Jacksonville Jaguars: Monday Morning Quarterback
by Alfie Crow on Aug 16, 2010 9:00 AM EDT
in Jacksonville Jaguars Post Game
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Not all was bad in the Jacksonville Jaguars loss Friday night to the Philadelphia Eagles. There were even positives I was able to take from David Garrard.
I've re-watched the match up between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars multiple times now, and not all is lost. While we must remember after all, it is only the first preseason game, there are still some observations that can be made, good and bad. Today, we'll look at some of the things that went right.
David Garrard
There were a couple plays I noted where David Garrard made the correct decisions and reads, despite not always getting the desired result. I re-watched all of Garrard's series multiple times and gave my play by play on Twitter early Saturday morning. For those who don't follow me on Twitter, I've been using player numbers to save space.
On the second drive under pressure Garrard made the correct decision under pressure:
- Shotgun, 3-wide, 3 step drop. Pressure up the middle, 9 dumps it to 32 for 6. Right decision. Trent Cole pushed Jordan Black into Garrard.
The following drive against the Eagles number twos, Garrard's best play occurred and was followed up by a good throw away:
- Hurry up offense. Shotgun, 3-wide with 32 out wide, 33 next to 9. 3-step, steps up in pocket fires to Thomas for 16. Easy play.
- Shotgun, 3-wide, 32 lined up wide behind 11. Quick screen, pumps and it's covered, thrown away. Good throw away.
On all three of these plays, Garrard made the correct reads and correct decisions. Even on his throw away, it was the correct throw away. The Eagles sniffed out the quick screen to Maurice Jones-Drew and stepped in the path, so wisely David chucked the football out of bounds.
Even on the final play, where Garrard sailed the pass to Mike Sims-Walker who dropped the football after getting hit by Kurt Coleman, Garrard felt the pressure coming from rookie Brandon Graham after he ran past Paul McQuistan who looked like he was standing still. Garrard knew he had limited time to throw and got the football out. He wound up rushing the pass however, and it sailed and fell incomplete, but he felt the pressure and got the football out.
Terrance Knighton
Knighton was targeted earlier over the weekend as my game MVP, even over Luke McGowen. His play was nothing short of fantastic.
Derrick Harvey
Derrick Harvey wound up with a sack and force fumble on Michael Vick. Harvey rushed wide and then ripped back inside punching the ball out on quarterback Michael Vick. Aside from that play, Harvey had a couple of other plays where he was able to get some pressure and effect the quarterback. I still believe with a healthy Aaron Kampman on the other side, Harvey is poised to have a very nice season.
Justin Durant
It appears Justin Durant has finally learned to control his speed, at least after a single pre-season game. Durant was all over the field being back at his outside linebacker position. He was able to break up a touchdown pass and showed nice awareness throughout the game.
Reggie Nelson
Reggie Nelson? Yes, Reggie Nelson. While overall his play was up and down, he showed some nice plays Friday night. There was a play in which Rashean Mathis was playing a trail technique knowing Reggie Nelson would be helping over the top, and Reggie Nelson broke on the pass and nearly intercepted the football. Nelson was also able to come up and support the run on occasion.
Kevin Haslam
The undrafted rookie out of Rutgers got a lot of playing time at both right tackle and left tackle, and I thought had a really good game. He had his brain-fart moments, but overall Haslam held his own and I believe showed why the coaching staff is so high on him.
Deji Karim and Scotty McGee
Both rookie return men were fantastic. Unfortunately, neither really got much opportunity returning punts, but both looked excellent returning kicks and look like they will be threats on special teams. Both averages over 30 yards per kick return, Karim with a long of 68 and McGee with a long of 46.
Adam Podlesh
The much maligned by the fans punter actually had a really good game. Podlesh, with the help of Kassim Osgood, was able to pin the Eagles inside the five yard line, and finished with an average of only 37 yards, but four of his six punts were downed inside the 20 yard line.
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Glad to see Nelson on your list
The rap he is getting for not making the play on Vick is, in my opinion, a bit nit picky. Even at his age Vick was probably still one of the best pure athletes on the field. He also wrapped up nicely.
Still not sure on Harvey. I don’t recall any technique improvements that allowed him to utilized the reported speed he’s gained from losing weight.
It was also nice to not see Jennings on your list. I just don’t see quickness that will make him anything better than a 3rd down back.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
My personal blog:
I was going to give a pass on the Vick thing as well
Wasn’t he known for “The Michael Vick experience”? He is still an accomplished runner and would do that to anyone. Was Reggie a little out of place, yes. Would Vick still have made it, possibly.
