These Jaguars can play!

by Tkopa on Dec 19, 2008 12:28 AM EST

Look, forget the fact they lost, we are looking to next year. These Jaguars can play.

The game was decided on two plays; David Gerrard threw a horrible interception, and Reggie Nelson missed an assignment and a tackle. Reggie has done that all year.

The fans showed up in force. The spirit was strong. Gerald Sensabaugh played lights out and needs to be resigned.

Your next year Jaguars will be Dennis Northcut, Marcedes Lewis, MJD, Fred, Matt Jones and David. The O-Line needs rebuilt but held up well.

The defense needs a shut down corner or safety. We are too open there. But that is all. This team is not that broken.

Chris, Collin and I had a great time and saw a great game. Take heart, this team is not dead and the fans have not left. All is close to being well again.

Stay tuned to Big Cat Country as we track the off-season. It will all come together.

What is your opinion on what needs done?

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Comments

Agreed

I needed a post like this Tkopa. I was really down after the game and this attitude really brought me back in. I’m not even sure what made me come and check the site, but I’m glad I did.

by Adam Stites on Dec 19, 2008 12:40 AM EST reply actions

All i got to say is that no one can say the Jags have quit this year. We were clearly over matched in the secondary but at least we made them one dimensional. Our offense showed some promise, and if it wasn’t’ for a few busted plays, it would’ve been a different story.

We really showed some effort for Big Rich and I’m proud of that. Everyone counted us out of this thing before it started and that was far from what happened.

I still love the Jaguars. A few fixes and we could be right back where we were in 2007. I do think we need to lock Sensebaugh in for a long term contract. These are the kind of players who should be rewarded. Not people paid big money from teams who aren’t any better than the guys we already have. Reward the guys who earn it. maurice Drew has certainly earned it.

Chin up Jags fans. We’ll be alright.

by jimbrophoto on Dec 19, 2008 1:00 AM EST reply actions

I think there are a few problems with the secondary

But I feel that a strong pass rush could lighten up their load. I know that’s pretty obvious stuff, but I don’t feel Florence would be receiving the criticism he has if the line was better. The secondary is a lot closer to a good secondary than they are getting credit for.

As for the rush defense, I was extremely impressed. They looked like the Jaguars of old with tremendous penetration every time.

by Adam Stites on Dec 19, 2008 1:13 AM EST reply actions

X2

In my opinion NO secondary can beat Peyton Manning with no pressure and no sacks. Not that our secondary played well or anything, but when you put Peyton on his ass multiple times, he is a completely different QB, just look at the 06’ game

by rusty904 on Dec 19, 2008 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

Absolutely

There was one particular play where Manning made the throw from a collapsing pocket just before he was hit. If had been sacked once or twice before that, he would’ve never made the play. He would’ve laid down or ducked for cover and he would’ve taken the hit.

by Adam Stites on Dec 19, 2008 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

What we need

Big guys, big guys, big guys. And maybe one small fast guy, but I’m really starting to enjoy the idea of Matt Jones and Northcutt lining up together next year.

And I’m with socal…I did really need a pick-me-up post like this.

by MoveThoseChains on Dec 19, 2008 2:53 AM EST reply actions

Exactly...

I’m sorry, but anything other than a ‘freak of nature’ big man or stellar college QB is a waste of a first round pick.

by Jaghomer on Dec 19, 2008 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

Agree but

I don’t kow if there are 32 “freak of nature” big men or stellar college QBs in every draft. If you agree, then the proper course of action is to trade out of the first round.

I might think that is a good draft strategy if there is no FON or SCQB. Imagine the Jags having 2 second round picks and 2 3rd round picks each year. Hummmmmm. Star players and no salary cap problems.

by Tkopa on Dec 19, 2008 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

Good post

I only got to see the first half last night, but that sure looked like Jaguars football to me – run the ball, stop the run, play ball control. I am stoked for next year!

MJD is a beast – he is so much fun to watch.

by Jacked Up on Dec 19, 2008 5:01 AM EST reply actions

Good post

I haven’t watched the game, but I followed it on gamecenter and listened on Field Pass. Two things struck me, from a defense point of view:

1) The phrase “Manning under pressure” was heard very frequently.
2) Almost every big play from the Colts had Jeff Lageman saying “coverage was good, but perfect pass”

This made me sit and wonder what the outcome would have been if the Colt’s QB had been ANYONE other than Manning.

