Why Monroe and Britton Strengthen the Jaguars' Defense

Ok post but after reading this article I had a little bit of Dejavu’. Researching though past insertions I realized that the concept of “the offensive line making the defense better” had already been thought of, mentioned, broken down and debated. Below is what “Keep It Real” conveyed less than a ago. If I was the editor I would give some mention to this post (being that it is so very similar) in my on draft. Just a though!
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After reading Tkopa’s excellent piece on where we might be headed, I thought I would say my peace.

Tkopa really covered everything I wanted to say but left out one critical aspect of the game. For those of you that did not read Tkopa’s post, it provides clear perspective and evidence on why the team that allows less than 300 yards usually wins the game. Now, I will be the first one to agree that defense wins games which translates into championships and that we did not address defense as aggressively as we did offense. There are certainly big questions on defense that need to be answered with our D line and Safety positions being up in the air.

However, the thing i would like to add that needs to be said is that our offense, unlike 2007 when we drove 80 yards in 10 minutes, could not stay on the field in 2008. This meant that in 2008 the defense was on the field a lot more, therefore increasing the number of our opponent’s offensive snaps thus resulting in more yards allowed. It’s all tied together and it comes down to controlling the line of scrimmage. That’s why Gene Smith picked who he picked.

Consider this: Scenario 1: We address the defense, draft defense, buy defense etc. and the defense improves tremendously. That is best case scenario. We probably mimic the Ravens of last year and make it to the playoffs lead by a stout defense and a decent running game (provided there are no injuries on the O Line.. hmmm). But once we get to the playoffs in the AFC conference, you face teams with solid defenses and some legit firepower on offense (aka Steelers, Patriots, San Diego etc.). Now your back on your heels trying to stay toe to toe with the Bradys.

Scenario 2: We do what we did, strengthen and deepen the line (understatement), get some receivers that can catch the ball and run and get some depth & youth on defense. Best case scenario? The offense runs the ball well due to a strong, deep O line, setting up the pass. We stay on the field and keep the Bradys of the AFC on the bench (and below 300 yards). In doing this, we give the additional rest to our defense that will elevate their game. Why did Paul Spicer have six or seven sacks in 2007? Because he couldn’t wait to get off the bench. Let’s be real (after all, I AM KeepitReal), Spicer was by no means quick or a particularly gifted pass rusher. He got the sacks he did because teams were behind early against us and trying to throw the ball against an old but RESTED defense. Now remove a Paul Spicer from that defense and add Harvey and Groves. I think they may be able to do better than Spicer and even have a coming out party (dont attack me for being positive, sticking with the best case scenario here). Our controlling the line of scrimmage on offense could be the biggest, meanest 12th man on defense, not to mention it can make our QB better.

So it’s up to you to decide what best case scenario sounds better. Which scenario has a higher ceiling? I think it’s pretty obvious. The Steelers won last year because they did not face a team in the playoffs that could score AND play defense as well as they could. You have to be able to do both to win in the new NFL.

-K (KeepitReal)

If we EVER get ANY kind of a pass rush, I think everyone will be “surprised” at the improvement the seconday will likely experience.

but maybe not that informed.
Tra Thomas only gave up 2 sacks last year in a pass heavy offense. I think he can manage for a few weeks IF Monroe does holds out. (I would count it out, but I wouldn’t count on it. That would just be pessimistic. Luckily for us he has a different agent that hasn’t built up any clout yet, so that could make negotiations easier.)

With the addition of Britton either he or Pashos can play that LG spot that Manuwai might leave and the other can play RT. Keep in mind it’s only May and so Manuwai still has a while to get back to health.

Meester may be a little injury prone, but he isn’t hurt yet. Not to mention we got along ok without him in 07. We did improve when got him back, but we were still rolling well without him.

I highly doubt 15 lbs on someone that is nearly 300 lbs is going to make someone that much slower, especially when the weight gain is muscle.

I agree the secondary was bad. However I think Durant may help things a lot as well as Considine, who knows where he’s supposed to be (Something our defense can really benefit from if it rubs off on players like Nelson). Also, I’m not gonna as far as to say that Derek Cox is going to fix our other CB position, but I have to believe he will at least be a step up from Will James, Brian Witherspoon, and Drayton Florence.

The smaller guys being able to block has been a little bit of a concern to me, but if we continue running between the tackles it wont be that big of a problem. Also I know Walker can block well and so can Mike Thomas. And our TE’s can block pretty well. Also a better passing game from the upgrade in the WR’s and the better blocking from the tackles will probably offset any loss in our WR’s ability to block.

Meaning that on any given play, someone can be injured.

SO, If the defense plays fewer snaps, then there are fewer opportunities to be injured… make sense?

Because the clock doesn’t ever stop. So the entire play clock can be used each play, and the game clock decreases as well. That’s how you shorten the game and beat a guy like peyton Manning.

Passing has a much higher chance of stopping the clock, either by an incomplete pass, going out of bounds, or a penalty. That’s why you have to be able to run the ball to control the Time of Possession. So in effect, if you run the ball more, your offense plays less plays too.

But a lot of times when you do that you start to guess on defense. Meaning you can have a big play play, like a sack, or giveup a play, like a 30 yard throw.