Big Cat Country - Jaguars bye week: All our coverage from Week 8Stand United, Duval Til We Diehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47383/bigcatcountry_fave.png2017-10-30T22:30:24-04:00http://www.bigcatcountry.com/rss/stream/163067212017-10-30T22:30:24-04:002017-10-30T22:30:24-04:00Jimmy Garoppolo traded to 49ers
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<p id="2sOEJR">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> have traded their prized backup quarterback <span>Jimmy Garoppolo</span> to the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> for a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Major QB shakeup: 49ers trading 2018 2nd-round draft pick to New England for Patriots’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo, sources tell ESPN.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/925154828577378304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2017</a>
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<p id="QUJlhf">The trade for Garoppolo to a quarterback-needy team that is off to its worst start in franchise history after eight games shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to anyone, given that there’s been Garoppolo trade talk for nearly a year now. Before the season, it was almost inevitable that some team would trade for Garoppolo, the only real speed bump was the asking price — thought to be a first-round pick in the preseason.</p>
<p id="RIa3ij">Were the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> a suitor for Garoppolo? Probably not. Would a second-round pick for him midseason have been best for the team? Again, no.</p>
<p id="pNyOEo">The Jaguars are clearly (and inexplicably) in win now mode and no matter how substandard <span>Blake Bortles</span> has been, making a switch at the quarterback position in Week 9 is probably a net negative. They need to win every game they can and taking a few weeks to acclimate Garoppolo might have cost them the division. </p>
<p id="CDpR3Y">Would it have set them up for a good 2018? Probably. But for a team a decade out of its last playoff appearance, short-term goals are the answer. Win the AFC South this year and worry about a quarterback in next year’s free agency and draft classes.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/30/16542678/new-england-patriots-trade-jimmy-garoppolo-san-francisco-49ers-draft-pickRyan Day2017-10-30T15:16:28-04:002017-10-30T15:16:28-04:00Marcell Dareus is worth the risk for the Jaguars
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<p>The Jaguars are taking a risk in bringing in Marcell Dareus, but it is worth it for where the are right now as a team. </p> <p id="MA55UY">This season has already been a crazy one for the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>, and many thought that we would all be able to experience some relaxation during the bye week. As Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friend. Not only did the Jaguars retain one of their core pieces for the long haul in <span>Telvin Smith</span>, but they also went out and traded a conditional 6th round pick for defensive tackle Marcel Dareus, formally of the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>. </p>
<p id="sTqaZR">This sent shock waves throughout the NFL. Not only was it unexpected, but all of sudden, one of the best defenses in the NFL got another big piece to use. There were some questions of why the Jaguars, who already have one of the best defenses in the league, were looking to add a big name player on that side of the ball. </p>
<p id="PJivSA">There a few answers to the question, the first being, that the Jaguars felt they needed to do something to help their run defense. The Jaguars are giving up a league high 5.2 yards per carry in the NFL, as well as a league high 138.6 yards per game average. In the three games the Jaguars have lost this season, stopping the run has been a big issue, and teams have been able to exploit their struggling run defense. </p>
<p id="7OklZo">There are many factors into why the Jaguars have struggled stopping the run, but their interior play on running downs has been the number one reason in my opinion. <span>Abry Jones</span> just has not matched his performance from last season, though i think he has been better of late. And Malik Jackson, who continues to be a very good player, has just not brought it in the run game this season. </p>
<p id="XCxAuT">In comes Dareus, who is one of the better run stuffers in the league. Dareus ranks 23rd out of 123 defensive lineman with a 10.2 percent run staff rate, according to NFL,com’s NextGenStats. Dareus also becomes the Jaguars second best run defender on the team according to Pro Football Focus, only behind a potential defensive player of the year candidate in Calais Campbell. Dareus has also had his most successful seasons under Doug Marrone, who coaches him in Buffalo for two seasons. </p>
<p id="hN6xPi">While Dareus by himself is not going to fix the run defense, his presence alone will help. The team will be able to rotate more comfortably on the defensive line, and keep fresh bodies coming in and out of the lineup. One thing that has impressed me about Coughlin (Outside of the way the quarterback position was handled), has been that when a a particular area of the team is struggling, he has not waited to address it. When Myers struggled, he was let go, and replaced by Josh Lambo. When the run defense has been deflated, they go out and get a guy like Dareus. I think there was too much blind loyalty by the last coaching staff, and not enough people being held accountable. </p>
<p id="pxsiMl">Which brings me to my next point, which is that the Jaguars feel that they can win right now. And you know what? They are right to think that way. They have the easiest strength of schedule remaining left in the NFL, and defense that keeps their team in the game every week. Is this team a Super Bowl contender? Probably not with <span>Blake Bortles</span> at the helm, but they definitely have a shot to be a playoff team, and that means something. For 10 years we have been talking about the future, of what could be. How much cap space we may have, or what players we should target in the draft. Right now, the Jacksonville fricken Jaguars have a chance to make the playoffs. They have a chance to host a playoff game for the first time in 18 years.</p>
<p id="RYOh72"> Would it have been a bigger splash if they traded for a quarterback? Sure, but no one is giving up good quarterbacks at this time of year. They saw a hole in this team, and went and tried to fix it. Will it work? Hopefully, but they fact that they are actively trying to get better a huge change in mindset from where they have been previously. </p>
<p id="egZk21">Dareus is a risk no doubt. He has his issues. It is never a good thing when the other teams fans are singing praises when a player leaves town. However, his stock dropping in Buffalo is what made his asking price worth it for the Jaguars. Dareus is a two time Pro Bowler, and someone everyone agrees has elite talent. Giving up a 6th round pick for a guy like that in the prime of his career is unheard of. </p>
<p id="cberqb">Alfie broke down the cap situation for the Jaguars, and how Dareus does not impact it as much as one may think. The team can move on from Dareus after 2018 with no cap hit, and can even move on from them after this season with not horrible dead money. Yes, decisions will have to be made regarding paying Campbell, Jackson, and Dareus over 45 million dollars combined. However, tough decisions always have to be made, especially as the Jaguars cap room starts to get slimmer. They can create space in many ways next season, with rolling over cap space, or moving on from guys like Blake Bortles, <span>Allen Hurns</span>, Jeremy Parnell, <span>Chris Ivory</span>, and Marcedes Lewis. Considering the Jaguars only huge big need is quarterback, they may not even gigantic cap space next year anyways. At the end of the day, there a bunch of ways they can create cap space, so it isn’t something to worry much about. </p>
<p id="MVac0b">Dareus has the potential to be a guy who can come in and play at a pro bowl level, and turn the defense into a complete unit. One cannot underestimate what this does in the locker room, as there has to be a sense of urgency, as the front office has shown it believes this team has the ability to contend. It doesn’t happen much in football because of lack of trade deadline action, but it happens in baseball, basketball, and hockey. Hell, it has shown in this years World Series. Just look at the quotes from the Houston Astros players reaction when they traded for Justin Verlander. I am not saying Dareus is the Verlander of the NFL, but the boost of energy it gives in an already energetic team can be unprecedented. </p>
<p id="ExDcur">Every trade has risk, and teams do not want to give up draft capital left and right. Even if Dareus only plays a season and half for this team, the chances of whoever they drafted with that 6th round pick making more of a difference than Dareus is slim to me. </p>
<p id="T40HGg">The Jaguars have finally won the bye week. Telvin got extended, they traded for a Pro Bowler, and <span>Jalen Ramsey</span> was on ESPN repping the best defense in the NFL. Oh, and the Jaguars are going to wear teal on Sunday. I have no idea how this season will end, it has already been unpredictable. But the Jaguars are fun again, so lets enjoy the ride. </p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/30/16572354/marcell-dareus-is-worth-the-risk-for-the-jaguarsJimmy Siettmann2017-10-27T19:24:12-04:002017-10-27T19:24:12-04:00Marcell Dareus traded to Jaguars
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<p id="w06H4M">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> have traded for run-stuffing defensive lineman <span>Marcell Dareus</span> from the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>. The trade was for a 2018 sixth-round pick that can go up to a fifth-round pick based on performance.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Buffalo is trading DT Marcell Dareus to Jacksonville, sources tell ESPN. Dareus being reunited with HC Doug Marrone.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/924050964218224640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marcell Dareus coming off his best game of season for Buffalo. Now Jacksonville D gets stronger.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/924051546395963392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In exchange for Marcell Dareus, Buffalo is receiving 2018 sixth-round pick that can go to fifth-round pick based on performance, per source.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/924052924585725952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a>
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<p id="JJQNyc">The Bills have reportedly been trying to get rid of Dareus for some time now. <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-tried-to-move-marcell-dareus-before-the-season-remain-open-to-it-now/"><strong>According to a report published by CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora</strong></a>, head coach Sean McDermott and first-year general manager Brandon Beane grew so tired of Dareus’ act — which included a <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/8/28/16214740/marcell-dareus-buffalo-bills-what-happened-in-baltimore-suspended-sent-home"><strong>dismissal from the team prior to the Bills’ Week 3 preseason game</strong></a> against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/"><strong>Baltimore Ravens</strong></a>, reportedly for being so late that other members of the team were already on the field stretching — that the team contemplated dealing Dareus prior to the September roster cut-downs.</p>
<p id="dMffRa"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/10/15/16478288/marcell-dareus-trade-buffalo-bills-2017-salary-cap-ramifications-2018-brandon-beane-sean-mcdermott"><strong>The money still owed Dareus</strong></a> (his $16.1 million salary for 2017 is fully guaranteed as is $7.35 million in 2018, $8.335 million in 2019 salary, $12.35 million in 2020, and $12.4 million in 2021) was a major roadblock to a Dareus deal, according to La Canfora’s source.</p>
<p id="GMKEZR">But it looks like the Jaguars were willing to pay that price.</p>
<p id="arxABD">Look for the Jaguars’ run defense to improve in the second half of the season.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/27/16562704/marcell-dareus-traded-to-jaguars-from-billsRyan Day2017-10-27T14:44:16-04:002017-10-27T14:44:16-04:00DOWN BY THE BANK 10.27: BLAKE BORTLES!
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<p>BORTLES AND CALDWELL AND MARRONE... OH MY!</p> <div id="UVdKkC"><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F348782958&show_artwork=true&maxheight=166"></iframe></div>
<p id="C5gIwY">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> are on a bye week with a winning record and good GOD does this feel good.</p>
<p id="WuvLCU">Other things we discuss on the podcast: </p>
<ul>
<li id="TiP5dp">How has <span>Blake Bortles</span> been this year as compared to last year?</li>
<li id="npw6OM">Reassessing Dave Caldwell</li>
<li id="fz90X5">Listener Q&A</li>
<li id="rFDOeS">And more! </li>
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<p id="Vu8OaN">Down by the Bank: A Jacksonville Jaguars Podcast is tastily sponsored by Brewer's Pizza! Brewer's Pizza is located at 14B Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, Florida, 32073 and at <a href="https://t.co/9EYqSSQJIN">brewerspizza.com</a>. Brewer's is Orange Park's only true brewpub, featuring delicious pizza, and Pinglehead Brewing Company onsite. </p>
<p id="bNApJ9">We always enjoy your feedback/comments/suggestions on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/downbythebank/">@downbythebank</a> or via e-mail at downbythebank@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/27/16561266/down-by-the-bank-10-27-blake-bortlesRyan Day2017-10-27T06:54:19-04:002017-10-27T06:54:19-04:00Jaguars Daily: What Telvin extension means for 2018 cap
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<p id="AEGohj"><a href="http://jacksonville.com/sports/jaguars/2017-10-26/jaguars-insider-what-smith-signing-means-2018-cap-other-players">What does the Telvin Smith signing mean to the rest of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2018 salary cap?</a> - <a href="http://Jacksonville.com">Jacksonville.com</a><br>The Jaguars’ future plans further crystallized late Wednesday night when they signed outside linebacker Telvin Smith to a four-year contract extension worth a reported $44 million ($20.5 million guaranteed).</p>
<p id="nIuCzW">Smith is the second member of the team’s 2014 draft class to sign a new deal, following center Brandon Linder.</p>
<p id="I5v1ft">What does this mean for the Jaguars’ 2018 salary cap? For the other potential free agents? For some of the veterans under contract for next year? For the team’s off-season needs?</p>
<p id="CsFiyR"><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/26/16554336/jacksonville-jaguars-dede-westbrook-return-expectations">What can we expect out of Dede Westbrook when he comes back?</a> - <a href="http://BigCatCountry.com">BigCatCountry.com</a><br>The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to welcome back rookie wide receiver Dede Westbrook when they return to practice next week. The capacity at which Westbrook returns, as in being active against the Cincinnati Bengals, remains to be seen. Either way, his return could potentially add a dimension the Jaguars offense has been missing.</p>
<p id="3wF7tx"><a href="https://nflspinzone.com/2017/10/26/jacksonville-jaguars-trade-deadline-possibility-jarvis-landry/">Will the Jacksonville Jaguars make a trade before the deadline?</a> - <a href="http://NFLSpinZone.com">NFLSpinZone.com</a><br>The Jacksonville Jaguars are tied for first place in the AFC South division with a record of 4-3. They are in position to make a playoff run. Will Jacksonville make a move before the trade deadline to improve their chances to win the division?</p>
<p id="ESSpVn">Allen Robinson‘s injury left a huge void in the receiving corps especially after losing rookie Dede Westbrook’s preseason injury. Adam Schefter of ESPN speculated on just-for-fun ideas for trades. A suggestion for the Jags included trading for Jarvis Landry in exchange for a second-round pick.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/27/16556806/jacksonville-jaguars-daily-what-telvin-smith-signing-means-for-2018-salary-capRyan Day2017-10-26T20:03:00-04:002017-10-26T20:03:00-04:00Week 8 picks!
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<p id="ybmzEE">Each week, the Big Cat Country team will be giving their predictions for the upcoming slate of games. Roast us, fam.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/27/16559230/2017-nfl-week-8-picks-bye-week-editionRyan Day2017-10-26T16:08:50-04:002017-10-26T16:08:50-04:00BCC Q&A: Who needs to step up their game?
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<p id="iTey8c">Let’s answer some questions ahead of the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>’ bye week!</p>
<p id="KudbZt"><em><strong>Caleb from Jacksonville, FL</strong></em></p>
<p id="EAmkTX">Q: How do you expect the return of <span>Dede Westbrook</span> to affect the passing game? Is 10-6 a realistic expectation?</p>
<p id="hF1WHz">A: We actually wrote about that <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/26/16554336/jacksonville-jaguars-dede-westbrook-return-expectations">here</a> but the short of it is that the team will take more deep shots and that will help the run game immensely. I think 10-6 is a fine expectation at this point with how well the defense is playing coupled with opposing teams on the schedule getting the injury bug.</p>
<p id="gHtX0F"><em><strong>Nick from Cooper City, FL</strong></em></p>
<p id="rjyQtL">Q: What do we do with <span>T.J. Yeldon</span> going forward?</p>
<p id="hzUxXo">A: Look for him to be involved in the passing game a little more. While he was impressive against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, let’s pump the brakes a bit. He’s <em>always </em>been impressive against them. Going into the game he was averaging more than five yards a carry on them.</p>
<p id="EhedD6"><em><strong>Hayden from Katy, TX</strong></em></p>
<p id="C6qJij">Q: So are y’all still gonna continue the hate towards Dante Fowler? </p>
<p id="fP4Eal">A: What hate? We’ve done nothing but praise him #onhere. We said he had the play of the week against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/9/13/16299004/jaguars-play-of-the-week-dante-fowler-fumble-return-touchdown">here</a>, repeated voted him as one of the most impactful players in more games than not in our postgame recaps, and more. He’s turned into a productive player who can get double-digit sacks this year. He has improved greatly — one of the more dramatic improvements on the team. He’s good.</p>
<p id="ANYJSW"><em><strong>Trav from Jacksonville, FL</strong></em></p>
<p id="rJifrF">Q: Outside of <span>Blake Bortles</span>, who do you think needs to step it up for the second half of the season? </p>
<p id="nXD8Sd">A: Good question. The interior defensive linemen need to be better at stopping the run. <span>Abry Jones</span> and <span>Malik Jackson</span> have been underwhelming in that department. That needs to be fixed. I’d also like to see <span>Chris Ivory</span> as a better spell for <span>Leonard Fournette</span> and for one of the running backs to step up in the passing game. The receivers need to be more consistent as well. <span>Allen Hurns</span> is flying under the radar in terms of productivity and I want him to be better specifically.</p>