I'm sorry...
I have to disagree. Watching the game… two or three times I had to ask myself who #25 was. I had my suspicions it was Reggie, but the NFL network’s camras are not the best and I had to re-check the roster.
Okay – I’ll forget Nelson’s dive at Vick’s feet, but what bugged me was that the plays he was in on at the line of scrimmage, he was always pulling the runner back on himself or trying to wrestle the guy to the ground. Meaning, I don’t think he has the power to tackle and drive the opposing player back. I know he is a safety, but this is the same thing we have seen in the past years. Reggie just can’t tackle without a full out run and dive. Too many chances for failure in my opinion.
Reggie was not that bad.
Reggie had 5 Tackles and 1 Pass Deflection. I mean he looked pretty good for a pre-season game. I think he is going to improve.
Love Life and pursue happiness.
by Dale Jovan Rodriguez on Aug 16, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
id have to....
agree with pretty much everything here….i deji will be amazing not only in the return game, but i think he will push for the 2nd back if not by the end of this year by next year.
Next week, I would like to see Luke and David share reps with the 1st…..I know everyone has there own oppinion….but id like to see if luke could push for the job….why not….we use our BAP right?…..and if daves not it, then we go with luke, but he should be given the opertunity after last weeks performance to at least see if it was a fluke for luke!
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
From Today's Ask Vic
Brian from Jacksonville: What can we take seriously from Friday night’s game
against the Eagles?
Vic: You have to have a feel for the preseason to know how to apply it. The one
thing you absolutely don’t do is to put any stock in the stats. If you really
want to go to the trouble of analyzing preseason games, you have to look hard at
the tapes and judge each player independently. A good throw is a good throw,
even if it’s dropped, and a bad throw is a bad throw, even if it’s caught. David
Garrard made a couple of what should’ve been drive-sustaining throws and they
were dropped. Who knows what those drives would’ve produced had those passes not
been dropped? On the one, he was hit as he threw. Hey, wasn’t that one of the
focuses of the offseason, to keep him from getting hit? Well, if Eugene Monroe
and Eben Britton had been in the game, he probably wouldn’t have been hit. In
other words, to analyze these games accurately, you have to be objective, and
I’m not getting that from the e-mails I’ve received. What I’m getting are e-
mails from people with a bias and they’re using the stats to support their bias.
Don't necessarily agree with Vic on this
Simply because his “drops” position is flawed. I will go to my grave defending the MSW “drop” as a well defended play. Yes David could’ve place the ball less to the inside of the receiver but that is me being too nit picky. Beyond that, what were the other “drive sustaining drops”? Is he going to call the other MSW a “drop” while noting DG was hit as he threw and in turn ignoring MSW was sandwiched as he extended?
Those are 2 of the 3 incomplete passes. Add the throw behind MSW, the ball thrown away on the WR screen the first pass of the game and that defines all the incomplete passes. There were only two passes which could be defined as drive sustainers and of those only one can be argued.
I’ll need to rewatch the play but I thought David released it before he was hit.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
My personal blog:
by Brian Fullford on Aug 16, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Should've been 2 of the 5 incompletions
I’m trying to understand what the drive sustaining drops are. If he says “a couple” he must be referring to MSW as the other 3 weren’t drive sustaining. That being the case I’m not convinced you can all both of those “drops”. If they aren’t “drops” then what is Vic’s argument?
I don’t necessarily fault David for these 2 passes in question. Vic, in my opinion, puts the onus on MSW on both plays, which is a false representation of the plays.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
My personal blog:
by Brian Fullford on Aug 16, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I've been arguing this point the entire time
I really do think MSW should have caught both of those passes. And had it been a less favored receiver, like Matt Jones or Reggie Williams in the past, I think more people would be calling the WR out for dropping them. The long pass was being bobbled before MSW was hit. He should have caught it.
Thought I Might Change My Mind After Review
I simply didn’t. The first pass is arguably catchable and could concede that but the fourth down thrown he was hit in the shoulder while being stripped. Touch catch by anyone.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
My personal blog:
by Brian Fullford on Aug 16, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not disputing he should have caught it.
It was far from a gimmie catch, however. Guy lays out for a pass, gets drilled and it pops out. Tough play.
by Alfie Crow on Aug 16, 2010 10:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Totally agree with you.
Didn’t say you were. My position was solely on Vic’s take. I think the problem is the need to blame either David or MSW when in fact there were conditions which facilitated both passes to be incomplete. Calling it a “drop” assumes fault on the receiver which I don’t believe the tape indicates. Like Vic said, watch the tape.
