The Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the Dallas Cowboys in their preseason finale. Both teams are coming off losses and neither one has won a game this year. If the Jags want to put an end to their losing streak, they will have to do a better job of protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Equally important, they will need to run the ball efficiently.
The Jaguars’ defense will also need to do its part. Even though they have stopped both the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Saints from running the ball, both squads have had no trouble throwing the ball efficiently. Jags defensive coordinator Joe Cullen met with the local media ahead of the team’s matchup versus the Cowboys and touched on several topics, including what he expects from “bottom of the depth chart” players.
"It’s all relative to how that person fits into the big picture. They play in special teams, that they have a role on defense, they have to do those things. If we keep anybody and only speaking defensively over the years, what’s the value on special teams? I’m talking about the bottom of the roster. Gotta be great on special teams and they have to have a role."
Players such as cornerback Shaquill Griffin and safety Rayshawn Jenkins are at the top of the depth chart. Thus, they aren’t the kind that will see a big amount of time on special teams. However, players vying for a roster spot will have to earn their stripes with the coverage units. Cullen’s approach is no different from the one other coaches use, so his comments aren’t surprising. Why would a team keep players that will stay on the sidelines most of the game?
Here are a few more takeaways from Cullen’s sitdown with the media ahead of the Jaguars’ preseason finale.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ young secondary is a work in progress.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell has given up receiving touchdowns in back-to-back games. Head coach Urban Meyer said the team was concerned but also noted that they are high on him. Cullen also talked about the rookie’s performance over the last two games.
The Jaguars’ defensive coordinator praised the Georgia product for his ability to stay with the man, “almost like sometimes he covers him too well”. Cullen then acknowledged that the first-year cornerback still has work to do.
"And then, not even a split millisecond, you got to turn and make that play. That’s where he has to get better and our coaches are doing a good job, Tim [Walton] and Joe [Danna] are making sure he’s in those positions during the week, to be able to do that as we move forward."
Cullen was asked whether rookie safety Andre Cisco is ready to start. He said the coaching staff is currently grooming him but he’s not ready yet. Then again, he doesn’t rule out the former Syracuse Orangeman will soon be ready to join the starting lineup. The defensive coordinator took the opportunity to praise Cisco, “he’s physical, and now he’s doing some great things but in time, he will be”.
As talented as Cisco is, the Jags can afford to bring him along slowly, as veteran Jarrod Wilson and Josh Jones could start opposite Rayshawn Jenkins in the season opener. Simply, it doesn’t make sense to rush the rookie into the lineup if he isn’t ready when you have options at the position.
There could be a spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster for Taven Bryan.
Defensive tackle Taven Bryan could be fighting for a roster spot heading into Week 3 of the preseason. However, defensive coordinator Joe Cullen liked what he saw in the team’s Week 2 matchup versus the New Orleans Saints.
Cullen thinks that if Bryan plays the way he did against the Saints, they will find a place on the roster for him.
"In terms of knockback up front, and the base packages and running in the football, he was really good and he’s just continuing to get better."
This isn’t the first time Bryan earns praise in spite of his lack of impact over the last three years. Defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi believes the Florida product has the athleticism and power to show up. Head coach Urban Meyer said the team wants him even though the team opted not to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
Cullen isn’t saying Bryan is a lock to make the team. Rather, he thinks the defensive tackle needs to perform like he did in New Orleans on a consistent basis to earn a roster spot. In that game, he appeared in 26 snaps and posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 80.5.
Bryan has survived two rounds of roster cuts this year. If he shows out against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 of the preseason, he could earn a roster spot. The coaching staff believes he can do it, it’s up to him to prove them right.