Coach Doug Marrone should be considered for NFL coach of the year
By Kathy Clark
Doug Marrone deserves consideration for NFL coach of the year. He took the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars and turned them into a team to be reckoned with.
The NFL coach of the year talk started recently on network television. Recently the commentators on several networks mentioned Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams as candidates for Coach of the Year. Although they deserve consideration, no one mentioned Doug Marrone. Surely Marrone’s name deserved to be in the mix.
Four reasons Marrone could be coach of the year
Marrone deserved to be mentioned for four reasons. First he and his staff took Blake Bortles from worst to mediocre. Next a good defense turned into a great defense. Also an awful offensive line became a middle of the road offensive line. Finally and perhaps most important …an intangible. The team lost the pitiful, oh woe is me demeanor.
The resurrection of Blake Bortles
Blake Bortles looked like a man on the way out of the NFL in 2016. He rated among the worst quarterbacks in the league. In addition he appeared to have no confidence. Bortles looked like he would rather be anywhere than on a football field. Coach Marrone and his staff produced a style of play that suits him. Short passes, the ability to run when needed, and emphasis on the running game saved Bortles. He’s played some very solid games in 2017.
Good to great in one year
The 2016 Jags defense played well. the 2017 Jags defense played lights out to date. The addition of Calais Campbell, Barry Church, and A.J. Bouye helped the cause. However the attacking style of play turned them into a powerhouse. Excitement filled the stadium. Furthermore Todd Walsh, the defensive coordinator, under the direction of Doug Marrone, renewed the entire D.
The offensive line turned from really bad to solid
Last season the offensive line couldn’t run block or pass block. Indeed they had the most penalties in the NFL. This group came together and played respectable football this season. Above all the illegal procedure and holding penalties are well within normal expectations. The emphasis on the running game allowed them to attack in the trenches. This was a confidence builder.
The team has a whole new demeanor
The 2017 Jaguars have pride. The run on the football field as though they want to play. In other words they hustle, play with passion, and support one another. As a result the record is 8-4.
Conclusion
The head coach, Doug Marrone, is the CEO of the team. The attitude, style of play, decisions on the field, and team chemistry, etc. reflect the head coach. Certainly there is a great deal of praise for the players, assistant coaches, management, and ownership. Above all under the leadership of Doug Marrone as head coach the Jaguars are on the right track. He deserves recognition for his accomplishment.