State of the D-Line

by silencecs on May 26, 2008 6:07 PM EDT

Loss of Stroud blessing in disguise for Jaguars

Could Jacksonville's DT rotation actually be even better in '08 after shipping Marcus Stroud to Buffalo? Although it's rarely a boon for a team to lose such a top-shelf talent, word out of Jacksonville is that Stroud was deemed expendable in no small part because of Rob Meier's solid play, for which Meier was handsomely rewarded last week in the form of a four-year, $15 million extension. Additionally, the team expects second-year pro Derek Landri to make a substantial impact as an attacking, penetrating tackle after showing glimpses of things to come down the stretch of his rookie campaign. With rookie DEs Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves expected to play substantial roles in Year One, the Jags genuinely believe that Meier's consistency will prove more valuable than the sometimes inspiring, sometimes questionable play that Stroud exhibited.

The media is starting to realize the Jags are stout at D-line and should be feared because of it. Rob Meier got just what he deserved for all his hard work and dedication to the "Teal Curtain" in the form of a 4 year extension worth around 15 million. Meier can clog the middle just as well as Stroud and has better speed and rush moves to attack the quarter-back. His age is somewhat of a factor, but obviously the Jags' front office isn't concerned, so neither am I.

I am psyched that the club is expecting Landri to step up as more of a rushing DT. The kid's got a motor that doesn't stop and showed he's got the ability to harass the QB from the DT position, an uncommon ability indeed. He may turn into yet another late-round gem for which we should credit our front office.

Our D-line is all but locked up for the next several years. Meier, McDaniel, the two rookies at DE and hopefully soon, Spicer. Although, truthfully, I'd be fine if Spicer didn't make it back. He's a great player, but clearly he's past his prime, and football is first and foremost a business.

We all know if you don't take care of the business end of the sport responsibly, you'll never make it to the top. That's part of the point I've been trying to make by going over our exceptional front office and coaching staff... Football is about more than just the athletes... It's the intangibles that make the difference in this sport.

-Collin

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Comments

How about big John Henderson? I know he’s young for NFL standards, but what kind of contract does he have? I can’t remember. As long as I’ve been watching football, I have to say that John Henderson is the first DT that I’ve specifically watched on game day to see what type of disruption he causes play after play. Go Jaguars!

Sean Jax Beach Bum

by cuffs007 on May 26, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

I will try to talk to JAGS02

He’s our resident Cap-guru and provides us with some great info on contracts. I’ll try to compile the salaries of our whole D-line in the coming days… Keep the comments comin!

by silencecs on May 26, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

Two reasons Spicer should stay

I think retaining Paul Spicer is a good move for these reasons:

1) He stepped up and made Captain of the team. His dedication and football ability got him to this level and he probably will remain there for a couple of years. Injuries will take their toll on the defense and Paul Spicer around is a good thing.

2) Show dediaction to people and they will show dedication back. Derrick and Quenton will see that the Jags take care of people and this might play into a decision to resign in the future.

Weak reasons, I know, but I just think Spicer brings a lot.

by Tkopa on May 26, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

Both very good points I think

We’ve seen what happens when a team doesn’t take care of their players when they say they will (here’s lookin’ at you Jets). I think the Jags signing of Meier to a big deal shows the same thing your talkin about to the players. If they take care of the Jags, then the Jags will take care of them.

I don’t think we should mortgage the farm on Spicer, and If he wants to sit out and not take the deal he’s been offered, then so be it. I do think he’s an amazing talent, and I wasn’t aware he was defensive team captain last year. Thanks for the info!

by silencecs on May 26, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Paul Spicer needs to be....

in a Jags uniform when the serious practicing starts. Spicer is very good at being an all around defensive end who makes big plays.The secret to a dominating defense is the performance of the front 4 and how they get after it, both against the run and pass. The great teams like the Cowboys of the 90’s and the Niner’s of the eighties, rotated 6 or 7 players on the d line, especially at DE. The more defensive linemen you can keep fresh, especially early in the season at home when other teams usually tire, the more dominating you’ll be and the more big plays you’ll make. Spicer needs to be here, (maybe they could sign Spicer to a new deal for 2 years with a lot of incentives),along with a healthy Hayward, and the 2 rookies, Harvey and Groves. I would still give up next years third pick for Jason Taylor, but that probably won’t happen.

by Jaggernaut on May 26, 2008 10:35 PM EDT reply actions

I guess we can stop...

with the Jason Taylor talk, at least for a while. They want a first rounder.
I think we have too many unproven players to let Spicer go. I think it will be a year before Harvey and Groves get the knowledge they need to be their best (especially with Greg as our new DC), not to mention both are about 10 Lbs. under their ideal playing weight.
I think Spicer played with a lot of heart last season, which is why he feels like he should be taken care of.
As injury prone as this defense is I don’t like the idea of losing good depth.
Keep in mind he’s much better than our new DE’s at stopping the run, at least at this point in time.

by Ewdtrey on May 27, 2008 12:36 AM EDT reply actions