Jacksonville Jaguars Off-Season Outlook: Defense
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 9:05 AM EST
in Jacksonville Jaguars News
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PrintI could just go the easy route for looking at the off-season outlook and say blow the defense to smithereens, but that'd be too easy. Plus, the Jacksonville Jaguars do have some good players at key pieces on the defense and have a good foundation to build on. Click the jump and we'll look at who's a free-agent and the critical positions that need to be upgraded.
Jaguars players on defense set to be free agents:
- Kirk Morrison, MLB
- Justin Durant, OLB
- Freddy Keiaho, OLB
- David Jones, CB
- Sean Considine, S
The elephant in the room for the Jacksonville Jaguars defense is the back seven. The defensive line is locked up for a while, littered with young players and freshly signed free agents like Jeremy Mincey and Aaron Kampman. I would look for the Jaguars to add another defensive end either through the draft or in free agency. Not necessarily a big name player, but they need another pass rusher.
I don't expect either Kirk Morrison or Justin Durant to be re-signed by the Jaguars. In my opinion, neither has really played all that well. I gave Morrison a pass early in the season because he was getting acclimated to a new system, but his play was rather average much of the season and he often got beat in coverage. His best game was against his former team, the Oakland Raiders. Justin Durant on the other hand just can't stay healthy. He's a pretty good player who has physical ability, but he's yet to put it all together on the field. He's never been able to play an entire season in his short career. I would look for the Jaguars to look to upgrade the linebacker position in both free agency and the draft. Judging by Wayne Weaver's press conference, he thinks the team is close to making a playoff push. Whether or not I disagree, there are a few free agent linebackers the Jaguars could target to bolster the defense.
Potential Jaguars LB Targets:
- Chad Greenway
- Ben Leber
- Barrett Ruud
- Stephen Nicholas
- Paul Posluszny
- D'Qwell Jackson
- Zac Diles
- Clint Session
- Thomas Howard
- Ernie Sims
- Quincy Black
- Antwan Barnes
In the secondary, the Jaguars have to get Don Carey off the football field first and foremost. I can't count the ways he kills the defense because I don't have enough fingers. While it's not always entirely his fault, Carey routine bites on play fakes and takes horrible angles when he comes in to support the run. I feel Courtney Greene will settle in just fine as a strong safety. He's adequate in coverage and is an asset in coming up to support the run. On the outside at the corner position, I don't have that much of a problem with Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox. Cox had a really rough pre-season and opening day, but once he came back from his benching he played solid. I don't think Mathis was near as bad as fans make him out to be, but he is clearly on the decline. Mathis has another year on his contract and if he's kept, I feel he'll be asked to make the move to free safety. I'd look for the Jaguars to look at safety and corner in both free agency and the draft.
Potential Jaguars DB Targets:
- Eric Weddle, S
- Carlos Rodgers, CB
- Josh Wilson, CB
- Quintin Mikell, S
- Tom Zbikowski, S
- Anthony Smith, S
- Atari Bigby, S
- Jarrad Page, S
- Champ Bailey, CB
Champ Bailey seems like a "name" name to throw out, but he is coming off one of his best seasons ever and the Broncos do not look like they'll pay him. Signing someone like Bailey would allow you to move Mathis back to his natural position at free safety and shore up two positions at once. Money is of course a determining factor, but Bailey is also from and lives in the region.
While I expect an offensive position here or there, the Jaguars draft will likely be defense heavy again. I don't think this defense is far off from being a good defense. Not in the elite category, but good.
What Alfie Would Do If He Were GM:
If I were the GM, I would allow all of the current defensive free agents to walk and then make Chad Greenway my priority in free agency. Gene Smith has a relationship with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, which he used to help lure Aaron Kampman to Jacksonville. Greenway would fit perfect on the opposite side of Daryl Smith. To address the middle linebacker position I would draft someone like Nate Irving from NC State, who's likely a third round pick or so right now. I would also bring back a depth/potential starter player in Brian Iwuh, who I was surprised the Jaguars let go. In the secondary I would target Josh Wilson at the cornerback position and move Mathis to safety. Mathis has one year left on his deal worth $4.55 million. He made it known in the off-season he wanted a new deal but fell on his face during the season. I'd give Mathis the chance to earn a new deal at a new/old position, free safety. I'd also consider trying to net a middle-tier defensive end like Dave Ball to add depth and competition.
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I approve sir.
However, I think there is a reason Anthony Smith was traded, and I doubt he would be a person of interest for the secondary. Other than that, I think this would all be pretty darned satisfactory.
The Linebackers may actually be worst than the secondary.
Terrible in run support and in pass coverage.
I disagree
Justin Durant played well between his 2 injuries. Daryl Smith was lights out in the last couple of games. Kirk Morrison did a solid (but of course not perfect) job. Plus the backups were not so great this . Russell Allen had a not so good 2nd year; and the rest of the backups were just guys.
Meanwhiile in the secondary- Rashean had terrible season (i think he might be gone because of that); and he was not injured. The FS position is a mess. Derek Cox was average; but by far he was the best CB. Courtney Greene was a mild positive surprise.