I think we actually played very well indeed, on both sides of the ball. Sadly, Manning was the deciding factor. The result is nothing to be ashamed of, and I’m pleased that the Jags gave the Colts a run for their money.

by KeithG on Dec 19, 2008 6:20 AM EST reply actions

You heard what I saw

I couldn’t help thinking Peyton Manning is twice the quarterback David is. David made one or two reads during a play, Peyton checked four places. It was obvious Peyton found people that David wouldn’t have seen. Not a knock on David, just a recognition of how awful good Peyton was last night. When everything was covered and there was no where to go, suddenly Dalls Clark emerges out of no where. It is like there is an emergency response, if Peyton hasn’t gotten rid of the ball by a count of 5, sprint across the middle. They were a well coached team with excellent execution. No one comes close to them that I have seen.

by Tkopa on Dec 19, 2008 6:34 AM EST up reply actions

It seems to me

that Garrard is playing scared this year. He looks like he’s constantly afraid of the big hit and it’s rushing his decision making and as a consequence his poise is really lacking. There’s no doubt in my mind that David is our guy, but he needs to settle down. Maybe a better line after the draft can improve this.

by Adam Stites on Dec 19, 2008 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

good point

Maybe being the league leader in getting hit makes you think – get rid of this ball!!!

(I don’t know if he is the league leader in getting hit, but I think his numbers are way up there this year)

by Tkopa on Dec 19, 2008 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

Well I couldn't find hits

but I found sacks and David is tied for 2nd in sacks taken with Roethlisberger at 41. Both are behind Cassel who’s taken 45.

by Adam Stites on Dec 19, 2008 11:41 AM EST up reply actions

We still have Baltimore left

So maybe David can get the record this year. :(

I think QB sacks leads to “What happened to David” questions one or two years out. More ammo for fix the O-Line thinking.

Thanks Social for looking it up.

by Tkopa on Dec 19, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

Cassel holds on to the ball way to long

like waaayyyyy to long

by Ewdtrey on Dec 19, 2008 6:23 PM EST up reply actions

If you listen to so many of the morons here in Indiana...

Its all JDRs fault because he is a crazy, loudmouth, disciplinarian, who turned the team upside down by sidelining Mike P and moving lockers around. So many people here think JDR is a maniac because he does not emmulate the stoic style of Dungy.
Myself, I would like to see some changes made to the way the passing game is defended. For the last two years the middle of the field has been wide open for opposing teams. Whether this is the fault of a weak pass rush or a suspicious secondary I dont know, but it needs to be addressed.

by indianajagfan on Dec 19, 2008 6:43 AM EST reply actions

good post - I have a slightly different

opinion on what needs fixing. Here’s the wish list, in rank order
1. upgrade / rebuild O-line
2. find at least one guy who can consistently pressure the QB. This guy could emerge from current players or we go get one – but we NEED at least ONE GUY (2 would be better).
3. find a true #1 WR

Last night was the same ole story for this year. If this team could generate ANY kind of QB pressure, we’d have won last night. I believe we have an excellent core group, but we have a number of holes to fill

by OGN on Dec 19, 2008 6:58 AM EST reply actions

As long as Fix the O-Line is first

I don’t care what comes second. See Social’s post above.
You are probably right about your rank order.. Thanks!

by Tkopa on Dec 19, 2008 11:56 AM EST up reply actions

Great Read...

but after intently watching last nights game, the glowing weakness on “D” was cornerback. Yeah Reggie N. needs to hit the pasta this off season and bulk-up, but he has improved and can cover.

I’m calling out Drayton Florence. I saw him freeze in his shoes at least 3 times last night. Not acceptable at this level. Without shutting it down around the outsides, it is making the ‘D’ line look worse than it is.

No, the Jags played with heart last night. Also, I am a fan of David Garrard, but you can definately see a difference between a ‘good QB’ and a ‘great QB’. With his age and run style, the Jags will need to get someone in development in the next year or two.

by Jaghomer on Dec 19, 2008 7:49 AM EST reply actions