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
My personal blog:
by Brian Fullford on Aug 16, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not disputing he should have caught it.
It was far from a gimmie catch, however. Guy lays out for a pass, gets drilled and it pops out. Tough play.
by Alfie Crow on Aug 16, 2010 10:19 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I apparently suck at mobile posting
by Alfie Crow on Aug 16, 2010 10:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
EXACTLY....
look at the tape, who cares bout states….tom brady, and company didnt have great stats either, ….but what i did see was QB with a very nice touch on the ball, and able to change plays by OH WHAT READING THE D-FENCE?……what we saw the other night was typical DG…..3 days prior at Atlanta he looked by all acounts great, didnt see for my self, but what we all read….and then he shows up looking like the DG we have all comed to see in the show….he gives you one good look, just enough to get your hopes up and then crushes your thoughts…..So i say let them battle it out, if there both nothing but back ups….well id rahter pay the lesser and move on to the draft of next year…..
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
Don't crucify me or anything...
But Alf, I didn’t see anything on our 1st round pick Tyson. Did he not play or did he not doing anything too mentionable. Like I said… don’t crucify me I don’t think the game was aired outside the Jax CBS market, so I couldn’t catch it (I also don’t have NFL Net.).
Alualu didn't play
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.
Vince Lombardi
My personal blog:
by Brian Fullford on Aug 16, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Any reason why?
contract talks take too long/ lack of training camp…injury….just was held out?
by David Truax on Aug 16, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Ask Vic part Deux
“You need a quarterback who is the unchallenged leader of the team. You don’t treat this position as you treat others.”
For a guy who covered the Steelers during the early years of the Bradshaw/Gilliam/Hanratty battles, he is rusty on his history.
I hate to say this but that has been this organization’s mindset since 2003. At some point there must be expectations on the qb to not simply be “serviceable”. What I saw Friday is that we have 2 interchangeable qb’s who are just as capable of making the jaw dropping play as they are of making the head scratching play.
I don’t think it’s too much to expect your starter, who has been entrenched for going on 4 years now, to play with some semblance of confidence. Is it?
But in true Vic fashion, I think he is implying that JDR is 1 preseason game away from putting McCown in with the starters to see what he can do. Hell, if JDR does go to McCown, he may have bought himself one more year as coach.
2007 – switch at qb; team goes to playoffs, giddy owner rewards coach and diamond in the rough qb with big extensions. exceeded expectations, all is well
2008 – offensive line disintegrated in week one, beyond his control. not his fault
2009 – roster overhaul. 35 new faces, no one can win with that type of team, 7 wins, assistants did a great job “coaching them up” all rewarded with extensions. the n we lose four in a row to close the season, not his fault, team ran out of talent.
2010 (hypothetical) – made the switch at qb with the guarantee that we will draft our future in the 2011 draft. Cut #9 or traded #9 for a disgruntled starter/ backup with starting experience like a Quinn or Derek Anderson or Clements or Pennington, Rosenfels type.
If we make a playoff run, another extension, if not, again, not his fault, he gets another stay of execution.
He has pretty much guaranteed that he will be here for at least the year before his deal expires, so as to avoid a lame duck season.
Look, I realize it’s only one game, but I do not think at this point in Garrard’s career, he should be as skittish as he was Friday.
is that too much to ask?
HOAH!!!!
+1000……..
I am glad that even though deployed to iraq, were still able to get our football, i think the native iraqi’s were little scared when i was yelling at the tv at DG….they prob, really think were all crazy now lol….
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
Three series in the first preseason game of the year...
Everybody, I love the passion, but I feel like all this QB talk this week should be on next week’s installment of “Come on Man!”. Seriously, we’re talking about three series. Yes I understand the history involved and that is what is more concerning to me going into the year. HOWEVER, we still have WRs dropping the ball (and if one more guy says look at the tape, I’m gonna lose my damn mind), and Alfie has said that he made the right decisions in the plays he was given. Luke McCown was given different plays to run against lesser competition. Settle down, it doesn’t mean anything. Look at one on one matchups, see how young guys are developing and how the roster is filling out with the depth chart. That’s all the pre season is for… glorified practice to build the roster.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
I get it
I understand it’s only the first game of the preseason. But I don’t think it’s much to ask for a guy who’s started 3 years to give the appearance that he’s in charge out there. It’s the little things, bibbee, that he needs to be doing out there. Let me first clarify by saying he’s obviously our best option. I was a little over the top with McCown, but you can’t disagree there are a heck of a lot of “what the hell is he doing out there?” moments with #9.