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by Zoltan from Budapest on Jan 5, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
Great assessment
I think we give Rashean a huge pass too often because the safety play was so poor, but release point and slowing a receiver down before he gets to the safety are his responsibility. I don’t see Pro Bowl anywhere on Rashean Mathis these days… I think he’s relegated to just a guy status and we have to rely on him because he’s a veteran presence and leader on a cast of young guys and we just don’t have a better option.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
I thought Rashean had a pretty good 2nd half
I think it’s extremely tough for fans to evaluate CB’s because we don’t know what defense was called and often it’s the CB who looks like he blew a coverage when, in fact, it was the safety.
And just like every position on the team, you don’t let him go until you have someone better in place. And since the Jags have ZERO CB depth, I’m fairly certain they don’t have anyone better.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
cox average?
He actaually played pretty well this year after the benching.
You sure it wasn't that he
played well when compared to the rest of the DB’s ?
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
He was head and shoulders above the next db on our team. Usually when I watch a game I’m looking to see who is getting thrown at. If a player isn’t getting thrown at or having to make a lot of tackles teams are going away from him because he has solid coverage on a receiver. They always threw at Rasean or the nickleback that was in the game.
Chad Greenway
I remember the year he was drafted, I was praying for the jags to draft him. It would be awesome if he could end up with the jags next season
Very nice summary Alfie- well done!
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by Zoltan from Budapest on Jan 5, 2011 9:47 AM EST reply actions
Seriously? You want Carey off the field but want to pay Mathis more?
(by giving him a new contract?)
Mathis never once tried on any plays. I don’t know of any other CB’s that constantly give a 10 yard bubble on the line and when the quick slant comes, zero adjustment made. He is aweful. I could cut him and more Carey back to CB, his true position. Durant, let him walk?
and get Iwuh?
over Durant? Drink some coffee, take a breath, WooSaa
Season just ended and lets not gut the team in our minds and the get upset when it doesn’t happen.
Wow, that’s a lot of word twisting you did.
Where did I say give Mathis a contract? Where’d I say start Iwuh over Durant?
Let’s not gut the team? Who said gut it? Durant and Morrison are both effectively not on the team, as their contracts have expired.
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 10:00 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I would say he's just a guy
I’ll defer to EWD but I would say older LB, heady but not fast, special teamer.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
Also...
he couldn’t start for the Colts at LB. Not exactly a stall wort Defensive powerhouse up there…
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
Mathis doesn’t chose what kind of bubble to give. That’s the design if they play and scheme, not by choice of the player. It’s not on Mathis to go outside of the scheme and decide to go from off to press coverage.
Cut Mathis and move Carey back to corner? Maybe you missed OTAs/Camp/Pre-season but Carey was just as awful at corner. He was beat like a drum, routinely.
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 10:03 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was just saying they are both aweful
and don’t get how you like one over the other. What plays did Mathis do that screamed KEEP ME! He gave up and never tried. And I disagree with you on the bubble issue, cause he’s slow now and can’t keep up. Kind of why he was always burnt even with the bubble.
And you’re saying Mathis wasn’t constantly burnt? The 7th round rookie on the Patriots is a probowler and Mathis wasn’t even in consideration. Meaning he is not elite, like David, and doesn’t derserve anything after that season performance. Please don’t think I am trying to be on Carey’s side. It is a failed project and they should admit.
Devin McCourty (of the Pats) is a Pro-Bowl alternate. He was also a 1st round pick, not a 7th round pick.
I never said Mathis wasn’t constantly burnt. There’s no need to twist words here. Again, no where did I say anything about giving Mathis a new contract for 2011.
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 11:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Disagree with the bubble all you want, but it’s fact. The Jaguars have played off coverage at the corner position since Del Rio’s tenure. That’s how the scheme is drawn up, it has nothing to do with any of the corner’s speed.
So, you complain I want to gut the team but want to cut Mathis? Alright.
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 11:16 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'd slow down on the "it's fact"
The only fact I can say with 100% certainty is that Mathis has lost a step. Corners also determine how to play a guy within the scheme. How much cushion to give, etc. Yes, JDR stresses that you keep the play in front of you, but other than press, man, zone – everything else is on the player. Especially a cover guy.
I would say Mathis gives more cushion because he doesn’t have the closing speed he once had and it allows him to keep the play in front of him / allow him to try and make a play in a reactionary mode… in theory.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
I won’t slow down on it being a fact, because it is. That’s how their scheme is run. I’ve asked.
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 12:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Then it must be true, huh?
I’m sure everything you’re told is 100% honest, without bias or agenda and completely true at all times, without regard to the player or PR. And don’t get me wrong, I am not saying in this instance it’s not true… that they coach giving space to keep the play in front of you and allow yourself to make a play and have time to react. I truly believe that.
