Big Cat Country

Kansas City@Jacksonville The view from the stadium

2009-11-09T00:19:05Z

I saw things today I haven't seen this year, in fact I saw things I have never seen before. For me, it was a beautiful memorable day.

I saw the B2 Stealth Bomber perform the fly-over. You can see it on the horizon and you can watch it grow in size but you can't hear it. If it was night, the only way you would know it was coming was because the stars were vanishing. It is a jaw dropping experience to see it.

I saw a family stand in the endzone in the shadow of the goal post as their husband and father spoke from Iraq on the scoreboard. Then I saw him walk out on the field and a 10 year old boy run to his dad in tears and hugs. Wow

After the jump, I'll tell you what else I saw. I'll keep it short, Chris covered it nicely.

I saw really good punting. Dustin Colquitt from Kansas City put on a clinic today. One time he nailed a 70 yard punt. Mike Thomas never assumed the ball would travel that far and everytime backed up and backed up. When Podlesh had the same punt, same wind at his back, he hit a 40 yard punt. I sit in a section with long time season ticket holders and we agree, Podlesh is a high school kid. Dustin Colquitt is the son of Steeler punter Chris Colquitt. I never saw punting that good.

I saw Baby Holt catch a fantastic 40 yard third down pass. Jarrett Dillard (aka Baby Holt), doesn't get in the game very much, but you can tell David loves him. After the 70 yard punt, the Jaguars were buried deep. David went back and threw a rope, Dillard went high and grabbed it. I haven't seen that type of catch from a Jaguar since.... well, I never saw one before. This is only my fifth season with the team and I am used to the stooges era. It is clear David loves his receivers. He loves MSW and Holt and Dillard and Mike Thomas and MJD when he is out there.

I saw the Jaguars sack the quarterback. That is a rare event. In fact, I saw two in one game. That hasn't happened before that I remember. Daryl Smith took over one series and had the Chiefs facing 3rd and 17 all by himself. He then got the third down tackle and took them off the field.

I saw Rashad Jennings run for a touchdown. I saw the shotgun formation and Jennings in the backfield and said "Jennings the ball carrier, no gain on the play", then he ran it in. Everyone turned to me and laughed. I was wrong. It was a nice stiff arm he threw.

I saw Torry Holt pull that vanishing move again and go over the middle. What an incredible reciever he must have been in his prime. It is still a pleasure to watch him.

OK, game ball. It is hard to ignore Mike Simms Walker but the truth is, he wasn't covered on his touchdown and other long gain. The Kansas City secondary is really confused a lot of the time and MSW didn't do anything special for those scores. It has to be Maurice Jones Drew. His touchdown was the critical score and it was another unbelievable play. He vanishes in the pile and majically appears in the end zone. He is simply the money player and never disappoints.

Another notable performance came from Gerald Alexander. He was awake in the team meeting when they said to tackle. He hit people hard and even rang his own bell on one hit. Mike Thomas was impressive when he figured out where the punts were coming down. His reverse run was excellent. Rahean Mathis was amazing in the first half, hitting hard and enjoying himself.

David ran for his life and played escape artist today. The offensive line has moments of good playing and moments of disaster. That is the character of this team. If the Jaguars draft last year and this year had fixed the defensive and offensive line issues, this team would be a solid playoff contender. The people are not living up to their draft position. Eugene played better than Eben today, but both let David down a number of times. The problem is the guards seem to be getting old too. I am afraid we are only as good as out offensive line will let us be. Winning seven games is a good sign with Gene having another crack at rebuilding. David did pull off some serious escape moves but I wish he would throw it away. This is Kansas City we are playing, throw it away and come back on the next play. Credit to MSW for sensing when his QB is in trouble. He gets in Davids vision to make a play. This is something Marcedes never learned to do. I think the point is, no playoff run for this team until the offensive line solidifies.

The team never left me in doubt today they would win. They were the clearly better team. Sandra and I left with four minutes to go, so we didn't see the meltdown at the end. It was only a scare.

The schedule gets very interesting from here on out. I don't know what to expect, but give this team a chance to grow and fight. Remember, first a team learns to fight to the end before it learns to win. This team fought hard for 56 minutes. I enjoyed the day.

- Terry O'Brien

Jaguars-Chiefs Highlights

2009-11-08T23:13:24Z

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Jacksonville Jaguars defeat Kansas City Chiefs: Too Close for Comfort

2009-11-08T21:40:36Z

The above picture is an actual image of a Jacksonville Jaguar, in this case defensive end Julius Williams, actually sacking an opposing quarterback. Let that sit for a second.

Ok, the Jaguars beat the Kansas City Chiefs 24-21 in what was the windiest game I've seen in awhile. The Jaguars won, of course, but it came just a little too close at the end. There's something about teams from Missouri and giving me a little bit of a heart attack at the end. That the game came down to the Jaguars needing to stop an onside kick attempt was a little unnerving.

But a win is a win is a win, the Jaguars are sitting at 4-4 and are back on track. David Garrard looked sharp, though Kansas City had him on his back too much for comfort. Mike Sims-Walker had a great day, his 61 yard touchdown against "hole in zone" was huge, though we owe the Kansas City defense for that one.

I'm not going to be upset though, I'm just happy that we beat a team that we're supposed to beat and that we're officially in the muddled middle of average NFL teams. Considering all the things we need, being merely average is a good building point for next season.

Here's to a win!

GO JAGS!

Second-Half Thread

2009-11-08T19:41:48Z

Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)	Week #9	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)
	VS.

Date:	November 8th, 2009	Location:	Jacksonville,FL
Time:	1:00 PM EST	Stadium:	"The Jack"
TV:	CBS	Favorite:	Jaguars -6.5
Radio:	WOKV	Over/Under:	42.5
Weather:	High 70's, slight chance of rain	Injury Report:	Click Here
SBN Coverage:	Arrowhead Pride	Coverage Map	Click Here

4-3 defense is owning it... LB's are on fire. MJD is a beast. Return of the I-Formation and Greg Jones shows why he's the best in the league at FB... MSW is the real deal, and when healthy is showing he is an elite WR.... Um... Thank you Shack for providing the top FB, RB, and one of the best emerging WR's in the league...Manuwai is playing well too. Runs up the middle are devastating the defense. He's owning the NT and allowing Meester to get free to the LB's... discuss, These are MY OBSERVATIONS.... What are your's?

-Collin

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Final Game Preview

2009-11-08T15:58:09Z

Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)

Week #9

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)

VS.

Date:	November 8th, 2009	Location:	Jacksonville,FL
Time:	1:00 PM EST	Stadium:	"The Jack"
TV:	CBS	Favorite:	Jaguars -6.5
Radio:	WOKV	Over/Under:	42.5
Weather:	High 70's, slight chance of rain	Injury Report:	Click Here
SBN Coverage:	Arrowhead Pride	Coverage Map	Click Here

Good Decisions: Rashean Mathis and Eugene Monroe to start!

After last week's debacle of Reggie Nelson at Cornerback and Tra Thomas getting the go-ahead at the last minute to start in place of Monroe at Left Tackle, the Jaguars return to a much better lineup. Rashean Mathis, as we've discovered, is the best player on the Jaguars defense. Losing him for any amount of time creates a chain reaction of awfulness that results in Brian Russell taking the field and embarrassing himself.

Eugene Monroe is looking like the best of the first round left tackles, why he was not on the field against the Titans is a mind blowing and awful decision that disrupted the most important element of the Jaguars offense. Why a player would practice with the first team offense for two weeks and then be benched is a stunningly stupid decision. Offensive lines require unity and chemistry, rotating the unit abruptly leads to very, very bad things.

Interesting statistic that I did not know about:

David Garrard is second in the league in rushing yards behind Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rogers. David has 162 yards on 29 carries for a 5.58 yards per carry average. I would like to see David's legs brought into the gameplan a little bit, particularly in short yardage situations.

Things that I would like to see:

1. A Jaguars defense that doesn't make me cringe. I've heard the word "swarming", "hard-hitting", and "tackling" attached to what the Jaguars did in practice this week. I'm glad to see that basic defensive procedures are introduced in week 9. In all seriousness, if the Jaguars can put together some sort of pass-rush or pressure, they can win this game. If not, you should start Matt Cassel in your fantasy football leagues, as he's bound for a big day.

2. Run the ball, then when you want to mix it up, run the ball again. You know the card that coaches hold (not Del Rio, but the coordinators) with all the plays and the game plan on it? The Jaguars should be really simple, on one side it should list all the running plays, on the other side, it should say "turn card over". I don't care if it's 3rd and 72, Maurice Jones-Drew can get the yards.

