Judgement Day Has Arrived For Reggie Nelson
by Adam Stites on Apr 27, 2010 4:45 PM EDT
in Meta-Jacksonville Jaguars
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PrintIt's no secret that Reggie Nelson isn't exactly a fan favorite in Jacksonville, as many fans feel that the safety position is one of the biggest weaknesses on the Jaguars roster. Since a solid rookie season, Nelson's play has steadily declined to the point where the thought of trading the former first round pick seems appealing to many fans. Well as of now, Gene Smith and the Jaguars staff have made no moves to address the position this offseason or move Nelson, so it appears that Reggie will be receiving another chance to prove himself in teal.
What the Jaguars addressed instead was their atrocious pass rush by signing Packers DE Aaron Kampman in free agency and selecting four defensive lineman with their first four selections. The assumed result is that the Jaguars will improve upon a pass rush that produced a league worst 14 sacks.
If the Jaguars succeeded this offseason in adding players that will improve the pass rush, then Reggie Nelson has ran out of excuses for his poor play in Jacksonville. This year could be the last chance for Nelson to prove his worth in Jacksonville.
In 2007, Reggie Nelson was a rookie and produced like one that was on his way towards becoming a perennial Pro Bowler. He was an instant starter and finished the season with 5 interceptions and 11 passes defended earning him a spot on the All-Rookie team. Now just two years later, Nelson is regarded as a weak spot on the roster and widely considered to be someone who should be traded or cut. In 2008 and 2009 combined, Nelson has recorded 2 interceptions and 9 passes defended.
A similar decline was seen by the Jaguars pass rush. In 2007 the Jaguars finished with 37 sacks which placed them in the top 10 in the NFL. In 2008 that number dropped to 29, dropping them to 20th in the NFL. Finally in 2009, the sack total plummeted to an awful 14 that earned them the title as NFL's worst pass rush.
So what is to blame for what seems to be a regression in Nelson's play? Did the lack of a pass rush make Nelson a scapegoat for the Jaguars defense or has he actually regressed since his rookie season?
A look at the Pro Bowl safeties of 2008 and 2009 reveals the importance that a pass rush has for the successes of players in the secondary:
| Pro Bowl Safeties | |||||
| Player |
Team Sacks | ||||
| Brian Dawkins - Den (2009) | 39 | ||||
| Ed Reed - Balt (2009) | 32 | ||||
| Jairus Byrd - Buf (2009) | 32 | ||||
| Adrian Wilson - Ariz (2009) | 43 | ||||
| Darren Sharper - NO (2009) | 35 | ||||
| Nick Collins - GB (2009) | 37 | ||||
| Troy Polamalu (2008) | 51 | ||||
| Chris Hope (2008) | 44 | ||||
| Ed Reed (2008) | 34 | ||||
| Adrian Wilson - Ariz (2008) | 31 | ||||
| Nick Collins - GB (2008) | 27 | ||||
| Brian Dawkins - Phi (2008) | 48 | ||||
Nick Collins is the only player on the list to have made the Pro Bowl on a team with under 30 sacks. At 14 sacks, is it fair to put the blame entirely on Nelson? If the remodeled pass rush was accomplished, Nelson will have reached the end of his rope. The answer will be found as to whether he's a regressing player or the victim of a poor pass rush.
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Ken Hamlin available
The Jags should bring Ken Hamlin in to compete at FS. Should not cost much since he is still out their in free agency.
What does everyone think about Hamlin? Should be an improvement over seeing Nelson slap instead of Tackle the opposition.
I don't know
if Reggie misread plays, was out of position, the victim of a bad defensIve scheme or blamed too much because of a bad (i.e., non-existent) pass rush. But even my untrained eye saw his tackling was attrocious, and if doesn’t improve significantly I don’t expect to see number 25 on the field very much… At least not in a Jags uniform.
His tackling
was really really horrible a few times, but really he was fairly solid for most of the year. Try to think of a game other than the second Titans game or second Colts game where had a bad tackling day.
I’m not gonna fight you on him being out of position, because at times, but keep in mind he was also trying to clean up mistakes from Derek Cox and Mathis’ backups, like Tyron Brackenridge(Who did play somewhat well for a backup).
reggie is taylor mays with better hips
so to correct what he misses. I really like Reggie but i don’t like 25. i wish him the best
LateRoundPick.com
It all starts up front
Will Nelson be a better safety with a better pass rush no doubt about that.