HOWEVER, Rashean gives way too much room, especially on a tight third down. Rashean Mathis as a man knows that if it’s 3rd and 6 or 8, you don’t give 10 yards cushion. You can’t put that on a coach because you know better and the coach will tell you you know better. If you’re a cover corner, then cover the guy. But my theory is that Rashean lacks the speed to do that really well anymore. Or did you not see him falling behind trying to chase down Kevin Walter going across the middle last week?
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
There are no absolutes
That’s all I’m sayin.
Agree to disagree… When in Rome… all that…
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
every dog has his day...
even a broken watch is right twice…the grass is always greener…i’m rubber you’re glue…
...
HOWEVER, Rashean gives way too much room, especially on a tight third down. Rashean Mathis as a man knows that if it’s 3rd and 6 or 8, you don’t give 10 yards cushion. You can’t put that on a coach because you know better and the coach will tell you you know better.
Again, scheme still matters here. If the scheme is designed to keep plays in front of them, they’ll still play ten yards off on 3rd and 6 because giving up 7 yards is still better than giving up 50 if they go over the top.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 6, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
Some of the mock drafts have us picking up Janoris Jenkins from FL.....
with our first pick in the 2011 draft. If that were true, assuming we stick with Cox at the other corner, could we then move Mathis to one safety and keep Greene at the other? I think Mathis is cheap after this year’s performance, and Jenkins certainly could be an upgrade at CB. I thought Cox played well and Greene looked good to me too.
This has been asked a few times
but since Mathis seems to shy away from contact these days, why would you want him at Safety ?
You don’t let people walk unless you have someone better to replace them. Any FA we sign will be a guy some other team let walk so we need to be sure he’s an upgrade.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
I agree.....
I was trying to propose a way to not go after a new free agent by using Greene, Mathis, Cox, and drafting Jenkins. Your point about Rashean not wanting to hit anyone is valid, and kind of puts a hole in my plan. Maybe the organization is referring to him as elite to increase his potential trade value, kind of like they did with Nelson!
star shopping
Getting Champ Bailey will show the casual fan that the team is willing to make a splash to instantly upgrade the secondary, which he will. Thing is and I’ve said this a million times, do we keep Rashean or move him to safety alongside Greene?
Bailey, Mathis, Greene, Cox. All of a sudden with 2 tweaks, we’ve gotten respectable.
He made a few good tackles the other day but the wear and tear of the position I don’t know that he is ready for it. Who knows? This is a secondary deep draft, a good player can be had in the 4th or later rounds.
Mathis is the key and the biggest question
What do you do with that guy? He’s the best option we have at the 2nd CB spot, but his play is way down. And how do you move him to safety when he shies away from contact/doesn’t tackle all that well? The one thing I do know is you don’t give him another big contract… that would be asinine.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
I guess that depends on the safety
Big name guys draw big pay checks, but in general yes.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
The chances for Rashean to get a big contract sailed....
when he did not get it after skipping OTA’s. I think Gene and Jack knew what they had on their hands before OTA’s even started, and he never proved them wrong!
I thought I read...
…somewhere that Champ was up to playing safety to prolong his career. Not sure if he was stating that for the future, or on his next team.
I dont think Gene is going to sign
Any of those guys. I don’t expect us to make much of a free agency impact this year. The only reason we signed Kampman last year was because he was he was coming off a serious injury and we could get a dominant pass rusher at a discount price. Most of the guys listed above either offer minimal improvement to what we already have or are going to ask for too much money
by duuuvaaalll on Jan 5, 2011 11:00 AM EST via mobile reply actions
.. i think Gene Smith will feel a little pressured this year to look into the free agency. My gut tells me that ISNT what he wants to do but with JDRs job on the line, he may need to shy away from his philosophy of building through the draft and pick up solid vets..
its going to be a very interesting offseason.
not only!
is JDR’s job on the line, but the owners reputation. He is keeping this coach against what most fans(ive read and heard on the radio) want. there is constant talk of non renews and im not buying(which is BS). i think they might just be active in free agency. i dont think they will go hugh douglas crazy. but WW has to show the casual fan he is going for it. we here at BCC realize that it is gonna take another year. with hopes that it might gel and work this year. with that said..not only for jobs, but this is to save some face as well. lets hope gene can keep the sanity.
Wayne Weaver has "gone for it" before
That didn’t turn out so well, now did it? The best thing he can do for the fans is to see this rebuilding through. Throwing it out two seasons in will just set the team back again.
bring Nicholas home
he is a local kid and can play.
any LB who can cover a TE would be a plus
We’re never gonna get over the hump if we can’t cover the TE. We’re in the same conference as SD, NE, and we have to face Owen Daniels and Dallas Clark twice a year.
Getting a LB who can keep us from getting consistently burned by the tight end is a must.
Our secondary is terrible. Cox is really the only one worth keeping long term.
Chad Greenway
He’s really good in coverage
by Houndslb58 on Jan 5, 2011 1:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
agreed daves and hounds
cox definitely and maybe greene are the only ppl in secondary we would keep if we could
if we sign one free agent, i want greenway
by harveyismyboy on Jan 6, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Why change anything? With Jack back, all the players have to do is play harder.
