What to do with Rashean Mathis?

by Brian Levenson on Feb 23, 2011 9:40 AM EST in Jacksonville Jaguars Off-Topic

The Jaguars do not have a long history of success at the corner back position. Fernando Bryant was never really a star, Scott Starks has been a career backup, and Brian Williams was little more than a flash in the pan on this team. There is, however, one Jaguars corner who has had a long enough, good enough career to make Jaguars fans happy. I mean Rashean Mathis. The 2003 2nd round pick has spent his entire 9 year career in Jacksonville and his teammates and coaches love him. Heck, I even went to a practice and got my (then new) Marcus Stroud jersey signed by Rashean back in 2007. He holds team records for interceptions (29) and total takeaways (33), and in 2006 was the only Jaguars cornerback ever named to the Pro-Bowl.

Unfortunately, it's been five years since his 8 interception year in 2006. Mathis held out of optional training camp activities as a way of asking for a new contract. The Jaguars did not cave. There is an ever-growing group of fans who believe that Rashean has lost a step. Rashean is certainly still a better option at this point in his career than someone like Scott Starks or William Middleton, but how much better? Would he be better than whoever the Jaguars draft or sign in free agency? Rashean has one more year remaining on his contract. So, what are the Jaguars going to do with Rashean Mathis?

Probably until someone significantly better comes along, Rashean will keep his spot at corner. The "I didn't have safety help" excuse, paired with him still having one more year under contract will influence the team to keep him around. Still, he was not at his 06-07 level of production. He was used this past season mostly in zones, which can effectively hide his lack of speed. He only had one interception, and lets not kid ourselves, opposing QBs were afraid of no one in the Jaguars' secondary. Who knows though, maybe with improved safetly play, Rashean can turn his game around.

Of course, things change if the Jaguars do sign a quality corner in free agency. Of the Jaguars two starting corners from last year, Derek Cox saw more man to man coverage, and flashed the closing speed and ball skills to show he belongs on the field. If the Jaguars bring in a solid corner, there are some who think Rashean should be moved to free safety.

Personally, I am on board with this idea. Rashean, for those who don't remember, was a FS when he came out in the draft, and actually played the first six games of his career as the Jaguars' FS in 2003 before being replaced by Deke Cooper. The transition from Corner to Safety has been made by many quality players in the past. Heck, Charles Woodson said a few days ago that he, a pro bowl caliber corner, would move to safety if the team wanted him too. He didn't at all think changing positions would be an issue for him. For a physical corner, making the transition isn't very difficult. There is less pressure on a Safety to turn his hips well while running with a WR. It requires good field vision, and enough speed to make plays on the deep ball, and most importantly really solid tackling. I think Rashean can adapt his game to the safety position with little difficulty, and I feel that he would be better served to play safety if it is at all possible. He certainly didn't set any world records at corner this year...

Given that Rashean is in the last year of his contract and would like to get paid a pretty penny, I'd imagine that this next year will likely be his last here. He has had a great run in Jacksonville, and I'm very glad the Jaguars drafted him. Still, the question remains, what will Rashean be for the Jaguars next year?

Tweet Comment 28 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I’ve said before, if he’s willing to transition back to FS, he could earn another contract and stick around. People go on and on about his tackling, but I don’t think it’s an issue. I’ve seen Mathis stick his nose in the pile when coming up on a RB. Most of his “paddy cake” tackles are around the sideline forcing a guy out.

He wasn’t really “replaced” by Deke Cooper. More like they had to put Mathis at corner because he was the best DB they had.

Follow me on Twitter

by Alfie Crow on Feb 23, 2011 9:49 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Agreed

And Rashean technically was replaced, but what you said about the Mathis/ Cooper thing is probably a better way of explaining it.

by Brian Levenson on Feb 23, 2011 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

A lot of things can happen. I think that unless we bring in a top tier cornerback or draft one in the 1st or 2nd round then he will stay at CB. If we do bring in someone of that talent I could see us pushing him to FS and if he doesn’t want to play FS then I have a feeling he could be traded or released. Gene has always been unafraid to cut or trade anyone.

"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

by kterr on Feb 23, 2011 10:05 AM EST reply actions

Money!

I think money will play a roll in what happens. If he wants more than the Jags are willing he’s gone. If he is willing to take what is offered, I believe something will work at safety or corner for him. He has lost his leverage with the Jags.

by Jagrob on Feb 23, 2011 10:15 AM EST reply actions

Money and Pass Rush

First, I don’t think that RM has played at the level for a big pay day. I don’t think that anyone, outside the Raiders, would pay big money for the production of the past few years.

Secondly, even the best corners get torn up when the QB has all day to assess the field. I believe that as our pass rush improves, the secondary will improve as well.

I would like to see a young corner step up and prove that they can play opposite of DC. I think that RM would be a fixture at FS given the opportunity to roam the secondary.

by FL_Native on Feb 23, 2011 10:23 AM EST reply actions

What are you talking about?

Scott Starks was cut in final roster cuts. After this, and the numerous gaffs in last night’s Secondary article, I’m beginning to wonder if you know anything about this team.

by Kevin Hine on Feb 23, 2011 10:29 AM EST reply actions

You do realize that list contains FORMER players right ?

Scott Starks was on the roster from 2005-2009.

It’s not like Fernando Bryant or Brian Williams were on the team last season either.

How well do you know the team ?

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.

by pksiv on Feb 23, 2011 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

The Jaguars do not have a long history of success at the corner back position. Fernando Bryant was never really a star, Scott Starks has been a career backup, and Brian Williams was little more than a flash in the pan on this team.

He was listing previous Jaguars CBs….hence the word History.

"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

by kterr on Feb 23, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions

With all the turnover the Jags have had in the secondary...

I’m amazed anyone remembers who’s on this team anymore.
I apologize for trying to get you content before I go to class in the morning.

by Brian Levenson on Feb 23, 2011 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

Kudos!

Thank you for taking the time out to write for this blog. Especially since you do it before, after your classes. Im sure 99% of readers here feel the sameway. A bit of mis info or what not is of little concern. Most here would just point it out, and move on. I for one enjoy the site immensley. Keep up the good work guys!

by chrisltr22c on Feb 23, 2011 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

Don't sweat it,

you do a great job on here. Hey, I enjoy reading well thought out content. I’ve been writing for a week now, and I bet I’ve made more than a couple errors (although I’m hopeful that’s not the case). Point is, I don’t always agree with you, but you support your arguments. It’s all about perspective baby.

Follow me on Twitter
Contributor for Big Cat Country

by Shane Clemons on Feb 23, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

“Rashean is certainly still a better option at this point in his career than someone like Scott Starks or William Middleton, but how much better?”…… and “Scott Starks has been a career backup”

Quotes taken directly from the article. This is inferring Scott Starks is still around and still with the team, particularly the first quote.. This same guy, Brian, goofed multiple times in yesterday’s article on our secondary as well. There’s a track record here folks.

by Kevin Hine on Feb 23, 2011 10:47 AM EST reply actions

thanks for taking the time to point out the faults of the writing, and writers on the blog..you must be very busy!

by chrisltr22c on Feb 23, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

Since you want to nitpick

Technically, by stating that Rashean is a better option than “someone like Starks or Middleton” means that he’s making a comparison and you could substitute any player with similar skills/career history into his argument. So it doesn’t even have to be Starks or Middleton here.

Besides, I think that, in the grand scheme of the purpose of the article, readers understand the point Brian is trying to make here.

On Wisconsin.

by Carly on Feb 23, 2011 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I used starks because he was one of the few high-drafted Jaguars corners.

He was a 3rd rounder in 2005. The only other Jags draftee at corner who’s stuck with the team at all is Derek Cox, and Cox is already a starter.

by Brian Levenson on Feb 23, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

"There’s a track record here folks."

Interesting statement coming from a guy whos only made 3 comments total on BCC and only been a user for a few months. Probably should be more active in the site for a while before you start claiming people have a “track record”

"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

by kterr on Feb 23, 2011 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

I was actually thinking..

or just beat it..thanks MJ!

by chrisltr22c on Feb 23, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

I guess I can’t read this site unless I have an account, right?

by Kevin Hine on Feb 23, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

If you are going to point out grammatical errors and such,

then perhaps you should write an article.

Don’t be a DB, dude. Just enjoy the site.

by Joe Fisher on Feb 23, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

No kidding. I just mispeled misspelled but I keep replying. Live and love baby!

by JagSoldier on Feb 23, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I would be surprised

to see Mathis at FS next season, but who knows? Also, I don’t know how indicative his play last season is of his ability to continue as a CB. It would help a lot to have at least 1 good coverage guy over top to help Mathis and Cox out. Cox was certainly better by the end of last season though.

Follow me on Twitter
Contributor for Big Cat Country

by Shane Clemons on Feb 23, 2011 11:40 AM EST reply actions

I’m not sure I’d be happy to see Mathis playing FS based upon how poorly he’s been tackling over the past couple of years. I thought Reggie Nelson was annoying with his slap & tickle tackling style, but Mathis isn’t a whole heckuva lot better.

by Tim McClellan on Feb 23, 2011 12:56 PM EST reply actions

At this point

with our secondary. Id be willing to try anything, and or any combination. What do we have to lose?

by chrisltr22c on Feb 23, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

I think that Mathis is a good cover 2 corner and still has the tools to play it. IE

The prime issue is not Rasheen. He gambles to much allowing plays but I believe that we can win and have a very productive defense wit him still at corner.
The issue I believe in the jaguar secondary is that the LBs are not good in coverage and the lack any consistent play at the safety position. The jaguars also lack a decent pass rush. All a recipe for having one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
Yet, as I digress I see Derek Cox and Rasheen Mathis as talented corners. Middleton must improve his game, or Gene find a good third corner because the league has made the Nickle defense the standard. Also, our LBs outside of Smith couldn’t cover my grandmother. Yeah, she is quick but still.
I think that Cox can become a playmaker and if we can get a solid FS in FA or the draft it can improve a defense. What needs to be addressed is finding a playmaker in defense a player that every team has to single out. IE Clay Mathews, Polomalu, Freeny, ect.

by Jewasaurus on Feb 23, 2011 1:29 PM EST reply actions

Unless RM has a big season next year I wouldnt worry about any money issue with him.

He will be forced to take what is offered because he doesnt have the resume to back it up anymore. If the Jags manage to get a quality guy before the season starts whether through the draft or FA then the move to FS could be a good one. I dont see him as being a liability at that spot. The Jags should ride RM until the very end. He is a good enough player at this point in his career. IMOP

by JagSoldier on Feb 23, 2011 3:44 PM EST reply actions