the legendary Peyton Manning (not to mention personnel guru Bill Polian), and now currently boast a 6-3 record. Last year the Texans had a similar overhaul in both players and coaches and finished 10-6 in the regular season before losing to the Ravens in the second round of the playoffs – all while starting a third string quarterback.

In 2013 the Jaguars are the prime candidate for this type of overhaul. They are in need of a youth movement once again as long time starters such as Daryl Smith, Rashean Mathis, Greg Jones and Brad Meester will be free agents. Other names include Terrance Knighton, Rashad Jennings, Derek Cox and Eben Britton. All the mentioned names are current starters who will not all be re-signed.An overhaul is needed in all departments, and it will start from management down.

– Antonio Furgiuele