What about his poor tackling? Does that have anything to do with a pass rush, NO!
What about all the mental errors? Does that have anything to do with a pass rush, NO!
On a positive note I have heard he is been at the Jags complex every day studying film, and trying to get better. Remains to be seen how much he will improve.
No doubt the guy has a lot of talent, but its not all about talent.
My heart says he will be a good safety, but if I had to bet money it be that Gene will be looking hard for his replacement.
the man speaks good words
uche was the one that brought up reggie’s studying as of late
i believe it and hope it works out….but produce or go home-thats the league
LateRoundPick.com
Nelson
early on seemed to be magnetized to the ball. He was a great tackler shooting through the lanes and gaps like a heat seeking missle. WTF happened to him. Having more time to learn should have improved his game immensely. Was it complacency or lack of effort? Maybe.
I was a huge Nelson supporter, and to a lesser extent ,I still am. He has loads of talent-he needs to apply it.
I def would give him a clean slate to build upon this season..
by MikeThomasSlotReceiver on Apr 27, 2010 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions
The problem, I think...
Is that there were just too many people to tackle. Instead of the front seven take care of their business, it was often left to Reggie to get off his man and come and make a great tackle. Too many times I saw Reggie covering his man and then having to run the length of the field to save a play. A few times he failed, yes, but that was to be expected. With the pass rush and the front seven improving (hopefully) I believe that it will give Reggie the opprotunity to play his position well. We’ll see, but I’m looking forward to this next season.
by alwaysforgiven821 on Apr 27, 2010 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
He missed a lot of tackles that he would have made his rookie season. Kurt Warner and Hassleback lit him up and he failed to make the clutch play vs Colts (Wayne got him deep and Nelson made weak attempt to strip the ball and Wayne was in the endzone game over)
by MikeThomasSlotReceiver on Apr 27, 2010 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
The only point I’M against his relaese is what you mentioned. That passrush was existed in 2007; but itwas marginal in ‘08; and non existed in ’09.
However; his intereceptions were 0 last year. Anthony Smith who was brought to the roster in the second half of 09 recorded 2 in Reggie’s position…And the biggest issues is his tackles; which were sometimes painfull for us; and caused smile the the opponents…
But I agree; if he makes the final roster; and the passrush will resuurected; he must prove himself; or…
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
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by Zoltan from Budapest on Apr 27, 2010 5:14 PM EDT reply actions
Nice point of view...
Though one can always say that teams with great secondary force the Qb to wait another second in the pocket and get sacked…
by The Israeli Jaguar on Apr 27, 2010 5:16 PM EDT reply actions
Can somebody..........
please put me in some sort deep trance or induce hibernation and wake me up in August?? Help me!!!!!!!!!
frankDUBZ aka Frank Silba
"You have to stand for something, or you will fall for anything" - Me
Nelson one of the weak spots
I hope you guys also write something up about another major weakness, Meester!
Meester was really bad last year, and is another year older. Uche struggled at G, so I don’t see how trying him at Center will be any better. If anything it will make two spots even weaker.
I don’t see how the Jags are going to solve the problem. Only hope is that Newton can play C, or the Jgas get lucky and a good C becomes available.
Uche didn't struggle at G last year.
Out of the 5 offensive lineman he probably played the best.
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Uche
Have to disagree with you, he played poorly. He be the first to admit it. Good thing is that he played better down the stretch.
He was a DT in college that made the switch to G. He is still learning, so I think eventually he will become a good G.
Thats why I really don’t like the idea of moving him to C. The Jags are desperate so not much else they can do at that position.
Uche
Gave up the fewest sacks of any O-lineman by far
Not as good of a run blocker, but was easily the best pass blocker on the line
Currently Playing: God of War III
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by Jonathan Loesche on Apr 27, 2010 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Uche
I certainly hope he gave up the fewest sacks being that he plays G lol.
He really improved but overall was not a good G.
I watched the O-line and it was bad. Experts all said same thing.
Good news is that Vinnie should play a lot better since it will be 2 years removed from injury. The two rookie Tackles played better down the stretch, and have the potential to be really good. Uche should improve as well if they leave him at G.
