Jaguars-Titans Postmortem
by FSBlueApocalypse on Nov 16, 2008 10:41 PM EST
33 comments
Hope seemingly ran wild in the first half. This looked like the Jaguar team that looked like the trendy Dark Horse Super Bowl pick of the offseason. It ran the ball while David Garrard his recievers in stride. The defense got pressure and managed to stuff the run. A 14-3 lead was built and it seemed Tennessee would leave Jacksonville 9-1 and the Jaguars could gain the kind of confidence building win to launch a furious wildcard run. Then the 2nd half kicked off and we were reminded why this team is now 4-6, effectively eliminated from the playoffs and now hoping we don't have to pay another Top 10 pick.
This game served as a microcosm of the Jaguars entire season to this point. The hype of the preseason was the 1st half, and the 2nd half served as the cold reality this season had become. This is the kind of deflating loss that we have to wonder if this team is going to simply pack it up for the season.
I hate to really crank up the FIRE COACH X speech, but I think its now appropiate. I believe a 3-3 finish is the minimum Jack Del Rio needs to save his job as the Jaguars Head Coach. Once again, the Jaguars have seemingly been unable to grasp success. We follow a massive win at Green Bay with a shutout against the Texans and the playoffs with it. We follow the most dominating regular season win the Jaguars history against the Colts with 3 losses to kill our playoff hopes.
This season has only magnified those problems into an entire season. It will be telling of his ability to continue being our head coach depending on how we finish the season.
As for GM Shack Harris, it wouldn't surprise me to see headlines reading he was let go a week or two after the season. Ironically considering the events of the last few weeks, outside of Mike Peterson, name one big name free agent we've brought in that's been a big help? Byron Leftwich and Reggie Williams occupy the spaces right after R.Jay Soward on the list of worst 1st round picks, and Matt Jones would be there had he not had a transformation this season.
Congratulations to the Titans on the win.
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why coach?
Is it coach’s fault that our DB’s can’t play under-avarege WR’s?
Call out D-line for lack of presure, and LB’s … but those big plays are just reality of our DB’s.
And on the other side our OL let Titans DL on David almost on every play, he didn’t have time to throw. OL need to give him more time, and I’m not talking like he has some time.
Did Nelson pay Gage for that 20yard wild ride in 3qtr?
by Nikola R on Nov 17, 2008 4:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Building the team, not coaching the team is the problem
Tom Coughlin built the team Jack inherited. Over the last five years this team has become the James Harris, Jack Del Rio team. James Harris and Jack Del Rio are not shrewed talent evaluators. Free agents, first round picks resemble more of a Salvation Army mentaility. We can “help develop and rehabilitate” people.
This year has suffered from one major error… over the top coverage, or lack of it. Every single game reflects one big play when needed. One game changing play that if stopped, changes things in our favor.
Take Jack out of the drafting and free agent selection process and improve that area of management and that will fix a lot of things. Sorry, let Jack pick linebackers. That he can do very well. The rest, we don’t have a sense of doing.
The frustrating thing was this year rookie crop was fabulous. Good strong offensive linemen. Good linebackers. Good cover guys. It was a good year to select at #8. We could have stayed at our original position and done well also.
by Tkopa on Nov 17, 2008 6:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
And...
the sorry thing is the Jags really don’t have a lot of talent to improve on. Our O-Line is aging. I’m sorry, but Khaliff was man-handled yesterday by a smaller guy. A 4th rounder on a punter?? Sorry Podlesh, we can get guys like you a week before the season starts. I’m beginning to think Reggie Nelson is never going to be big enough to tackle a pro-player. And our wide receivers are great for 10 yards or less. I don’t know what to think of the tight ends. One great catch a game. Is this acceptable?
Wow, it is going to take a lot of work and rebuilding.
by Jaghomer on Nov 17, 2008 7:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot to add...