3. Rebound. This is a rebound game for the Jaguars, there's no reason why they should lose this game, it's completely winnable, it would put the team at 4-4, and they can start looking at the final stretch of the season with some serious hope for next season. Wayne Weaver needs to realize that the closer the Jaguars get to 8-8 the more likely it is that they are out of the top ten draft picks and the less next offseason will cost him.

What are the Kansas City fans saying?

They didn't mean it, but Arrowhead Pride has a particularly amusing title to their post about the Jaguars pass-rushing woes. Let's just say that they accidentally imply that the Jaguars lack a particular sort of testicular fortitude. Also, I'd have to check it, but I'm almost positive that in the last 4 years of this site, that's the first time that I've used the word "testicular".

Who wins and why?

The Jaguars are going to win a nail-biter, 20-17 on the leg of Josh Scobee. Harvey and Groves will combine for 2 sacks. Seriously, I think it'll happen.

Consider this your pre-game open thread.

Jaguars Claim Safety Anthony Smith Off Waivers

2009-11-07T19:47:11Z

Jaguars Claim Safety Anthony Smith Off Waivers

Well, Gene Smith continues to show his dissatisfaction toward our safety play, as he acquired the former Rams Safety Anthony Smith off of waivers. Gene is trying to fix the safety spot as the season progresses, with other teams' cast-offs.

Jaguars-Chiefs Video Preview

2009-11-07T15:37:24Z

Sandra has some ideas for the Jaguars

2009-11-07T02:19:36Z

Sandra had some ideas she wanted to share concerning the Jaguars. Here is my side of the conversation. Enjoy! I always do.

- What Sweetheart? Yes, you and I are going to the Jaguar game Sunday.
- I know, you haven't gone since opening day. I've been taking friends.
- Well I'm happy you are going too.
- They might win this week, but they have been struggling.
- How is the quarterback David doing?
- He has some good games and some not so good.
- I saw that, Tim Tebow set the record for rushing touchdowns.
- No, he can't play for the Jaguars, he plays for Florida.
- I'm sorry, I know you knew that. He can't play for both teams.
- Well if he plays for the Jaguars, he gets paid and then he can't play for Florida.
- I don't think he can play for free.
- I know he is from Jacksonville; he probably does want the Jaguars to do well.
- You think he should volunteer to help the team out for free?
- So how would that work?
- I see, he comes over and plays one quarter for free, just to help out.
- And when he gets the Jaguars 21 points, he sits in the stands and watches.
- I don't think anyone has asked him.

- I don't know if it would work.
- Well yes, that would help. But he might get hurt, the blocking hasn't been good.
- Well they have new guys on the offensive line right out of college.
- Why doesn't the little guy teach them to block? I lost you.
- The little guy who blocks really good... I'm still lost.
- The little guy who blocks can teach the others, you mean Maurice Jones Drew?
- Well yes, he does block really well.
- I guess he could help the rookies to learn to block.
- I don't think they asked him.
- Yeah, I guess they should too.
- No, it is a good idea.
- The receivers? They are doing well.
- No, no one has caught one and run all the way for a touchdown.
- I'm sorry, I lost you again, why doesn't the guy who can catch play receiver?
- The guy who can catch who doesn't play receiver, I'm lost.
- The guy who always catches the ball and gets a touchdown. Not following yet.
- The guy with the hair, you mean Rashean Mathis?
- Why isn't Rashean Mathis a receiver? He plays defense.
- Well, they could put him on offense now and then, I guess.
- Well, he does run well when he catches the ball; I guess it is a good idea.
- You are smart, I agree. What? You want me to write your ideas to Wayne?
- Wayne Weaver doesn't decide those things. The coaches do
- Well, I guess he could tell them to do anything he wants, he owns the team.
- How about this, Wayne reads the web site, I'll post it there.
- OK, let me get your ideas straight.
- Tim Tebow volunteers to play one quarter for free to give them a lead.
- Maurice Jones Drew teaches blocking to the offensive line.
- Rashean Mathis plays receiver for a few plays. Got it.
- No, I think they are good ideas, I'll post them.
- Well, when we go to the game, if it happens then they read the site.
- Love you too!

Jacksonville Jaguars' Coaches: Jack, Dirk, and Mel

2009-11-06T20:04:32Z

More photos » by John Russell - AP

Jack... You have to hold this team together...