Seriously, I would get rid of the following Starters/Somewhat Starters for next season.
Carey
Mathais
Morrisson
Durant
Considine
Harvey
Draft and FA
I think Carey will stay on the team, but can be replaced via the draft. I think Mathais can be traded for a 6th Rounder and a player (ala Reggie Nelson). Same between Morrisson and Durant, one replaced by draft other by Free Agency. Considine and Harvey just get released.
Three players you left of as FA...
Eric Wright (You can never enough CB…you can grab him and possibly move Cox to S) or just draft a NB that will eventually replace Mathis.
DE Kiwanuka from the Giants is stuck behind Tuck, Usi and Pierre-Paul…he’s coming off an injury and he could easily upgrade our DE position with Kampman coming back.
As far LB…I like Paul Polusky (Bills), but his coverage range is very suspect. He offers a slight upgrade over Morrison…I say find a Mike Backer in the draft (he’s out there, Gene go find him).
I like Champ Bailey. He has been quoted of his desire to play FS to prolong his career…he would be an ideal candidate. That can allow Don “Rookie” Carey to learn more and compete for the NB position.
One life to live, live it to the fullest...
Another vote for Paul Posluszny
This guys almost averaged 100 solo tackles a year in the last three years, which is even more impressive when you figure he’s had health issues. I can only hope we’d be able to lure him away. I think most of he’s been exposed a bit playing the weak side in Buffalo this year (and coming of an MCL sprain). However for us, he’d be a great upgrade at MLB in our 4-3 defense.
Given the comparatively low value contract offers I expect Durant to attract, I don’t see why he should return as well.
sdub youre retarded
cox is our best corner and a pro bowler someday
by harveyismyboy on Jan 6, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
greenway and, bailey wouglkd be my FA targets tey would instantly improve the team, nd mathis will holdout again, and i dont think gene smith will like that
by rhettchrystal on Jan 5, 2011 1:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Tom Zbikowski would be my guy
He’s only been in the league for 3 years so he’s still young. He just seems like a Gene Smith kind of guy. He Played at Notre Dame so that tells you he had to have been intelligent enough to get into the school. He was a two time team captain for the Fighting Irish. He started his own foundation to support research for brain tumors and help families who have loved ones with brain tumors. He’s just an all around good guy. Plus the Guy can play. I often hear many of you guys saying how much you love having veterans on the team to teach the young guys how to play the game well he has spent 3 years with Ed Reed who is probably the best free safety in the league for the last ten years
Shake and Bake
ND fan...
ive watch all the ND on tv for the last decade..that guy is NASTY! he seems so mild mannered in interviews, but he brings the WOOD when playing! havent seen him in the NFL, but he was fun to watch on sat. if im not mistake he is a amature/pro boxer as well. i cant imagine he wouldnt be better than carey and greene at this point. i do like greene though and hope he continues to improve.
I would be better than Carey, so Zbikowski certainly would be
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
i realllllly like zbk
like chris and magic said, hes an amateur boxer, super tough, and learned from ed reed. i can see gene gettting him i approve
by harveyismyboy on Jan 6, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
What CaliforniaJag would do if he were GM
Since Alfie did it, it’s my turn.
I also think all the defensive FA should be allowed to leave with the possible exception of Durant if he’s willing to take a reasonable contract. I think some other team will overpay him based on his potential, though, so in that case I’d let him leave.
I would make Barrett Ruud my 1st priority in free agency with Chad Greenway being priority 1A. Ruud has been a great MLB for the past few years but has been largely underappreciated among fans. He would be a huge upgrade at MLB for the Jaguars. If Ruud was too expensive or not available, Greenway would be my first priority. He’s a fast linebacker that excels in coverage, and would fix a huge hole for this team, as our linebackers consistently get torched by tight ends.
I would make Eric Weddle my 2nd priority in free agency if we couldn’t get Greenway or Ruud. Weddle was the #2 overall ranked safety in the NFL by ProFootballFocus this year. I’m sure some of that is from the Chargers’ overall defense, but Weddle is an ascending young player who would instantly make the defense a lot better. He’s also a solid tackler as a FS.
In addition, I would try to sign a corner. If the Bengals allow Johnathan Joseph to hit free agency, he would immediately surpass Weddle as a target. It’s not often that elite corners are allowed to hit the market. I think the Bengals will franchise him, though. My target would likely be someone like Chris Carr. I would also look for a corner in the draft to groom as a starter across from Cox. Carr is a solid corner that has experience at nickel and also on the outside, and he’s very good on special teams as well. He likely won’t cost a ton, either.
I would see what Rashean Mathis’ value on the market was. If he would fetch a third-rounder, I’d deal him for the pick. If a fourth or lower were offered, I’d consider the deal but likely keep Mathis on the roster and move him to safety unless a rookie won the FS job. Honestly I don’t think anyone would offer a third or higher, though. There would likely be a three-way battle for two spots between Mathis, Carr, and a rookie for two spots. Mathis would either start at CB or FS; if he started at FS, Carr or a rookie would start at CB, and if he started at CB, a rookie or a cheap FA placeholder would start at FS.
