Jacksonville Jaguars Roundup

Let's spin around the internet and see what everyone's saying about the Jacksonville Jaguars.

David Garrard: Ready for whatever's next | jacksonville.com
David Garrard's emotions betrayed him only once Wednesday afternoon as he spoke for the first time since the Jaguars released him. It happened when he spoke about his son Justin, who was born in 2007, just weeks after Garrard became the Jaguars starting quarterback. Garrard told Justin on Tuesday the Jaguars didn't want him as their starting quarterback anymore. Justin shouted. "I'm gonna tell them, you let my daddy play!" Garrard recalled Justin saying.

Jaguars GM Gene Smith has a lot of confidence in Maurice Jones-Drew | jacksonville.com
Coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, there have been a lot of questions about Maurice Jones-Drew. Not from Jaguars general manager Gene Smith. "He's in as good a shape as he's ever been as a Jaguar," Smith said. "He's got a lot of juice in his legs. He's always been quick and fast, but he looks quicker and faster out on the field."

Jaguars GM Gene Smith: Garrard release 'was my decision' | jacksonville.com
Jaguars general manager Gene Smith made it clear that the buck stops at his desk for the decision to cut starting quarterback David Garrard. "Ultimately, it was my decision," Smith said in an email on Thursday. Smith has the authority to make all the personnel decisions for the Jaguars. And while he said releasing Garrard was the right decision for the organization, he doesn't think the timing was handled well.

Playing to McCown’s strengths - Jaguars news on jaguars.com
As Dirk Koetter sees it, the process shouldn’t be overwhelming. Koetter, the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, said while there will be subtle changes to the offense with the release this week of four-year starting quarterback David Garrard, installing those alterations shouldn’t be overly difficult. Koetter said new starter Luke McCown, Garrard’s backup during all or parts of the last two seasons, is more than familiar enough with the system – and vice-versa – to ease the transition. Even with just a few days to do the transitioning.

Regular season opener to feature 9/11 remembrance - Jaguars news on jaguars.com
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ regular season opener against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Field on Sunday, September 11 will include a special tribute to the courage and resilience that followed the events of September 11, 2001, as part of a wider NFL remembrance.

Magnificent Seven VI - Jaguars news on jaguars.com
7.Deji’s chance. The thought entering the Jaguars’ 2011 preseason was backup running back Rashad Jennings could play a significantly larger role this season than last, mainly because the Jaguars theoretically would want to reduce – if only slightly – the wear on starter and two-time Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Jennings’ season ended last weekend when he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.

2011 Jacksonville Jaguars Season Preview: Final Thoughts | Jaguars Blog
The Jaguars’ special teams units have been very good for the past couple of years. Montell Owens has established himself as a Pro Bowl-level special teamer, and Kassim Osgood is a player that held the distinction of "league’s best special teams player" for years while in San Diego. Suffice to say, the Jaguars shouldn’t have any trouble on kick coverage. In the return game, Deji Karim has established himself as a dangerous kickoff returner, though his opportunities will be limited with the new kickoff rules. On punt returns, rookie Cecil Shorts will handle the duties to start the year, but if he doesn’t shine and the Jaguars need a big play, don’t be surprised if you see Mike Thomas back there on a few occasions.