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Quote of the week:

"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now."
Bruce Coslet, on the Bengals' 1997 season

Thankfully, the Jaguars are not in the same position the 1997 Bengals were. This is a team that has the potential to overachieve this season, and I look for us to finish at least 8-8. Jack Del Rio has shown he's most effective when working with young men, and make no mistake, this is a young team. Jack Del Rio is directly tied to the defense's success, and he should be judged based on their progress through the season. If we defend the Patriots pass attack well in December, that will say a lot about where we are as a defense.

Three Coordinators + Three Years = Defensive Confusion

Jack Del Rio is directly responsible for the team's move to a 3-4 defensive scheme, and if it continues to fail so epically through the season, it falls on his shoulders. We have the personnel to stop the run. Two of our three defensive linemen are powerful against the rush, and three of our linebackers are literally tackling machines. Their issues in defense have come from being out of position, which is a result of learning a new scheme, and having their third defensive coordinator who is making major changes, in three years. This isn't entirely Jack's fault, as he's trying to replace an irreplaceable defensive coordinator, in Mike Smith.

The jury is still out on Mel Tucker, as he was brought here with the expectation he would coach up our talented, yet struggling secondary. So far, Reggie Nelson continues to be inconsistent, although the strides Derek Cox is making can't, and shouldn't be discounted. Derek Cox is going to be a long-term fixture at corner for the Jaguars. On the play he dropped the interception in the end-zone, he was extremely disciplined. Even though Vince Young is known as a short to intermediate passer, Derek didn't bite on the double move by Nate Washington, and as a result, he almost got an interception. He has already surpassed B-Dub in ability, and I have been pleasantly surprised by Derek's ball-skills and tackling. He seems to rarely miss a tackle when he gets his hands on the ball-carrier.

Persistently Inconsistent Offense

One of the major issues the Jaguars have struggled with is consistency on offense. Despite having 100 million dollars in a RB and a FB, the team continues to pursue the route of a pass-first offense. Gone are the days where 12-18 play drives were to be expected each week in Duval. Gone are the games made of low-risk, mistake free football. Gone are the days of the play-action pass reigning supreme. However, our offensive coordinator is the same. So, that begs the question... Why?

It is quite simple actually. Dirk was brought here to bring the high-flying attack to North Florida that he had at ASU. When he got here, he was conservative, and played towards the Jaguars' strengths. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said today. He's had his play selection slammed by MJD and he's also faced questions from veteran and leader of the WR corp, Torry Holt. If Dirk can't get back to what's successful by focusing on the Jaguars strengths, he'll hold the team down. Unfortunately, he's tied entirely to Del Rio, and Jack cannot get rid of Dirk to bring someone else in. If anyone goes in the next two years, it will be Jack himself. If that happens, and let's hope it doesn't, it will mean this team is going to be in rebuilding for at least three seasons.

-Collin Streetman

Aimless Musings and Shallow Thoughts

2009-11-05T03:19:19Z

I really don't think Jack Del Rio threw David under the bus for play calling. I think he said we are going to help him more. If anything, he admitted the coaching mistake. I know it is fashionable to "Fire Del Rio" right now, but this is not the reason.

I still like the progress of Derrick Harvey. I think he is becoming a better and smarter player. Remember, he didn't play football until his junior year in high school and then only three years in college. All of this is still new to him. My fear is that he will learn the game very well in his fourth year and then be a valuable free agent. I just think Jack should have called him out with John Henderson. Derrick cost this team a lot and I am convinced the Mike Peterson and Fred Taylor decisions were financial decisions required to pay for Harvey. Expect him to play well, demand he play well, and I think he will respond. I just don't like the thought of lowering expectations. Derrick is better than that comment implies.

I still say David is taking too much punishment and will not last at this rate. David doesn't do everything right, but when he is on, he is very good. Look at it this way; he is not a third string quarterback like the guy he replaced. I just cringe at the physical toll he is taking this year.

May I return to Jack Del Rio for a moment if you don't mind? My biggest complaint against him is his talent evaluation. He had a seat at the table of every draft. He had a hand in most of the personnel decisions. He let good coaches go over his time. Last year, when Jack had the "juice", we suffered the biggest most devastating blunders in personnel ever. That is my complaint. We would be a better team if we had a better GM and he didn't listen to Jack. Jack may be a better coach than talent evaluator but he might not get the chance to prove that.