I would sign a budget linebacker also, though I’d stay away from Zac Diles; he’s actually WORSE at covering TE than any Jaguars linebacker. Ben Leber is a solid player that would be a good fit for the Jaguars, but he might be too expensive for what could possibly be a backup. I would try to sign someone like Clint Session as a placeholder until we get some new talent in the draft. I would also look for LB talent in the draft.
Depending on the price, some DE I’d look into are:
Jacob Ford, TEN
Brian Robison, MIN
Darryl Tapp, PHI
Ray Edwards from Minnesota and Charles Johnson from Carolina would likely cost quite a bit, so unless they were the main FA target they’re likely out. Of the group above, I like Ford the most, but all three are interesting. Ford would likely cost the most though, so that must be considered as well.
My ideal defense going into next year:
DE Aaron Kampman or Jeremy Mincey (if Kampman isn’t ready)
DT Terrance Knighton
DT Tyson Alualu
DE Jacob Ford or Jeremy Mincey or Rookie McRookie
LB Daryl Smith
LB Barrett Ruud
LB Rookie McRookie or Justin Durant or Clint Session
CB Derek Cox
SS Courtney Greene
FS Rookie McRookie or Rashean Mathis
CB Rashean Mathis or Chris Carr
Nickel CB Chris Carr or William Middleton
That’s a lot of free agents, but I honestly think this is a great year to sign a high-dollar free agent or two. There is some great young talent possibly available in free agency:
Eric Weddle
Johnathan Joseph
Charles Johnson
Ray Edwards
Chad Greenway
Barrett Ruud
Quentin Mikell
All of these guys are very good young players who could potentially be elite players. In order, I want:
1. Joseph
2. Ruud
3. Greenway
4. Weddle
5. Johnson
6. Edwards
7. Mikell (he’s a SS; Greene is solid enough at SS)
Anyway, kind of long, but that’s what I’d do.
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Good, but how about this line up:
DE Kampman
DT Knighton
DT Alualu
DE Mincey
OLB Smith
MLB Rookie (a Patrick Willis type…1st or 2nd Round Pick)
OLB Durant or Chad Greenway
CB Mathis
CB Cox
FS Rookie (1st or 2nd Round Pick)
SS Greene
One life to live, live it to the fullest...
"A Patrick Willis type" isn't as easy to get as you seem to think
Depending on two rookies to start without any kind of backup plan isn’t a very good idea. Hence the Session and Carr signings. You’ve also boxed the team into having to draft a LB and FS with their first two picks even though there’s a good chance DE and QB (or even something else) will be BAP at those picks. I like mine better, sorry.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Can we also get
A Mario WIlliams type DE
A Asomugha type CB
A Polamalu type SS
and A Brady type QB?
by rws591 on Jan 5, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
lol...C.A.R...
I know…it’s a wish list…but I’m sure Gene will find someone adequate…
One life to live, live it to the fullest...
Can you pay Rookie McRookie in McNuggets from McDonalds?
Sean
Pax Armis Acquiritur
by cuffs007 on Jan 5, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No
He gets McDonald’s Monopoly pieces. After four years, he’s eligible for a drawing to get the Boardwalk piece to match with his Park Place.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
ine the vikings games ive seen in past couple years
Ray Edwards looks like a pro bowler. seriously we should really go after him if he doesn want jared allen-money. edwards is amazing hes a physical freak and we stick him opposite of kampman…..oooooohhhhhh boy that is a duo no qb wants to see.
by harveyismyboy on Jan 6, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
whats with the
Zbikowski love fest I caught a couple ravens games this year and he didn’t look like anything special to me
by duuuvaaalll on Jan 5, 2011 2:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
How are two comments from people who admittedly haven't seen him play a "love fest"?
Zbikowski is better than Don Carey, but no one is saying he’s amazing.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
whats with the?
no one was talking love fest..i saw him play time and again at ND. He was a great player in college..smart, fearless, and a leader..havent seen him at all in baltimore..he would be an upgrade that all..relax with the poetic drama..lol
Isn't he more of a strong safety guy?
I always thought he was better in the box than in coverage. He MIGHT be an upgrade over Courtney Green, but he’d cost more than what the slight upgrade would be worth.
Ignore the hype; look at the results.
But Greene has so much upside for so little cost
and he, unlike most of our secondary brings the wood
Damn Pronouns!
Zibi would cost way more than Greene, and the “upgrade”, if any, wouldn’t be worth the additional cost.
We don’t know where Greene’s ceiling is yet.
Ignore the hype; look at the results.
I've asked this question but never really got any replies and
you all seem like you appreciate digging into the defense. Just a grins and giggles question:
Dou you feel Derrick Harvey could convert to linebacker? He has pretty good LB size similar to Urlacher. Seeing as his strength is against the run, what do you think?
I don't think he's fast enough.