Bad news is the C spot. Like I mentioned maybe the Jags get lucky and Newton comes on or they get and a good C becomes available.
Anyone know
if either of the UDFA Tackles are guard-worthy like Britton?
by Conservative on Apr 27, 2010 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions
What about
Jordan black at rt and Britton to rg.
by Slawsc on Apr 27, 2010 8:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm trying to get excited about John Estes, the C we picked up as a UDFA
I think there were some special circumstances that led to him slipping out of the draft (no combine, injury on his pro day). He’s use to playing from the shotgun, but I think he’ll be very good (links at the end of his post):
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/4/24/1442264/undrafted-free-agency-tracker-open#36024747
Pro Football Focus's OL rankings have Uche at a 0.9.
Which puts him at average. He also ranked as a significantly better pass blocker than anyone else on the Jags’ OL (4.0). It’s his run blocking that hurt his overall score and allowed Manuwai to eek out a better overall score (1.5). So of all the linemen to complain about, Uche is one of the least deserving of your attention.
In Gene We Trust.
by MoveThoseChains on Apr 27, 2010 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
He played best out of interior linemen
I think Britton played the best overall. I like Uche, he needs to continue to improve but Jags do need more depth in the interior. I couldn’t believe they didn’t address it in draft but Im not complaining cause I really liked the picks. Tho I think Scotty Mcgee has potential but I woulda rather grabbed Dorin Dikerson. The Texans picked him up so the Jags will have fun covering that mismatch.
by MikeThomasSlotReceiver on Apr 27, 2010 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Go check out the Mini camp this weekend!
Free parking, free admission, and a chance to see some new talent. I’ll be there.
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
by DownTownJax on Apr 27, 2010 6:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
On a somewhat unrelated note
Alualu better not hold out! We have seen two years in a row how it is detrimental to their ability to play early
If he could tackle then...
he would have an excuse for his limited INT and pass defended stats. Yet, he is a liability and that is not anything close to the definition I want for my safety. I wish him a good camp and his football revival, that would be a great help to our football team. I also think that Gerald Alexander is a pretty good football player.
Gene's Army
especially when he was traded for with Northcut. He needs to be the SS. He’s the best S on the roster.
by MikeThomasSlotReceiver on Apr 27, 2010 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Dude is a liability. I’d even be skeptical if put up a decent year with a solid pass rush. I have a hard time believing he’s anything but below average and if he has a decent season I’d be thinking someone else (hell, even A Smith) could do better.
State Update:
according to Terry’s favorite site (and mine too), Pro Football Focus:
Center Rankings:
33/34—Brad Meester
Guard Rankings:
32/84—Vincent Manuwai
36/84 —Uche Nwaneri [one ahead of Steve Hutchinson (vikes)]
2007:
Vince Manuwai was 26th
Brad Meester was 16th
just some food for thought
LateRoundPick.com
I thought Nelson was alright.
Although his play wasn’t anywhere near his ’07 form, he was certainly not terrible. One man can only do so much when the opposing QB has that much time. Furthermore, he only had a few bad games, just that we also lost those games. Basically, his flaws are magnified due to the lack of a pass rush.
You beat me to it, Adam. :)
I was going to write something including another review and look ahead. Really great job! :)
by alwaysforgiven821 on Apr 27, 2010 8:24 PM EDT reply actions
Nelson
Is one of the fastest DBs in the game. It’s all about mental with Reggie. With a revamped D line, I think he will have a comeback year, I hope.
One life to live, live it to the fullest...
by SDubxl456 on Apr 28, 2010 4:51 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
from ESPN.com (Clayton's mailbag)
Q: Do you think Reggie Nelson could end up on the Eagles in a trade?
Birdaretheword in Hershey, Pa.
A: For the Eagles to be wiling to accept Nelson, the Jaguars would have to give him away. Nelson just never seemed to connect with the Jaguars’ defense. He has had good coaching in Jacksonville, so if it didn’t work out there, what would make you think it would work in Philadelphia? For the Eagles to consider Nelson, they’d have to able to get him for a sixth-round pick and just bring him to camp to compete for a backup job. I don’t see that happening.
Sean Jax Beach Bum
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