Quick Bytes: So many stories, so little time edition

Quick Bytes: The daily digest of everything you need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars (and other things).
This Blog is not Nancy Grace, therefore I shan't engage in "trial-watch" over Matt Jones. If you're looking for what's going on with his current criminal case, I suggest clicking here. Otherwise, all I have to say on the issue is that he's still fighting for a place on the team and he's got to keep on performing. Good things are being said about what he's doing so far, but consistancy has not been Matt's strongest point.
: Former first-round pick Byron Leftwich is now playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, that's a Canadian link. My thoughts are this are as follows. 1. Should Ben Roethlisberger go down with injury, Byron Leftwich is a sitting duck behind that suspect offensive line. 2. Despite wishing Byron well, it would be very interesting to see him play in Jacksonville this season against the Jaguars. I'm not sure how positive the welcome would be.
: In Harvey-Watch, the Jaguars and CAA started talking again, though there's no sign of any movement. Harvey, to the Jaguars chagrin, holds all the cards. A little bird told me that this is going to end sooner rather than later. Remember, the press conference that welcomes Harvey to the Jaguars will have both sides praising the other for the well-handled negotiations. There's no reason to be angry at Harvey, just do what I do and blame the JETS.
: Brian Witherspoon is turning heads. Just hold onto the ball. Rashean Mathis is no longer the fastest player on the team, now Witherspoon has to show that he's reliable enough to match his speed.
That's all for now. I'm working on another round of roster predictions for later today!
-Chris
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5 comments
Comments
Jones is on trial every day....
and so far he has handled everything the right way. Quiet but not silent, enthusiastic but not over the top. I think he needed to be humbled, not because of a big ego necessarily, but because everything in his athletic life has come so easy. A package of freakish speed, height, and hand-eye-coordination made this guy a folk hero in Arkansas. You know how when you played sports as a kid growing up and there were the guys who you knew their names even though they played in another part of town just because of how good they were. Matt Jones has been that guy since he was really young. I think he has seen the light (even if it might have been from the cop’s flashlight) and is going to turn it around. He has always been a weapon on offense, although somewhat inconsistent, but the offense as a whole has been mediocre and inconsistent for years. Of course, except for the last half of last year. I recall Jones doing okay down the stretch, catching an important 4th down and 5 pass for a first down, a td catch to win a game, and a td in the playoff game with the Pats. Also, Drew Bennett, the receiver that Jones is most often compared to because of playing qb in college and shifting to wr in the pros, had his breakout season in his 4th year. This is Jones’ 4th season and with the weapons the Jags now have around him including a very good qb, i think he has learned the position better and will flourish. Anyway, I wish him luck and good things which will mean good things for the Jags and their fans. One more thing, just want to thanks Chris for the forum to talk Jags football from the comforts of my home. Good job and keep up the good work.
by Jaggernaut on Aug 12, 2008 12:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting Developments Coming out of Jags Camp
Believe it or not their are actually quite a few players to discuss and report on, other than the fans infatuation with Matt Jones 24/7. Lets begin with what is going on in the Jags secondary. From what I am hearing Florence, Mathis, and Starks have looked very good at CB. Starks in particular has really improved his game heading into his fourth year, which is also the last year of his contract. The coaches have told him that he will have an opportunity to play the nickel CB, which has been estimated that the Jags used 60% of the time last year.
The safety position with Nelson leading the way has also looked very good aside from Nelson’s mental mistakes. Lets not forget it is still early, and there is a new DC to learn from. Gregg Williams plans on using Nelson all over the field much like Bob Sanders to where it seems like their are several of him on the field at the same time. Sensabaugh has also looked very good so far, and like Starks is entering his final year of his four year contract. Vic has also mentioned that Fudge has really improved, and can play either SS or FS. Pierson Prioleau knows Gregg Williams system better than anyone, having spent the last 3 years with him in DC, and before that with the Bills. He is like a coach on the field, and is also an excellent special teamer.
With all that being said it brings me to Brian Williams. He from what I have been told has looked good but has not really stood out from Sensabaugh. Unlike Starks and Sensabaugh who are younger and much cheaper than Williams, has not really warranted keeping on the roster with all those factors working against him. Brian Williams also happens to be one of the highest paid CB in the league at a 4 million cap number!
Now barring injury of course, I just don’t see the logic in keeping Williams on the roster with everything said above. I believe the Jags will keep him till the final cuts to ensure of just in case their is an injury they will need to retain him.
A good question is whether or not they will be able to trade him, but with that real high cap number unless a team is desperate, will just wait till he gets cut, and negotiate a new contract.
Another guy who was in a very similar situation is Reggie Hayward. He also has a high cap number, and you don’t pay a guy that much to be a back up. Jeff Laggeman went on record as saying the same thing, and if anyone knows anything about Jeff is that he is usually right. Fortunately for Hayward, Harvey has not signed yet, and as each day passes the chance of Harvey starting diminishes.
Now that you heard it hear first at BCC, don’t be to surprised if you see one less Williams on the Jags opening day roster.
by NASF on Aug 12, 2008 1:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NASF, post that as a fan-post and I'll front page it.
Great information Brother!
Have you heard anything on the development of Pettway, does he stand a chance to make the final cuts?
Hope things have been well and I look forward to more great insider info.
-Collin
by silencecs on Aug 12, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pettway
Too early to tell, a lot can happen between now and the final cuts. Pettway looked good in the game against the Falcons, and has worked hard at being able to stand up to the run. I would have to say at this moment he is the favorite to secure the last spot at DE, assuming they carry five DE’s like in years past.
He also happens to be a favorite of Shack Harris having the same alma matter in common. Of course that really won’t matter if he gets out played but if its close? Jk! ;)
by NASF on Aug 12, 2008 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In defense of Leftwich, he is an excellent quarterback and did not leave on bad terms. I wouldn’t think anything of it to see him on the opposing team at our field, it had to happen since we cut him. The players on this team loved him- some were even upset with the decision in the beginning. If given the chance, I’m sure he’s still got some great play left in him, he isn’t even that old- injuries have just slowed him down, and he was already slow. I’m happy for him to have finally found a spot, it would have been an injustice not to pick him up, at least for training camp, and let him compete.
Let’s also not forget that Big Ben isn’t the most mobile person. His movement can easily be attributed to his young age but he looked like a sitting duck to the Jags defense in last years playoff—its easy to forget how good we have it when Garrard is scrambling for 20-40 yards… not every quarterback is blessed with speed too. Good luck to Leftwich, I hope he finds a starter spot (Vikings anyone?)
by meacham on Aug 12, 2008 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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