Also, he’d be even more of a liability in coverage than the linebackers we had this year. We already get torn up by TEs. I think Harvey’s best position is benchwarmer on a team that isn’t the Jaguars.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
And his combine stats. It was the DE version of Matt Jones. Highlight film and combine stats don’t make a player great. I bet we could get a 7th-round pick for him from some team who thinks he could still be decent; hell, we got a pick AND a player for Reggie Nelson.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
I still think if you commit him to one, 3-4 OLB or 3-4 DE, he’d be solid. Can’t see him as a backer in a 4-3 though,
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 9:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If Rhett was GM(my dream)
I would start by signing, or trying, to sign Champ Bailey, Zbikowski, Weddle, or Rodgers(only one). Then I would look to sign Greenway, he and Bailey would be priority #1…Bailey is from the region, making him a bit easier to sign, then other teams….I would also look for a DE to fight Mincey or a rookie for the spot….
I would try to trade Mathis for a third or fourth, if we can’t trade him, cut him, he’ll likely want to hold out again, and I don’t like my players missing any practices, voluntary or not….I would then let Morrison and Durant walk….If we get Greenway, I would then draft a MLB,
DE: Kampman
DT: Knighton
DT: Alualu
DE: Mincey/FA signing/Rookie/Lane(if he has a very strong off-season
OLB: Greenway/Rookie
MLB: Rookie/FA Signing
OLB: Smith
CB: Cox
FS: Page/Weddle/Rookie
SS: Greene
CB: Bailey/Rodgers/Rookie
You mean like AK47 ?
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
er AK74
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
Rodgers
drops interceptions like its his job. Trust me. whole family are huge redskins fans and hes not a huge improvement
hes prbly an improvement
over Mathis though
by rhettchrystal on Jan 5, 2011 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
Chris Culliver of South Carolina is a good option
He would be a steal in this years draft. He was out most of his senior season with a shoulder injury but before the season was rated one of the top college safeties. He seems to be a high character kid which Gene will love as well. Due to injuries his stock has slipped into around the 5th round. I think he would work out great in teal.
"I’m going to punish him. If he hits me, fine, but if I catch him, believe me, I’m going to get the better shot." - Fred Taylor
I love posts like this
How do you know he would be a steal ?
How do you know his stock has slipped into around the 5th round ?
Underclassmen haven’t declared for the draft yet so it’s still uncertain which players will be available. And, there’s not a team in the NFL that has done a complete evaluation of all the players and given any of them 1st, 2nd, 3rd… 5th… round grades yet.
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
That's why I wrote "posts like this"
DG is the best we have and help is not on the way. I realize he's not perfect, but I feel a lot better about him at QB than I do the O-Line, DB's, or LB's ability to cover a TE.
Based off Gene's first two years...
he uses FA to eliminate any huge needs prior to the draft.
I’ll go with bringing back Durant, signing Posluszny/Ruud and Weddle.
@neufaustcan
That seems smart
Go into the draft in a position to take BPA therefore get the best value and take some upside risks at the end.
What could of happened; did.
CHAMP
If I were Gene Smith I would be trying to convince Mr Weaver to break out the check book and go after Champ…he may be getting older but is still one of the best CB’s in the league and would def. help sure up one of the most pathetic pass Defense’s in the League
My lineup
I agree I think this is a year we need to sign a few free-agents. Greenway and Bailey/Joseph/Weddle would be good. Have we tried Larry Hart at OLB? He’s listed as a SLB in my draft guide. 6ft, 239lbs, runs a 4.56, primarily a rusher but can he cover and tackle?
Try to trade Harvey, Mathis for picks.
DE Kampman, Lane
DT: Knighton
DT: Alualu, Smith
DE: MIncey rush downs, Harvey run downs
WLB: Greenway, Hart?
MLB:
SLB: Smith
CB: Bailey
FS: Mathis
SS: Greene, Considine
CB: Cox
NB: Rookie
Players I’d like to draft:
CB Hosely V-Tech (soph) – great close coverage and interception machine, may stay.
CB Rashad Carmichael V-Tech (sr) – 3rd-4th NB. You can’t coach speed and he ran a 4.26 40yd and a10.55 100m
QB Andrew Luck Stanford – sshh, it’s a secret, but he’s better than Stafford, Bradford etc.
QB Tyrod Taylor V-Tech – late rounder, Michael Vick with a brain and a conscience. Slower but shiftier, passing needs work but can buy time in the pocket to give us options. only 6ft1in.
QB Andy Dalton, TCU – Competent game manager.
WR: Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State, 5ft 11 catches everything 7th round slot receiver.
DE: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State, gets great penetration and got to Mallet mentally.
Players I don’t like for us:
CB Janorios Jenkins – nothing special with character concerns
DE J.J. Watt – tryhard and not a next level player.
LB Akeem Ayers – overrated and lazy.
QB: Ryan Mallet, Arkansas- great arm for a moron, no feel for the game
QB: Terrell Pryor, Ohio State: Good-ish but up himself. Vince Young-ish.
What could of happened; did.
Hart is not a LB
Was a 4-3 DE in college. Likely listed as a LB in your draft guide because he was seen as a tweener that would play OLB in a 3-4. On the Jaguars, he’s definitely not a LB.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Cheers for the clarification
Can he be used from there in rushing downs?