<p id="4tHlCa"><em><strong>Gabe from Washington D.C.</strong></em></p>
<p id="sAaDsa">Q: Let’s say we sign <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> today. He has almost two weeks to prepare for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. How much better than Blake Bortles is he at that point, and how much better would be be in December or January? </p>
<p id="1VQupS">A: With two weeks of practice, Kaepernick is probably more of a net negative on this team than Bortles. Signing him now would be an asinine move that would damage this team’s chances at the playoffs this year. You can’t move on from the quarterback midseason and expect to keep this team on track. Next offseason however... nah, it won’t happen.</p>
<p id="u1mah3"><em><strong>Carlton from Lake Mary, FL</strong></em></p>
<p id="M3GDbd">Q: I know it might be a little early for this, but do you see the Jaguars getting a game flexed to prime time since we've been keeping pace to fight for the AFC South title?</p>
<p id="WgF7WN">A: Week 17 in Nashville.</p>
<p id="L4oi5k"><em><strong>Logan from Green Cove Springs, FL</strong></em></p>
<p id="oE4SqQ">Q: What's this team's record with Gus Bradley still at the helm? Or better yet, how improved is this team with Doug running things now? It seems crazy to me to think he spent so long with the organization and could have been the head coach this whole time. </p>
<p id="7Jtdin">A: Could have been? There is no more damning evidence it was Gus who was holding us back the most. This team is probably 2-5 with Gus as head coach and fired this week during the bye.</p>
<p id="eOsOL7"><em><strong>Ronald from Sanford, FL</strong></em></p>
<p id="jckPj8">Q: When <span>Brandon Linder</span> comes back, should the Jaguars play him at center or move him to guard with <span>Tyler Shatley</span> playing well the last few weeks?</p>
<p id="1ueTWK">A: You keep Brandon Linder at the position you paid him all that money to play.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/26/16554568/big-cat-country-q-a-who-needs-to-step-up-in-the-second-half-of-the-seasonRyan Day2017-10-26T14:45:37-04:002017-10-26T14:45:37-04:00What can we expect from Dede Westbrook?
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<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="hNbeaH">The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> are expected to welcome back rookie wide receiver <span>Dede Westbrook</span> when they return to practice next week. The capacity at which Westbrook returns, as in being active against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, remains to be seen. Either way, his return could potentially add a dimension the Jaguars offense has been missing. </p>
<p id="cVc7v6">The fourth-round pick was a star for the Jaguars in preseason, but had an injury that required surgery and got him put on injured reserve, but with designation to return after eight weeks.</p>
<p id="3uLbnX">“I think we’d like to get him back, but I’m going to wait until Monday until they prove that they are out there and nothing crazy happens,” Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said when asked about Westbrook on Monday. “ I don’t want to give you guys bad information. I’d like to get all those guys out there. We’ll see where Cam is at, but again Monday can come, and we’re going be like, ‘Well, they need to rest’ and then I’m sitting in here and it’s like wait a minute, you said this.”</p>
<p id="YMD9EL">Westbrook has been tweeting out hints about him running and on track to return to practice, but even if he’s full go next week, he’s going to need to be worked into the Jaguars offense. The Jaguars have been lacking the ability to go deep through the first seven games and most of their chunk passing plays has been on yards after the catch. <span>Keelan Cole</span> really has had the only deep reception so far this year, but someone like Westbrook can come in and add the ability to take the top off, which is what people expected <span>Marqise Lee</span> to do.</p>
<p id="lo0aHX">Lee has been solid this season, but I think it’s clear he’s not that type of guy that the offense is missing. Westbrook is likely to take on that role when he comes into the lineup and will eat away at Cole’s snaps, as it should be. I’d guess that Westbrook will be used in similar fashion to how he was in the preseason, returning punts and lining up on the outside threatening deep. </p>
<p id="Ov0saT">I’m not confident the Jaguars will consistently be able to hit teams deep down the field with the state of their passing game, but the addition of Westbrook and even attempting those shots will back some teams off, as well as open up play-action shots.</p>
https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2017/10/26/16554336/jacksonville-jaguars-dede-westbrook-return-expectationsAlfie Crow