Andrew Norwell Adjusting To New Role With Jacksonville Jaguars
By David Levin
Andrew Norwell doesn’t have big shoes to fill at left guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Carolina Panthers All-Pro just has to fill the hole at the position and help make what was a decent offensive line a great one in 2018.
It sounds like a big hurdle, but it really isn’t. The Jacksonville Jaguars led the league in rushing last season with just over 141 yards a game. They also limited Blake Bortles to 24 sacks, a record low for him during his time in the NFL. Now, with Andrew Norwell coming in and playing alongside Cam Robinson on the left side, the rushing game should be even better and the pass protection could mean the best season of Bortles’ career.
Just like Calais Campbell, A.J. Bouye and other big-name free agents from last season, Norwell is learning the playbook and getting acquainted with his new teammates and the fundamentals of the Jaguars’ organization and OTAs in the hot Florida sun.
"“It’s been a little bit of an adjustment, yeah. You know, different terminology in the playbook, learning that learning how to work with Brandon [Linder] and Cam [Robinson],” he told the media on Friday afternoon. “That’s what this time is for. Good thing we have this time, coming together and working to be the best.”"
Norwell, 26, was an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State who signed with the Panthers and ultimately piled his trade and worked on his craft to become one of the best guards in the NFL. He and his Panthers’ teammates blocked for Cam Newton, one of the best mobile quarterbacks in the league. Now, he comes to Jacksonville where the organization focuses on the run and then the passing of Bortles.
It’s a transition of sorts, but Carolina did rely on running the football as well. It’s something Andrew Norwell thinks he is gained a quick grasp of.
"“I’m pretty comfortable right now. I come into work every day, stay grinding. You know I’m like a sponge, learning everything new and it’s been pretty good,” he said."
The Jaguars have two solid bookend tackles in Robinson and Jermey Parnell on the right side. Brandon Linder inked a contract that made him the highest paid center in the NFL last season. Right guards A.J. Cann played better last season. Could Norwell be the missing link to a top 10 offensive line? It’s something that could happen, especially if all five linemen are on the same page.
"“Communication is big. You know Brandon [Linder] definitely gets us on the right track and Blake [Bortles] is back there,” Norwell explained. “He’ll make another call. So far, communication this week has been great. Just looking forward to it next week.”"
There has been an adjustment from Newton to Bortles. Andrew Norwell is still making changes in the way he prepares with his new team. He said the experience with his new signal caller has been smooth so far. He is impressed at how Bortles handles the huddle and works under center, especially with his communication with his teammates.
"“His confidence in the huddle. He gets everyone going. You know, he’s one of the best I’ve been around. He’s got a great sense of humor. When we are out there working together, we’re working to be better,” Norwell said."