What could of happened; did.
Hart is not a LB in any way
He’s what you’d call a “DPR”, or a Designated Pass Rusher. When Hart is in the game, the Jaguars think the opponent is passing. Putting him in the game on rushing downs would be foolish, as that’s the opposite of what he’s good at. Square peg, round hole. If you want more linebackers, let’s draft or sign some linebackers, not try to turn a DE into a linebacker.
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 5, 2011 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
I don't have a college team at all any recommendations?
I don’t usually watch college football but I wanted to see some of the players we’ve been linked with and I enjoyed watching those three players.
I also enjoyed watching TCU’s thinking man’s 4-2-5 which reminds me II forgot to put ILB Tank Carder on my draft wishlist. If he’s around in the third I’d bite. Energetic playmaker and determined.
Also that Arkansas DJ Williams at TE is a good player too but will go too early for us in a position we’re covered.
What could of happened; did.
it was just that on your list you named like 5 Va Tech guys.
as for QB, I am eager to see Foles pro day workout. I think there’s upside with him and he seems very astute. The knee may be an issue, but he is intriguing as a 3rd rounder or later.
Is it bad to like Va.tech?
Are they enemies of a Jacksonville team?
I actually enjoyed TCU most – they were mad fun. Runing around like little headless chickens.
RE Foles. I don’t know him. I’ll check him out.
What could of happened; did.
just a few thoughts
Greene, Considine? ARE YOU SERIOUS? lol. but no seriously Greene should DEIFNATLEY start of Considine.
second why have harvey in on rush downs, Im pretty sure mincey will split time with lane
Sorry I meant...
Greene first as starter, Considine as backup it’s a depth chart not an option.
And it’s the opposite it’s Mincey on Rush Downs and Harvey on Run Downs because he’s a big body who does well against the run and seals the edge well too.
What could of happened; did.
oh ok
reasonable then.
Minceys a pretty big body if you ask me. I know harvey has held up well against the run, but lets be honest with Lane and Harts development along with Danthony smith at another D tackle plus another d end in free agency harvey is the odd one out
Fine let him go
Is he on a lot of money? It’s his first contract isn’t it?
Could we trade him for anything?
What could of happened; did.
Alfie, I have to disagree about the defensive line
I don’t think that it is “locked up” yet. Even though the team has solid players in Alualu and Knighton, the team still has a lot of problems on the line. The team was 30th in the league in sacks, and Kampman is coming off another knee injury. I’m not sold on Mincey, Hart, or Lane becoming the long term answers just yet, and Harvey is clearly not the answer at DE. Even though the defense has problems at linebacker and the secondary, I think the d-line needs to be addressed early in the draft.
You can't reason with unreasonable people.
I'd say it is more likely the oline/dline will be addressed early in the draft...
than linebacker/secondary.
@neufaustcan
Although it is extremely early...
a guy that seems like an amazing fit in the 1st is Stefen Wisniewski.
@neufaustcan
I don't actually have a college team
I don’t usually watch college football but I wanted to see some of theplayers we’ve been linked with and I enjoyed watching those three players.
I also enjoyed watching TCU’s thinking man’s 4-2-5 and I forgot to put ILB Tank Carder on my draft wishlist.
If he’s around in the third I’d bite. Energetic playmaker and determined.
That Arkansas DJ Williams at TE is a good player too but will go too early for us in a position we’re covered.
What could of happened; did.
For our team?
or jsut in general?
because the line is not the weakness of the team. Its not GREAT, but its much better than its been and has alot of young talent on both sides of the ball barring the interior o line
For the Jags...
not necessarily the biggest of needs, but I’d say a big guy will likely represent BAP.
@neufaustcan
true
Titans choose Fisher!
I know this is off topic, but I just read that the Titans have choosen to keep Fisher and get rid of Young. I was hoping they’d keep that tard!
Queue Vince Young David Garrard trade rumours
Does that mean they’ll be drafting a QB ahead of us? another reason not to go for one in the first round.
What could of happened; did.
I hope not!
Even with all these “I’m not buying tickets cus they kep Del RIo!” tards, I just can’t believe there’s a single Jag fan that would want VY.
Personally, I’m hoping there’s still a good QB around 10 or 11 and we trade up to get him. That’s just me though. I true Gene, so I’ll support whatever he does.
by SoulSlide9 on Jan 5, 2011 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
they didn't necessarily choose Fisher
They just decided not to go with VY. How stupid is that? Basically you tell the world that you’re cutting him. What GM would be stupid enough to offer a trade to take him off their hands?
I think Bud is just gonna blow the whole thing up and restart. The dude is a crazy ass. I was a little Oilers fan back in the day when the New Years Eve Massacre occurred and he fired Bum Phillips after 3 straight playoff appearances and 2 of those were the AFC Championship game.
i think Bailey would be worth the money
plus it might help cancel some of this I hate the jags cuz they keep del rio talk from some of the bad fans
Remember this name..