…a soft spot for undrafted rookies. Jack makes sure he has one spot open for undrafted guys. I just don’t see a “build a powerhouse team” mentality. In the end, did Derrick Harvey cost as much as Jarred Allen?
by Tkopa on Nov 17, 2008 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Disastertous Offseason
I do not beleive the issue is coaching as much as it’s a talent evaluation issue. I’ve been very critical of this team since preseason ended where I’ve taken many hits for my very popular posts (I predicted a 9-7 / 3rd place finish). But facts are facts no matter how much I love the Jags.
This offseason has been a disaster so far. Jerry Porter has never proven to be a #1 WR – EVER!. He had a couple good seasons at Oakland playing opposite of Moss. I’ve said that from the begiinng, and I’m sticking with my story. He was the “hail mary” at the position. Taking the flyer on Williamson was actually a decent gamble im my opinion, that hasn’t worked out either but only costs us a 6 round pick.
Our entire draft (and part of next year’s) was spent on 2 players. Throw in the traded players, and we got 2 players for 9 (McCray / Stroud traded + 7 draft picks) That’s not very good math, especially considering what we got. What have we gotten in return – 1 undersized player who gets physically dominated at this level and another who had a history of taking plays off at UF. Hopefully, these guys pan out in the future, but so far —-not.
The article above really nailed it. R Jay Soward is the poster child for the weakest link in this organization – player / personnel evaluation — it just plain sucks. The very best draft pick, was this organizations very first draft pcik. It’s been more miss than hit ever since.
As for yesterday’s game, what we saw was the difference in the will to win between a very good team and a very mediocre team. It’s just that simple.
by OGN on Nov 17, 2008 8:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
R. Jay Soward was drafted by Tom Coughlin
Just thought it needed to be stated, as I think he’s pretty good at building a team. And looking at the success he’s having in NY, and the success that Jeff Fisher is now having in TEN, I hope they don’t get rid of Del Rio… I think coaching stability is important and don’t think there are all that many guys running around that would be any better. Now if we can find someone we truly think would be a better GM… I say we go for it.
by pksiv on Nov 17, 2008 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Top-10 pick
I don’t know why everyone is saying we have to avoid a top-10 pick. I don’t think it would be such an issue, and in reality, we would just use that pick to trade down for more picks.
by reems28 on Nov 17, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Exactly!
That is exactly what this team will do if it does finish in the top 10. We would and should use our posistion to stock pile draft pics. I would like to see them trade down in the 1st and 2nd round to get some extra solid players. O-line, baby, O-line!!!
by jagsfanbrunell on Nov 17, 2008 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN. Just depressing.
The worst part about losing to these titans is that ESPN is finally giving a jags game a lot of coverage.
I hate hearing Kerry Collins talk. He’s one of those quarterbacks that I’m not sure I could root for if he was with the jags (others: Favre, Cutler, P Manning, Hasselbeck).
Just depressing.
by Nebraska Jag on Nov 17, 2008 11:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Coverage
I went to the local Irish Pub for lunch, and there it was on 5 big screens. Replay after replay of missed tackles and Jeff Fisher’s Tit’s bouncing all over us. I didn’t want to watch it again, and again, and again. I was only there for 45 minutes, and I bet they showed the segment 5 times…. just sad…
by Pyrofish on Nov 17, 2008 1:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Del Rio....
I am not ready to get rid of JDR just yet. I do think Shack Harris has been awful. Matt Jones is the only first round pick to have a real impact and that started just this year. First round picks need to be border line pro bowl players and none of ours are close. Our free agent signings can surely be considered busts as well. Do we admit failure and take the cap hit (assuming the cap is still in place) and get rid of Porter and Florence after this season. I think it is time to start rebuilding.
by orangeparkfl on Nov 17, 2008 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Porter
Sorry, there is not a shot in hell I’m gonna give up on Porter. Why do I feel like everyone except me thinks Porter is a bust? PLease somebody respond to this telling me they BELIEVE in Porter. Injuries happen. So what. besides, he had a 2 great catches for first down yesterday. The guy is still a little out of sync, and although orangeparkfl you are just pinning your frustration of the season on a guy like Porter, you shouldn’t. He’s been here barely half a year. I’m still confident in his playmaking ability and it will show. Maybe he will never get in groove this year, but next season we will have high hopes again. He just needs a fresh start, and I think it will be next year when he and Matt JOnes are a dynamic duo on the edges. Florence does suck.
by harveyismyboy on Nov 17, 2008 4:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree with harvey right here. Porter had an injury and since he returned he’s been steadily improving. The receivers showed how subpar they really are yesterday with repeated passes being broken up by the Tennessee corners. All of the opportunities were there and they would have been tough catches, but the weren’t uncatchable. Matt Jones has made several catches in traffic this year and his presence was missed sorely. I saw Garrard try to throw the exact same back shoulder throw yesterday that he did so many times with Matt Jones except it was to Mike Walker and he didn’t get enough separation and didn’t hold on to the ball. Dennis Northcutt had many chances to make a play and simply didn’t. Porter has made some impressive catches and has at least proven in his career that he can separate.
by SoCalStites on Nov 17, 2008 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
respectfully disagree
I appreciate your views. I will ask this question – when, in Porter’s career did he ever show evidience of a #1 WR who deserves $30M? As I stated above, he had a couple of good years in Oakland playing opposite of Rany Moss and Tim Brown. It’s much easier to make plays as a 2nd or 3rd option who does not get the coverages the other guys do.
Do you rememer Alvin Harper for the Cowboys of the 90’s? He was great playing opposite Mike Irvin and he totally dropped off the planet when he went to TB (I think it was TB but could be mistaken here) as their #1 WR.
If the Jags had a true #1 WR threat, Porter may make a good compliment – I will grant that. But a #1 WR at $30M – that’s a bust and was certainly not a good investment for the $ (injury not withsatnding). The Jags had to address this position in the offseason – they did – and they did it poorly – unfortunately.
by OGN on Nov 18, 2008 7:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re blaming the Jaguars organization for signing a guy for that much who hasn’t produced because of injury. That’s simply bad luck and something the organization couldn’t have possibly seen coming. I think it’s unfair to evaluate him as a bust right now.
by SoCalStites on Nov 18, 2008 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Porter
At least I can see hope for Porter. In a strange way, I kinda hope that Florence is playing hurt. It would be the only possible excuse for paying someone that kind of money. I see occasional glimpses with Williamson. I have no idea (other than an injury) what happened to Reggie Williams.
I think we all over estimated the quality and depth of this team. We have a lot of holes to fill now. OL, DL, LB. I can’t believe there isn’t a street free agent right now that is better the Podlesh. I also think we will be in need of running back soon. It is a young mans game.
I love this message board. The other ones are hideous. People giving up their season tix, because the Jags aren’t playing well. I might be wrong, but it seems to me that only one team is totally happy at the end of the year. I enjoy the games even when the Jags lose. It sure beats sitting at home and watching Miami or Tampa Bay on TV.
Sorry for the rant.
by orangeparkfl on Nov 18, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't worry about it
It was a good rant
by SoCalStites on Nov 18, 2008 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Porter
Don’t want to beat a dead horse, but what the hell else are we gunna talk about. I think we should analyze Porter next year if he can stay healthy. He was put behind the 8 ball right off the bat with injuries. If we just aquired John Henderson this year, we would be saying he was a free agent bust right now, and we all know that he isn’t. Give Jerry some time to get healthy and build chemistry with Garrard for next year, which will be his true test.
by jagsfanbrunell on Nov 18, 2008 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
but yea...
I’ll give you that Florence sux!!!
by jagsfanbrunell on Nov 18, 2008 9:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Amen
I don’t like to call individual players out but I have to agree there. I’ve tried my best to give the guy a chance, but he just misses play after play. He has no strengths, he’s neither a cover guy, a big playmaker or a good tackler.
Nelson messed up a few times, but obviously it was an off game for him. He’s still a young guy in development, he has his best football ahead of him. Once his mental skills catch up with his athletic ability, he’ll go from being a good FS to a pro-bowl caiber FS. Florence is neither inexperienced or especially old, he has no excuse.
by rusty904 on Nov 18, 2008 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Which makes me have to ask again...
