I mentioned awhile back that I really enjoyed playing the role of the Devil's advocate. This is one of those cases. The move by the Jaguars to draft QB, Blaine Gabbert was a clear message to Jack Del Rio. Win or else. The Jaguars will have to make it into the playoffs, likely by winning the division, or Jack Del Rio will be looking for a new job for the 2012 season.
Quarterbacks are often tied forever to their head coach. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. Joe Montana and Bill Walsh. Terry Bradshaw and Chuck Noll. Jack Del Rio and David Garrard, not Blaine Gabbert. That could be the consequences of another season of missing the playoffs.
Let me get this out of the way. I like Jack Del Rio. Aside from an atrocious season, I think the Jaguars should keep him for another few years. Hell, give him a three year extension now. I'm concerned that a few early season losses will result in a situation similar to that of John Fox and the Panthers. The last thing this team needs is a lame duck coach.
That being the case, the fans have put a lot of pressure on Jaguars owner, Wayne Weaver. If the fans had their way, David Garrard and Jack Del Rio would both be gone. At some point, Weaver will give the fans what they want. He can't keep supporting Del Rio if the results aren't there. This city wants playoffs, and the Jaguars seem intent on giving the city just that.
9-7 may be enough for Del Rio to keep his job, but I'd be surprised if that got it done. Del Rio needs his team to over achieve one more year to keep his job. If he can milk a playoff berth out of this season, his job should be safe for years to come, because; this roster seems built to last. All the chips are on the table. Jack Del Rio is all in with the river card coming. I hope he gets it done, but it's playoffs or bust in 2011.