The little things, like reading through his progressions, not telegraphing his passes, overall not looking like that little kid with glasses in “Little Giants” who’s begging the refs to blow the whistle when the defense gets near him. I’m not expecting a tuck it and run, there’s no need for it. I’m expecting a quarterback to have pocket presence and execute the plays and change out as needed by reading the defense. Kyle Orton looked good, as did Kolb and many other starters. Hell, Charlie Whitehurst actually looked good and he hasn’t played meaningful minutes in what 3-4 years? David has made too many damning comments to the media this offseason that I have interpreted as “I have not put in the roadwork that I should and now I’m getting called out so I better step it up.”
Sorry to say, but Garrard has the same body language Byron had in preseason 2007. Now that being said, I’m sure Garrard would put up similar if not better numbers against the 2nd or 3rd string Eagles D as McCown did. But, he’s not paid to be the backup, he’s the starter. He has not performed consistently through his reign here to absolve himself of fan scrutiny.
I know the third game is typically the dress rehearsal for the regular season, but I want to see some fluidity in the first string offense.
Garrard's body language?
Come on… Really?
Do you know how many QB’s look good in the preseason that do diddly in the regular season and vice versa?
tell me
What has he done to warrant all of this rope?
Look, as I said, I understand it’s only preseason Game 1, and I realize he’s the best option we have right at this moment. But I for the life of me cannot see what he’s accomplished to give him all of this latitude. All I hear are excuses. Well, let me tell you, excuses are commitments to failure.
All what latitude ?
as Vic says in one of his answers today, he’s gone out to the QB tree and there aren’t any good ones left.
The coaches see these guys every day and their job is on the line. Do you honestly not think that if JDR thought McCown gave them a better chance to win he wouldn’t be starting ?
Do you honestly think that if Gene Smith thought there was a better option available at home sitting on his sofa he wouldn’t call him up and bring him in ?
I agree.... kind of
My thing is this and it goes back to my original post on this. The organization has been loathe to make a play for ANY reputable quarterback since 2003. Whether it’s out of massaging and mollifying egos, Shack’s decision making acumen, the bottom line is there have been several solid quarterbacks available whether through free agency, trade, or draft and we’ve sat on our hands. 7 years! Hell, the Colts drafted Curtis Painter a couple years ago.
Everyone is saying wait til 2011, wait til 2011. Well, this is for all intents and purposes, Garrard’s lame duck season.
Curtis Painter sucks worse
Look at all the QBs drafted in the past 3 years and tell me how many of them are decent, let alone panned out to be franchise QBs.
Take your time, I’ll wait.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
Yeah, the same curtis painter who
Threw 3 Interceptions in the Colts 1st preseason game ???
qbs of last 3 years
2010 – Bradford Clausen *Tebow
2009 – Sanchez, Stafford, Freeman
2008 – Ryan, Flacco, Henne
2007 – Kolb
By my count, that’s 10 of 32 teams that drafted quarterbacks who have or may pan out. Seeing as how you can’t really use “over the past 3 years” as a criterion for "panning out, here’s a couple more years for a point of reference
2006 – V. Young, Cutler, *T. Jackson, *Whitehurst, *Gradkowski (quality starts with Raiders last year)
2005 – *Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers, Jason Campbell, Orton, *Cassel
Also, it really depends on your definition of “panning out.” By panning out do you mean entrenched as the team’s undisputed starter? Winning record? 4000 yard passer?
I put asterisks by the guys I would consider “iffy.”
I'd take Garrard over many of those guys
and many of the good ones the Jaguars never had a chance to draft.
I’d also say the jury is still out on everyone since 2007 except Ryan and Flacco.
I've always said
Garrard is like a Delhomme who won’t take risks.
Maybe right now, but Stafford is gonna be a good one, Henne and Freeman too.
The thing is no matter how you slice it or dice it, he’s a battle weary 32 year old qb. In 2007, he was a young 29 as he was not subject to the weekly pounding.
The other kids all have upside going for them.
I just want to know....
why are we paying TOP dollar for a premeir back up?…. We all know in our heart of hearts that DG is mearly a good back up….and we all know were hopeing to get our Future Starting QB next year…..so why not give McCown a shot at taking DG’s job…it could save us alot of money this year….
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
I do not see DG as "mearly a good back-up"....
and I don’t think I am alone in that opinion. I do agree we will be looking at drafting a QB next year.
if hes not?
then why are we needing to find a new QB, were looking for a our future, at starter, someone who isnt capabale of being a starter is a back up….McCown is a great back up….Garrad is IMO a superb back up……but why pay top dollar, for someone whos is as of such?