Jacksonville's attendance problems are not unique to this city. The NFL is in trouble on a lot of fronts and we just happen to be obvious. I feel bad for Wayne Weaver; I just think a lot of people have let him down over the years. I don't think there is a better intended or nicer man in the NFL than he is. I do, however, think there are better football owners. So the question is, do I want an SOB owner who wins or Wayne Weaver and a mediocre team? I want Wayne Weaver and a winner, I want it all.

Bad as this may sound; I am actually ok with the progress of the Jaguars this year. We are perilously close to disaster and only have a few good players, but who we have are really good. If Jack delivers 7 wins this year as a bottom feeder team and Gene gets another year to work personnel then we are moving. This is the climb from the bottom. It will take some time to accomplish. Fix the offensive line and the offense will look great. Fix the defensive line and the defense will look great.

Tra Thomas disappointed me last game and I am solid in the Eugene Monroe camp now. At $19 million, let Eugene take the heat.

I hope we get off this "In Gene We Trust" kick soon. Gene is doing a nice job but he will make mistakes. We need to let him off the pedestal now rather than push him off and stomp him later. He is good at his job, but not infallible. Give the guy room to be human.

Does anyone other than me think Vic Ketchman has lost something this year? I have been very disappointed in his responses to readers and choice of questions. I just sense a real disenchantment with this city and the people. I really find including the Gators in his power poll insulting. Florida is enjoying unprecedented success as a school with a real student athlete leader to look up to. Why is that so hard to recognize and celebrate?

While I am on this note, does anyone other than me miss Chris Harris writing for the site? His wit and insight was the attraction of BCC and I miss hearing from him.

In closing, I think the NFL in general has fallen far from its roots and has not put a good product on the field in a number of places. The Jaguars are not great, but they aren't Tampa Bay or Oakland either. I don't know what the NFL has done to itself, but this current crop of owners better get their act together. Baseball is beginning to outdraw football on television and that is a big red flag. Meanwhile, I will see you at the game!

- Terry O'Brien

Touchdown Jacksonville aims to "Revive the Pride"

2009-11-04T21:45:08Z

In a press conference today, the group Touchdown Jacksonville announced plans to launch a grassroots effort to help the team with ticket sales. Touchdown Jacksonville was the group that originally launched Jacksonville's expansion bid, and more importantly, sold more than 10,000 club seats in 1993 to keep Jacksonville's hopes for a team alive.Carl Cannon and Tony Boselli are expected to be the major players in this movement.

No real specifics were given out as to what the group plans on doing, but it's still good to see. Expect to see more on this when some actual events are announced. I'll be waiting to see what kind of impact this has. Groups such as Our Team Our Town and True To The Teal have been doing an excellent job of raising awareness in the city. Hopefully with the Jaguars backing and Boselli as the face, Touchdown Jacksonville can work a second miracle.

Big Cat Country Radio 11/4/2009

2009-11-04T13:18:06Z

When: 10 PM EST

Where: Click Here

Tonight on the program we discucss the Nashville Nightmare, Audible-gate, and the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the guest spot this week, the guys from Arrowhead Pride, SBN's Kansas City Chiefs blog, will be over to discuss the upcoming game. Learn what they think of Larry Johnson's suspension, how they match up against the Jags, and where they're heading.

-John

Quick Bytes 11/4/2009

2009-11-04T12:31:45Z

Jaguars Coach Del Rio Used to be a LB for the Chiefs - Arrowhead Pride
Jaguars Coach Del Rio Used to Play for the Chiefs

Compensation for head coaches is still possible | ProFootballTalk.com
Read this and think just substitute Jeff Fisher with Jack Del Rio.

Player perspective: MJD on power rankings - AFC South - ESPN
Maurice Jones-Drew comments on ESPN's Power Rankings

Garrard isn't the bad guy in audible-gate, blame the staff | Jacksonville.com
Michael Wright says to not blame Garrard in the audible debacle. Blame the coaches.

Jaguars Q&A: 'Pot Roast' enjoying experience | Jacksonville.com
Q & A: Terrance Knighton,

Gus Johnson apologizes for saying Chris Johnson had 'getting-away-from-the-cops speed' - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com
Gus Johnson apologizes for saying Chris Johnson had 'getting-away-from-the-cops speed' during the Jags-Titans game.

Defense tries to discredit star witness in Hartsfield trial | Jacksonville.com
The defense is up in the trial of Richard Collier's alleged shooter.

3-3 felt different, but I think we've seen this 3-4

2009-11-03T23:07:23Z

More photos » by John Russell - AP

7 days ago: Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio looks up at the scoreboard in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/John Russell)

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All through the bye week, the sentiment was that this 3-3 was radically different from the 3-3 record the 2008 Jaguars posted. This team's arrow is pointing up, last year's was down. Despite having the same record, it was clear these were two very different teams.

However, a similar challenge lay ahead for both teams. In 2008, the Jaguars were to play the win less Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. It seemed simple enough, win those two games, along with a trip to Detroit, and the ship is righted. In 2009, the Jaguars had to go to winless Tennessee and then come home to play the 1-6 Chiefs. Win those two games and at 5-3, we could officially say this team was a real contender.

In 2008, a disaster occurred. The team went up to Cincinnati and proceeded to lay an egg that would even make a Kiwi cry in pain. It was the de facto last game for Mike Peterson, the player who perhaps embodied all the positive qualities of the Jack Del Rio era. That was followed by another loss to Cleveland, and everyone knows the rest of that story.

This year, the Jaguars went to Nashville to take on an 0-6 Tennessee team that they had just beaten 37-17 a few weeks earlier. A win would've guaranteed the Jaguars a non-losing divisional record for the first time in years and set them up for a potential playoff run. Again, a massive egg was laid, though no one outside of Nashville and Northeast Florida noticed because of Brett Favre.

Once again the Jaguars were handed a seemingly golden opportunity and proceeded to give a collective "eh." Things like what happened on Sunday is why this town seems so apathetic towards this team. If it doesn't help itself, then why should the town help it?

What is it about this team that makes it always go the opposite of where you think it's going. Play well against the Colts, blown out by Arizona. Win back to back divisional games only to struggle since. It's simply maddening that this team can't be figured out week to week.

Whether it was the play-calling, the line play, the quarterback play, things have to turn around somehow. I forgot who said it, but someone on this site described last year's scenario as "Test taken, test failed." Right now, the Jaguars are on the border between a D- and F. If they want a passing grade, they'll need to take care of business against the Chiefs.

-Jonathan Loesche

Jaguars to send scouts to UF-Vanderbilt game this weekend

2009-11-03T19:26:19Z

More photos » by John Raoux - AP

2 months ago: Florida quarterback Tim Tebow throws a pass during warm ups prior to an NCAA college football game against Charleston Southern in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Per Scout.com, the Jaguars will have scouts in attendance at the Florida-Vanderbilt game this weekend. In addition, the Buccaneers, Cowboys, Rams, Chiefs, and Dolphins will have scouts in attendance.

Who will they be looking at? Tim Tebow is the obvious answer here, though there are plenty of other NFL prospects in the Orange and Blue.

Carlos Dunlap, DE-Dunlap is an incredibily gifted, though raw defensive end.

Joe Haden, CB-Haden has been looking good so far this year and may be the first corner taken in a draft where Safety's are stealing the secondary spotlight.

Brandon Spikes, LB-Probably the best 4-3 linebacker in the country right now. I believe he'll get the most looks from the Jags scouts of the big name prospects.

Mo Pouncey, G-A massive junior guard who may be the best interior lineman in the country. If he elects to come out he'll clearly be the best guard in the draft.

Anyone know of Vanderbilt players who the Jags may look at?

-John

Garrard told to not audible

2009-11-03T18:42:48Z

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Enjoy that carry MoJo, I'm going to audible out the next drive.

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It is being reported that David Garrard has been told by the team to not audible out of running plays as much. The coaching staff was widely criticized for opening up the game with nine straight passing plays. However, the first two plays were called runs to Maurice Jones-Drew that Garrard then audibled to passing plays.

And the plot thickens. If this is the case, is it the coaching staff trying to cover their butts, did MJD complain behind closed doors, or something else?

They'll make what coach Jack Del Rio called "hard ball calls." That means quarterback David Garrard will be told on occasion not to call audibles out of running plays and into passing plays.....

"We took that privilege away or that ability away and said, "Look, just hand it to him and let him run the ball,' " Del Rio said.

Del Rio also said that if Reggie Nelson doesn't tackle better in the future than he did against the Titans, he won't be in the lineup. Nelson moved from safety to cornerback in place of injured Rashean Mathis on Sunday.

-John

New Front Page How does everyone like the new layout?

2009-11-03T13:09:49Z

New Front Page

How does everyone like the new layout?

