Jaguars HC Urban Meyer needs better oversight, be more involved

When it rains, it pours for the Jacksonville Jaguars and this was in full display in their 37-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13.

Although the Jags held the Rams to just three points in their first possession, things quickly got out of hand, as running back James Robinson went on to fumble in the Jaguars’ second offensive play of the game. Los Angeles recovered and made the most out of it, scoring a touchdown. They never looked back. That was the beginning of a blowout that seemed decided by halftime.

One thing that stood out in the loss was the number of carries or lack thereof that Robinson got. He finished the game with eight while veteran Carlos Hyde ran the ball nine times. After the game, head coach Urban Meyer told the media he wasn’t aware Robinson stopped getting the ball after the fumble but got a few carries towards the end of the game. He then added that running backs coach Bernie Parmalee is the one in charge of distributing the workload.

On Monday, Meyer said he was aware of the running back rotation but doesn’t call the shots.

"I’m aware of it. I’m not in charge of it, but I watch it and I’ll say what’s our thoughts here? What’s our thoughts here? And obviously, I didn’t do it there with James."

This is not the kind of comment you want to hear your head coach make. Meyer must know what’s happening at all times, and it’s fair to wonder how engaged he’s with the team. It would be one thing if his approach was working but it isn’t. He later said he would get more involved moving forward, so he can get things done the way he wants to. He’d better be.

You could make the case Meyer is learning the nuances of being an NFL head coach on the fly, but and his transition to the pros is taking longer than expected. He’s made several mistakes throughout his stint in Jacksonville and the team isn’t showing any palpable growth with him at the helm. Although he deserves the benefit of the doubt, his performance in Year 1 has been less than stellar, and not having a full grasp of his responsibilities as the leader of the team isn’t helping his cause.