Chargers Vs. Jaguars: Looking for much more than wins/losses now

by Adam Stites on Dec 5, 2011 4:03 PM EST in Jacksonville Jaguars Game Preview

When the Jaguars lost to the Texans in week 12, they were mathematically eliminated from contention in the AFC South and the season was essentially over. The fan base has been rejuvenated though, by a week that saw several changes within the organization that has the majority of fans excited about the future of the team.

Now fans are excited about a Monday night game against the Chargers that much of the rest of the nation could hardly care less about. The outcome of the remaining games on the Jaguars schedule don't matter much in the grand scheme of the things, but there is still plenty to watch for fans that are interested in the future of the team.

Namely the performance of the young talent on the team. There is no question that Maurice Jones-Drew is an extremely talented weapon for the Jaguars offense, but the development of young talent such as Cecil Shorts III, Will Rackley, Tyson Alualu, Kevin Rutland and, most importantly, Blaine Gabbert are much more significant for the team's future.

The growth and development of these players is something that Jaguars fans should take note of when they watch the Jaguars take on the Chargers and for the four games that follow.

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Hate to ask this Question, and hopefully I dont get butchered for even mentioning it

But do we want to win out and it cost us draft positioning? I’m Definitely Not saying to tank the rest of the season and DONT win games, because ending with an 8-8 record would be encouraging but is it worth costing draft spots and a potential game-changing player/WR? Just a thought and wanted others opinions/view points

by Jags85 on Dec 5, 2011 4:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Win all the games you can...

and at the end of the season, deal with draft order. Above all, win all the games you can.

by aibtureman on Dec 5, 2011 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

At this point, "winning all the games we can" may only be 1...

Sadly lol

by Jags85 on Dec 5, 2011 4:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I think that's a fair question

And you’ll probably get people that think both ways, but I’m with aibtureman. “You play to win the game” – Herm Edwards.

Follow me on Twitter

by Adam Stites on Dec 5, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed. I hate leaving the stadium after a loss.

Also, these guys are putting their play on film. If/when there are shakeups with this roster, these players have to make a living somewhere. The better they look, the better their chances for future employment on a football team – either here or elsewhere.

Fidelis Ad Mortem

by JPQ! on Dec 5, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions

That's the arguement

I had earlier in the year when there were several 0-xx teams and there was the whole suck-for-luck movement. Coaches are coaching every game for their job and players are playing every game for theirs.

I’m sure it’s a lot more difficult for players to go the extra mile or whatever to prepare for a game when your team is 0-12 or even 3-8 but I’m pretty sure just about everyone is playing to win.

by pksiv on Dec 5, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

Awesome Quote

And I agree, Adam. And I just wanted to clarify that I dont want the Jags to Lose. I was just curious to others thoughts.

by Jags85 on Dec 5, 2011 4:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

If winning is going to set your franchise back 5 years...

then you lose.

But otherwise win every time.

by MP-17 on Dec 5, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

As a fan, I always want the Jags to win.

At this point it is about watching players develop and hopefully at the end of the year we can see that progression turn into a few W’s.

Personally I believe that draft position is not as important as developing the roster we already have. I also get your point that if we win we may lose out on better players in the draft. If we draft the right players it shouldn’t matter much where we draft.

by Jewasaurus on Dec 5, 2011 4:48 PM EST reply actions

I couldn't agree more

for anyone who’s a true fan of the Jaguars, these next five games are an exciting time.
we get to see a lot of the roster of which we haven’t seen much, if any, so far. we get to see the sort of depth Gene is building into this team. we get to see if Mel is a genius, competent or in way over his head.
most importantly, we get to see the “character” Gene and others talk about when referring to the players they’ve kept and brought in.
chargers, bucs, falcons, titans, colts. each of those games brings intrigue.

Section 442, RIP
"You think you know, but you don't know."

by unhipcat on Dec 5, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions