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Jaguars close out camp, What did we learn?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are officially done with training camp for the 2011 NFL season. Opening day is only three weeks ago and we've learned a little bit about this team in the last few weeks.

Star-divide

  • The Jaguars pass rush came into camp as a concern and it's still a concern. Austen Lane looked like a force early in camp, but disappeared in the first preseason game and was dominated by the Falcons tackles in their joint practice. Aaron Kampman's snaps are going to be reduced early on and late free agent pick up Matt Roth could likely start. It's still a big area of concern.
  • The offensive line is more worrisome than it was coming into training camp. Eben Britton is dealing with back issues that forced him to have back surgery, he'll miss the entire preseason and is expected to start week 1, but I'll believe that when I see it. In his absence and with Kevin Haslam's season ending knee injury, the reserves in Guy Whimper and Daniel Baldridge haven't looked good. The Jaguars also lost Vince Manuwai and look to be starting a rookie. It's gone from a unit many expected to be improved to a unit that's a major concern.
  • The Jaguars might have gotten their guy in rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert. He's pushing veteran David Garrard for his job and could overtake him as the opening day starter. That of course has to play out, but it's a great sign for a rookie with only three weeks of practice.
  • The Jaguars secondary has been improved by default, essentially.
  • The Jaguars defense should be much better in 2011, but being much better than terrible shouldn't be that difficult.
  • If Maurice Jones-Drew is slow to start, the Jaguars look like they've got a perfectly capable runningback in Rashad Jennings.
  • Injuries continue to be a problem with the Jaguars. I'm not sure what could be done to solve it, but this team seems to just be snake-bitten with nagging injuries to some promising young players.
  • Wide receiver is still a big question mark on the team, despite rookie Cecil Shorts looking like the real deal.

A lot of this stuff will play out over the rest of the preseason, but usually by this time you've got a pretty good idea of where you're at.

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Any chance we sign another OL for RT...

or are we going to endure the Guy Whimper Era?

Fidelis Ad Mortem

by JPQ! on Aug 18, 2011 10:16 AM EDT reply actions  

my hope is that Vinny lays off the poi for a while and gets in shape for a Week 2 signing.

I don’t think the final chapter has been written on him.

I think another thing we learned is that Tyson Alualu is primed for a big year.

Also, would you say the linebacking corps improved by default or is the jury still out?

by Joe Fisher on Aug 18, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

The backers are better

but perhaps only against the run. I’m not sure if we really have a linebacker that can run with a really good tight end.

by acedarney on Aug 18, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

Except for the fact

that he’s apparently seeing a doctor about a torn quad.

Here's hoping we have NFL football in 2011

by pksiv on Aug 18, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah

this O-Line has me worried. I guess I can positivley spin this and say they likely will be better than Chicago’s. But to be painfully honest, this O-line is WEAK at RT, and I hope to G-d that when Britton steps on the field he is MUCH better than I have seen him to be in the past.

by Jagsrok9008 on Aug 18, 2011 10:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Needs

How would the Jags rank their needs right now? I think it is WR, RT/LT, DE, then CB.

WR: We don’t have a number one WR that can do everything you need a WR to do. If Gabbert ends up starting this season, our need for a WR will be apparent since Gabbert can stretch the field better than Garrard can.

LT/RT: Britton was struggling even before his injury. He could become a depth player. I could see Monroe moving to the RT position since his run block ability is a lot better than his pass blocking skills. We would need a LT if Monroe is moved to RT. This would be a bigger need if Monroe does move to RT. This need is based off speculation though.

DE: A DE rotation is being used by the Jags. We need a pass rusher who can play every down and be elite. I think the offense is going to restrict us more than the defense or this need would likely be higher.

CB: Mathis is going to be a free agent, but I think he will be back. The NFL is a passing league and the nickle package is being used more and more. We can’t have to many good CBs. This need could be higher if Mathis doesn’t return.

by Jags.0 on Aug 18, 2011 10:48 AM EDT via mobile reply actions  

The problem is these are all really big needs.

You would think our secondary might be ok, but I won’t believe it until I see it in a regular season game.

by cobrakainole on Aug 18, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

i know, we all think its saved from Landry and Prosinski, but yet we dont even know for sure at all..

wont know squat until week 1, althought we can assume it got at least a little bit better..Anythings an upgrade from Considine..

by FgallosJAGS on Aug 18, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Probably more like RT, DE, backup LB, WR.

Coleman shores up the CB spot pretty well, and there’s not much depth at LB. We’ll probably be going with UDFA’s at a few spots which is not ideal.

Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.

by Brian Levenson on Aug 18, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions  

Why do you think we need a backup LB over a number one WR? I would always rate the need of a starter over a depth need. I do agree that we need better LB depth.

by Jags.0 on Aug 18, 2011 11:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

IMO

receiver is the most replaceable position on the field. It’s nice to have a “no. 1” receiver, but if you have guys who can sorta get open and don’t drop passes, you’re fine. I mean, look at the Packers, Patriots, Saints and Steelers. None of them have a prototypical “number 1” guy, they just have 4 or 5 somewhat threatening receivers and spread the ball around.

Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.

by Brian Levenson on Aug 18, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions  

Patriots, Saints and Steelers

I agree, they don’t have a number one, but rather spread the ball around with their elite QB. The Packers don’t fit in that list in my opinion. I think Greg Jennings is a “number 1.”

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Aug 18, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions  

Greg Jennings isn’t a number one type of guy?

by Alfie Crow on Aug 18, 2011 12:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions   1 recs

I really would have him hovering on the border

I think that if he had a different QB throwing to him, he might not as easily be seen as a #1 guy. But that is just me.

by Jagsrok9008 on Aug 18, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree.....

I would list protecting the QB and getting after the QB as the two most important tasks, so the DE/RT list tops for me. Since CB fits in with an immediate effect on the QB, I go there next. WR is the area of least concern on this list. I know fans get excited about seeing the long pass, but that can only happen if the QB has time in the pocket! And if the opposing teams QB has all day, he will just do it to you right back, so you better be able to get after him. The game is won in the trenches my friends, not 40 – 50 yards down field!

by GAJAGFAN on Aug 18, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

They also have

All pro quarterbacks directing their offense. At the moment Garrard and Gabbart aren’t even close to them.

by garrardsfedora on Aug 18, 2011 12:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

I think Mike Wallace counts as a #1

That boy can stretch a field……

frankDUBZ

"I'm smacking you with the truth......" - Me

by FRANKdubz on Aug 18, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Mike Wallace is their slot guy most of the time...

Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.

by Brian Levenson on Aug 18, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Greg Jennings

is a great #1, In my opinion best receiver in the league, and he’s got Donald Driver who was a great #1, but due to his age, is a solid #2.

"thanks for hating"

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by rhettchrystal on Aug 18, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hold up...

Jennings is your best receiver in the league?

Over Fitzgerald? Calvin Johnson? Andre Johnson? Reggie Wayne?

Twitter: BLByline Youtube: BLByline
I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.

by Brian Levenson on Aug 18, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think it goes hand in hand between

Jennings and Johnson, they can both do it all, and do everything great, I don’t think Wayne would be the same without Manning, Fitzgerald was in my opinion the best a couple years ago, but the production went down slightly, but with Kolb should go back up. Johnson is also up there my WR ratings.

1. Greg Jennings
1. Andre Johnson
3. Calvin Johnson
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Roddy White
6. Reggie Wayne
7. Dwane Bowe
8. Desean Jackson

Who will be top 5 in next few years: Hakeem Nicks

At 22 in 13 games 1050 yards, guy is gunna be a monster.

"thanks for hating"

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by rhettchrystal on Aug 18, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is Bill Brasky still a free agent?

Brasky could play the entire O Line by himself, and he long snaps, is a placekicker, and a damn fine punter. He would also take his salary in cases of scotch, which he consumes like water.

Fidelis Ad Mortem

by JPQ! on Aug 18, 2011 11:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Brasky

is also ranked eightenth in the AP college football poll. I have a feeling he could get a BCS birth this year.

by garrardsfedora on Aug 18, 2011 11:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

plus he can visit his son who makes brooms in Georgia

remember when he baptized his son with scotch? He’s blind now.

by Joe Fisher on Aug 18, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

Did I ever tell you about the time Brasky took me out to go get a drink with him?

We go off looking for a bar and we can’t find one. Finally Brasky takes me to a vacant lot and says, ‘Here we are.’ We sat there for a year and a half and sure enough someone constructs a bar around us. The day they opened we ordered a shot, drank it, and then burned the place to the ground. Brasky yelled over the roar of the flames, ‘Always leave things the way you found em!

Fidelis Ad Mortem

by JPQ! on Aug 18, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

Did I ever tell you about the time

Brasky and I went horseback riding, but there weren’t any horses around? Anyway, Brasky throws a saddle on my back and rides me around Wyoming for three days. Well, wouldn’t ya know it, my stamina increased with each day, and I develop tremendous leg muscles. So anyway, Brasky decides to enter me into the Breeders Cup under the name Turkish Delight. And Im running in second place, and I’m running, and I break my ankle. So anyway, they’re about to shoot me. Then someone from the crowd yells out, God bless him, Dont shoot him, hes a human.

by duuuvaaalll on Aug 18, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Brasky hated Mexicans...

and he was half Mexican…
and he hated irony.

Fidelis Ad Mortem

by JPQ! on Aug 18, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Turkish Delight

Thing was that was mostly ad lib.

by Joe Fisher on Aug 18, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did I ever tell you

We once had a bachelor party for Brasky. He ate the entire cake, before we could tell him there was a stripper in it.

by duuuvaaalll on Aug 18, 2011 11:43 AM EDT reply actions  

"He did 3 tours in 'Nam......

I was in Corpus Christi on business a month ago. I had this eight foot tall Asian waiter, which made me curious. I asked him his name. Sure enough it’s Ho Tran Brasky!"

by Joe Fisher on Aug 18, 2011 11:45 AM EDT reply actions  

I went to Brasky's house for breakfast once...

Brasky drank a full glass of liquid LSD with his eggs. Then he slept for 8 months straight. When he woke he rubbed his eyes and said, ‘All in all, I prefer gin.

Fidelis Ad Mortem

by JPQ! on Aug 18, 2011 11:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Rackley

I remember when some stupid people were complaining in the draft.. “an OL guy? We are stacked at this position… WE NEED DEFENSE!!”

Well, another BAP lesson from Gene Smith for you.

"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott

by Hellveto on Aug 18, 2011 12:01 PM EDT reply actions   1 recs

all i can say is can we fly back and grab the 2007 OL, and merge them with this one?

Waber-Jaguar

by jawsaints on Aug 18, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

Pashos was awful.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Aug 18, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

couldnt agree more

"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 Aug 18, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

I dont remember any1

saying that, but I wanted defense, but I read that Gene and Weaver say that they were going after 1-3 free agents, and they signed like 8.

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by rhettchrystal on Aug 18, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

I remembering a ton of people being pissed I took a QB and OL with the first two picks in the SBN writer mock draft.

by Alfie Crow on Aug 18, 2011 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

I dont remember

“Were stacked at that position”

"thanks for hating"

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by rhettchrystal on Aug 18, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

I didn’t say it was here, but then i’m sure you don’t follow the Jaguars Forum.

"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not! I like to be liked, I enjoy being liked, I have to be liked. But it's not like this compulsive need to be liked...like my need to be praised." Michael Scott

by Hellveto on Aug 19, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

What I learned....

1. We have a QB competition and a good one. Garrard is capable and Gabbert is overflowing with potential. I can think of a lot of teams that would kill to be in our position.
2. OL needs someone to step up soon.
3. WR is okay. Thomas, Short and Hill are all solid receivers that will work. What he need is one of the UDFAs to end up being a homerun (heres lookin at you Binns)
4. We have one of the deepest and most talented RB crews in the league (MJD, Jennings and Karim)
5. The defense is overall better but it might be a few weeks until they start to gel and play up to their new talent level.

"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 Aug 18, 2011 12:37 PM EDT reply actions  

+1. Agree with everything


"Don't worry, don't be afraid, ever, because This is Just a Ride."
-Bill Hicks

by montanajagsfan on Aug 18, 2011 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

What we Know

1. Gabbert will soon be a force. 2. Alualu is gonna wreck havoc . 3. Mathis is out to prove himself. 4. DE is still a liability on this team ( come on Gene let’s pick up another body) 5. Rackley was a great pick up 6. Our D overall will be better. 7. We still got a lot of work to do in regards to depth on this team ………… Here’s to a new season of hope …..AFC south title is ours ….. Go Jaguars !

L F J

by Daddycrapper on Aug 18, 2011 1:00 PM EDT reply actions  

I think the secondary is good to go with our CBs and Safeties… Linebacker corps as far as depth isn’t a big deal to me since all three guys are healthy and up to par…. once our D-line is all out there things’ll look great with our rotation at DE keeping offenses guessing and the inteirior being solid once Pot Roast is in the mix…

Keep talking about a number one WR, ain’t happening we’re more then capible right now since we have the best tight end in the business

Running game SOLID

Garrard will be back in shape and healed up for the regular season, no one gave him a chance last year calling for his head and he was excellent with protection and faired well without it, which ended up causing too much injury on the guy…

Which brings me to the O-line my only real area for improvement… but not entirely…

by Spoon2013 on Aug 18, 2011 1:25 PM EDT reply actions  

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