This season I have been looking for that hard hitting defense of Jags by-gone era, when offenses’ were afraid and respected them. I have noticed watching other games this year that the hard hitting defenses have mostly been a 3-4 or that a lot of 3-4 defenses are hard hitting due to linebacker involvement. With the dwindling O’ line and D’ line that the Jags will have to supplement in the draft, could it not be an easier transition to a 3-4 defense? It typically seams that LB’s are more available through-out every round, can sometimes play year one more so than the big tackles, and big guys are a premium in the draft. Always are always have been. How hard is it to make the transition to the 3-4? Because I’m sorry…but I am beginning to feel like a Lion’s fan here. I can stomach the loss a whole lot better if I know their guys are going to wake up Monday morning sore as sh-t!
by Jaghomer on Nov 18, 2008 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree mostly
Except when you said he has no strengths. Yes he’s not a cover guy or a big playmaker, but I’ve seen solid tackling from him all the time. He hasn’t missed a tackle and he’s laid down a few licks. I’m not really defending him though, he’s terrible.
by SoCalStites on Nov 18, 2008 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Response
I don’t disagree with that – we paid him, we got him, what else are we going to do now. No issue with that and I agree with you there.
I’m saying 2 things – 1) he is NOT a #1 WR and should never had been brought in here in the first place as a #1 WR and to have paid him #1 $ was insane (injury or no injury) and 2) we still need a #1 WR – regardless of his health.
Matt Jones may be the most improved player in the entire league this year, but he is NOT a #1 WR either and I absolutely love his turn around. Porter is just not suited to be a #1 WR as well.
Porter CAN be very productive as a #2 or #3 (ala the Alvin Harper example). To expect more – he just does not have the history of that.
Either go get a #1 WR FA or draft Crabtree and develop one. In which case year 2 or more likely yr 3 will be the big payoff year for that position.
by OGN on Nov 18, 2008 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What possible #1 WR is coming into FA?
And to get Crabtree, we would certain need a Top 3 pick. If the season spirals that far down, I’d much rather here Michael Oher or the tackle from Alabama’s name called.
"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your f***in' mouth."-Bill Hicks
by FSBlueApocalypse on Nov 18, 2008 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
More receivers
Will not fix this team. We need offensive linemen so the Jaguars can get some kind of run game and protect Garrard. Defensive adjustments are a must too so I’ll hold off on receivers for now and be happy with developing Walker and having Jones and maybe even good play out of Porter next year.
by SoCalStites on Nov 18, 2008 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I completely agree here
The conversation was on the wide out spot only. Taking the larger view here would be correct. This team needs bodies in several positions. Trading down for more picks would be of more value or taking a top flight LT.
by OGN on Nov 19, 2008 6:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude
I still don’t know why you doubt Porter. So what if he ends up being a #2. He’s going to be QUALITY no matter what and YOU have never seen him thrust into a #1 spot. YOU have no idea how he will respond as our #1 and not just a “complement”.
by harveyismyboy on Nov 18, 2008 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
D Coordinator
Since everyone is blaming the players on defense and Jerry Porter, what happens when Greg Williams leaves? Will it be the new D Coordinator’s fault when we get no pressure on the QB or when our DB’s can’t cover? I’m as disappointed as the next guy but I would hope that this offseason takes a good long look at the weaknesses and work on developing the supposed talent we have. Like Vic K. always says help is not on the way. I don’t see us as free agent pick up or draft signing away from the promised land. I see a two to three year rebuilding of our lines in order to be able to become a true contender for the division title. Your team will only go as far as the offensive and defensive lines can carry you. I’m not sure what we have because it’s evident that our backups need more developmental time.
BTW I agree that Florence was not worth the money. I say Porter deserves a chance for the simple fact that he is coming off hamstring surgery in July. These guys are human after all.
by MikeMo on Nov 18, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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