The Jacksonville Jaguars were without former top 10 pick Eugene Monroe at left tackle last Sunday againast the New Orleans Saints. His absence caused the offensive line to completely shuffle. Monroe missing at left tackle sent Guy Whimper from the right side to the left side, Will Rackley off the bench to guard, and Eben Britton from guard to tackle. That kind of shuffle on the offensive line can cause easy confusion and mental mistakes in protection schemes. The line was OK picking up Gregg Williams blitzes, but it's clear there were some issues.
The Cincinnati Bengals come to town with a young a deep defensive line. It's a defensive line that can rush the passer, which is part of the reason the Bengals are currently sporting the number one overall defense and the number three overall passing defense. As a team, the Bengals are tied for the 5th most sacks in the league, with 10 in four games.
Getting back Eugene Monroe on the left side will bolster the offensive line not only by his presence at left tackle, but due to the fact that it sends Britton back to guard and Whimper back to right tackle, allowing the Jaguars to have their five best offensive lineman on the field. Monroe has been a pick of great scrutiny, being general manager Gene Smith's first ever draft pick. Monroe, entering his third season as a pro, should be taking that "next step" right now. He's off to a pretty good start after struggling in the preseason. Monroe came into camp light, worried about facing the likes of Dwight Freeney twice a year and struggling to deal with speed rushers. He was told to gain weight, and is now back up to over 300 pounds.
Monroe will get a good test against the Bengals, facing waves of defensive lineman that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer likes to send. He'll be matched up with defensive end Carlos Dunlap most of the day, but the Bengals can rush the passer with their front four and drop coverage. Monroe will need to have a strong day to keep rookie Blaine Gabbert upright.