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
Fans on Forums
are looking for a new QB. There’s no indication that The Jaguars management “are needing to find a new QB”.
Of course they’ll probably draft one next year but as strong as the crop of QB’s is, and with what 2 drafts under Gene Smith have shown us, people will most likely be upset with who he drafts.
i dont care
who he drafts, as long as he preforms…..isnt that what we all want?…So far mean gene has done everthing wrong by the experts but everything right IMO for the team.
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
I agree long-term
but immediately after the draft you know this place is going to go ballistic no matter who he drafts. Especially if he doesn’t select one until the 3rd round or later.
My reason for looking for a new QB would be the same if we had Peyton Manning at the helm,
or David Garrard. There is a draft class coming up that seems to be rich in QB talent. Our QB is in his mid 30’s (35 I think), and he can’t play the game for ever. Other teams with QB’s that are getting older will be looking at this draft class too. Smart drafting would seem to have a team find a replacement while the current starter could teach and mentor. Wanting to find the QB of the future has much more to do with than just the current play of your present starter, in my opinion.
I will agree with you there....
but will you agree with me that we are in need of a new starting QB who can actuall prefome on a regular?…..
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
I am going to reserve comment on that......
until the guy we currently have has a chance to play with a complete starting line up in a real game situation. It would be nice to think that would happen Saturday night, but in all honesty, I probably have to wait until Sept. 12. If the DG lead offensive unit fails that test, and there is no reason why they should have, then I will agree with you. I do hope to feel more confidence after this weekend.
Feel confident
QB’s at his age don’t usually revert after starting a few years unless the injuries start mounting up. We follow this stuff so closely, it’s like reacting every second to the ups and downs of the stock market when what really really should be noticing is the long term curve. Over a long span, which way is the arrow pointing?
Haslam
I’m excited that Kevin Haslam did not only play well for a UDFA but had what would be considered a good game even for a top draft pick. He looked comfortable out there and did not look overmatched at any time.
You are right that we saw why the coaching staff is so high on him.
Against backups
I’ll take a look at him again, but we still need to keep our expectations in check about most UDFA’s.
Udfa
Keep in mind in Haslam’s case, he should not be considered your normal FA. Jags had him on their board as high as the 4th round. There was just never that run of OL taken in mid rounds so we got a steal as a UDFA. What I understand, there was quite the rush by a lot of teams trying to get him signed.
I just watched the game again. He gets the best compliment an OL can get, the general fan never even knew he was in the game.
Tell that too the giants
did you see cruse for giants….wow for a UDFA he sure looked good….just bc someone dosnst get drafted dosnt mean there not diamond, Maybe they know othere teams dont know aobut them, and save a draft pick….never know.
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
and just because a WR
has a great showing in a preseason game, doesn’t mean he’ll ever play a down in the NFL during the regular season as a WR.
correct me if im wrong....
but dont we have a linebacker that plays and seems to be pretty decent, with the name of Allan?
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
I have no idea
what you’re talking about. Honestly. And that’s because I don’t have the time or desire to study all of the late-round picks and UDFA’s on the team.
When the team is finalized, I’ll start learning the names of the guys who are new and are playing on Sunday.
im talking about
Russle Allen….he was a UDFA if im not mistaken….
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
Earlier
i was speaking of UFDA in general, you specficaly brought up the WR…..I just happend to use last nights game as and example. But i guess you cant find Great tallent out here unless theve been drafted acording to your theory right?
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
What theory ?
I think you’re confusing me with someone else. My only point was specific to WR’s and sure, there are success stories that come out of the UDFA ranks (Mile Austin for example), but it appears to me there are far more 1-hit wonders during the preseason that success stories.
And I’m talking specifically about WR’s and my comment was specifically in response to THIS STATEMENT “did you see cruse for giants….wow for a UDFA he sure looked good”
Like i said....
i was just using him as an example about UDFA that looked good and made some impressive catches….
Mess With the Best Die like the Rest
Quite
A few teams had Haslam graded out in rounds 4-6. There is a reason he is a priority FA. The good thing is that he played like it on Friday.
I just love comments like this
Neither you, nor the many people who make comments like this, have any idea where any NFL Team had any players graded.
by pksiv on Aug 17, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Pksiv
Seeing your posts, I see that you are a legend in your own mind. And that being the case, you assume that you have more knowledge then anyone else…so, since you don’t know me, how do you make the statement that I don’t have some knowledge that you don’t.
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