Ras-I Dowling, DB Virginia..
He broke his ankle this year and due to that will drop big time. This guy was a highly touted DB for last few years and was considered top 3 in the nation this year until the injury. If he is healthy come draft time he would be a tremendous steal in later rounds.
Is he coming out? Kid is awesome.
by Alfie Crow on Jan 5, 2011 9:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I believe his eligibility is gone
He is a Senior and I know he played since he was a Freshman in 2007. I am not aware that he was ever red-shirted. This may be a bad thing to say but we really need for him to not be completely healthy come combine time otherwise he will rise back up, maybe not a 1st rounder but definitely a 2nd rounder.
Of course I am just an IT guy so if I am thinking this I got to believe someone in a NFL office has thought the same thing. =)
saw some clips
i love that hes a hell of a tackler for a DB. Sign me up! i want him
by harveyismyboy on Jan 6, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Dont quote me but..
I also think he is capable of playing Safety as I think it played there for a while at UVA.
I just dont get it.. Hasn't any of you learned from the past!!
The old guys are stop gap and you only sign them cheap. Champ is OLD, plain and simple and he wont come cheap. Also with our luck he will drop off this year because ya know hes…. OLD!! (33). Old players also get hurt more because they are… OLD!!!
A few old players are not going to save this franchise and make us Super Bowl contenders or Division champs for that matter. Any FA we sign should be young, say no older than 28.
Maybe not the best example..
Yes he was an awesome pickup.. oh wait hes hurt and we don’t know if he will come back…
But Bailey
can play another 5 years, and he plays better then most young FAs
by rhettchrystal on Jan 5, 2011 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Bailey is wily
The game has slowed down for him for quite a while. Can we say that about anyone on the secondary we currently have?
The question is,...
Is a 33 y/o Champ Bailey better than what we have?
If the answer is yes, we should sign him.
Look at the impact Kampman had on the D-Line this season. Our secondary could definitely use a veteran presence like that.
Impact?
We paid good money to a guy with a bad knee who did not finish the season becuase he blew his other knee out. It was a miracle AK came back from the first one and played as he did but I dont believe for a second he will come back from the 2nd and be as effective.
Here’s a question where would Mincey and Lane be if we didn’t bring in AK?
Whats our rank this year?
Which is where we basically finished this year. Look I understand that everyone liked AK but his impact ended abruptly when he was hurt,
As of this post we have no clue if he will return and I believe our current DE’s would be much farther along.
Not last
Not much better, but definitely not last… and you’re right about AK’s impact ending when he got hurt. Cause he was hurt and not there. So he couldn’t have an impact like when he plays… way to go out on that limb there. lol But you gotta remember he was playing at a pro bowl level. Do you have any doubt whatsoever that we don’t see the drop off in play by the D Line at the end of the year with the proven vet vs. rookies hitting the wall in their first long season of their lives against the best competition of their lives?
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
Missing my point...
Are you saying that a 31 year old DE coming off of Microfacture (sp?) surgery was not a good candidate to get hurt again? Don’t you find it ironic that he hurt is other knee? Could it possibly have happened due to his previous injury and his age? I liked AK, just not his contract. His signing was desperation because the lack of pass rush.
I also believe as the year went on his sack total would decrease because people did not know how we were going to use him and how he would perform. We were staring to see evidence of that before he got hurt. I don’t believe we will see the AK we saw at the beginning of this year next year.
Torry Holt and Aaron Kampman have worked wonders not only as players but as leaders
I would expect Bailey to do the same
Torry Holt is a great example
As I said if they old get them cheap and Torry was cheap.. As far as his impact I would say not very high.
I really like Clint Session, I’d welcome him as a free agent signing and I don’t think he would demand a huge price tag. Also D’Qwell Jackson would be a cheaper signing because of his pectoral injury, but when healthy he is a great tackler who plays the pass very well. If we sign these two to reasonable contracts then that gives us flexibility to sign a guy who would have a bigger price tag, someone like Johnathan Joseph, Eric Weddle, Logan Mankins, Davin Jospeh. A defense of
DE – Kampman
DT – Alualu
DT – Knighton
DE – Mincey
LB – Session
LB – Jackson
LB – Smith
CB – Cox
CB – Mathis
FS – Weddle
SS – Greene
I would like that, and then if Gene drafts a CB in the opening rounds then we can forget Mathis coming back. I’m just hoping for a good offseason that makes us contend for the South
Did Green Bay give Tramon Williams an extension? If not he would be a pretty solid corner to go after, along with Carlos Rogers, Jonathan Joseph or Eric Wright.
They did
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by CaliforniaJag on Jan 6, 2011 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
kinda wierd
you like greene cox mathis not carey. our secondary sucked all season. so i guess its careys fault they sucked. imo cox is the only kinda starter(like 2 or 3 cb). We need game changers at saftey and young wild athletic lb’s so when you blitze you destroy everybody. we have to have a top 3 d in points allowed, takeaway and sacks because that what it would take for the jags to have a true chance to win it all with garrard. go jags draft dominating players
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