Comcast Presents: The Jaguars not so Comcastic Week 8 Red Zone Performance

2009-11-02T22:23:54Z

More photos » by John Russell - AP

David Garrard led the Jaguars to their best offensive outing of the season against Tennessee in Week 4. In the rematch in Week 8, the Jaguars offense performed worse than even the Oakland Raiders.

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This post is brought to you by Comcast and the NFL Redzone Channel. Want to see every score from every game? NFL Redzone let's you see all of the most exciting parts of the game.

The Jaguars put up a giant goose egg in the Red Zone this week. The Jaguars did not get within the Titans twenty yard line unless it was Maurice Jones-Drew crossing it in route to one of his two long touchdown runs. In fact, it took the Jaguars almost thirty eight minutes to make it into Titans territory not counting Jones-Drews' two runs.

The Jaguars had a grand total of 49 plays on offense and were doubled up by the Titans in time of possession. The even more concerning stats is that when you take the two big TD runs, the Jaguars averaged an abysmal 3.6 yards per play. To put that into perspective, the Oakland Raiders have the worst offense in the league and they still manage to get four yards per play.

However, what bugs me the most is that everyone is coming down on Dirk Koetter for the game plan he put together against the Titans. Tennessee had easily the worst pass defense in the league, and the Jaguars ran a similar scheme to what they ran against the Titans in Week 4.

While there were certainly some calls that made me shake my head (Rashad Jennings out of the shotgun on 3rd and 3 anyone?), the Jaguars devised a game plan that had until yesterday managed to torch the Titans defense every week.

The difference between that game and yesterday was the play of the offensive line. The line was rock solid at home, only to collapse on itself yesterday in Nashville. The Titans registered four sacks and constantly had David running around or on his back.

With the exception of Jones-Drew's two plays, the offense was terrible all around, no matter what. I hate to assign blame anywhere, but I agree with Terry that the offensive line was the root cause of the offense's struggles Sunday.

-Jonathan Loesche

Quick Bytes: 11/2/2009

2009-11-02T16:03:11Z

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

7 days ago: Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) leaves Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith (52) behind as Johnson runs for an 89-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. The Titans won 30-13 for their first win of the season. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Jaguars' defense running on empty | Jacksonville.com
The Jaguars defense gave up a franchise record in total rushing yards (305) and to a single rusher (228.)

iJax | Jags Train Off the Tracks to Hope Town
Cole Pepper put's it blunlty, this loss meant a loss of hope.

Run records for Jags, good and bad - AFC South - ESPN
Maurice Jones-Drew joined Barry Sanders and Frank Gore as the only running backs to score two 75+ yard touchdowns in the same game. The only problem was that was our entire offense.

Wilford: Official should be ashamed of call - AFC South - ESPN
Ernest Wilford is still shaking his head at the 15 yard "taunting" penalty he received, and I can't blame him.

Rapid Reaction: Titans 30, Jaguars 13 - AFC South - ESPN
Paul Kuharsky give's his thoughts on the Jaguars loss to the Titans

Baffling Jaguars find a new way to lose | Jacksonville.com
For once, Gene Frenette write's a column I agree with. The Jaguars' inconsistency has reached a maddening new level under Del Rio. Either fix it or be gone.

Jaguars Notebook: Loss to Titans exposes cornerback issues | Jacksonville.com
Whether or not Reggie Nelson is a corner, if you can't tackle, you can't play. Also, Brad Meester started his 136th career game, tying him with Fred Taylor for the second most in franchise history. Congrats Brad!

More shuffling doesn’t help Jags’ offensive line | Jacksonville.com
Inserting Tra Thomas in a left tackle certainly wasn't the answer on Sunday. I'll have more of my thoughts on that later.

Report Card: Jaguars vs. Titans | Jacksonville.com

COACHING F

It’s hard to argue against the initial strategy of attacking the Titans’ pass-challenged defense through the air. It didn’t work because the Jaguars were simply outplayed in the trenches. With the Jags trailing 20-13 in the third quarter, backup running back Rashad Jennings was stopped for 1 yard on third-and-3. Why go to Jennings in that situation when you’ve barely trusted him to carry at all this season? The troubling thing over how the Jaguars failed to seize the momentum after they tied the game is it continues a Jekyll-and-Hyde pattern that has been evident for much of the Jack Del Rio era.

Jacksonville Jaguars "Safey" Brian Russell shows his NFL Credentials

2009-11-02T15:25:43Z

HT to Field Gulls, the SB Nation blog for the Seattle Seahawks.