Jacksonville Jaguars 2017 Season (AFC North/South Champions)

[JaxRed]

The disastrous 2016 season just ended with the Jags 24-20 loss to Colts. The Jags 9th loss of the season by 8 points or less. And a game where they led 17-0 in the first half. Any super-strong argument that interim coach Doug Marrone could make was wiped out by the collapse of the Jags in the game.

So, obviously we are headed for a new coach, which will not be Tom Coughlin.

We'll find out positively about the status of GM Dave Caldwell. He was ostensibly spared when he was charge with leading the search for a new coach, but then owner Shad Khan has hired a consulting firm to work on the search. And there were differing reports on how involved he was in the Coughlin interviews.

After the game, several of the defensive players said they were ready for a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, that they felt they had been handcuffed by the defensive scheme.

So, it looks like a clean sweep that may or may not include the GM.

Jags have the #4 pick in the draft.

[Assembly Hall]

Who do you think the Jags will take at #4?

[JaxRed]

Who do you think the Jags will take at #4?

Most people think at this point they'd like to grab one of Garret or Allen from Alabama. But they may be gone. MOst people do not think they will go QB in 1st round.

[JaxRed]

Kyle Shanahan and Josh McDaniels have interviews this week.

[JaxRed]

Mike Smith now scheduled to interview per sources. GM Dave Caldwell addressed players in a players-only meeting but entire talk was less than 3 minutes. It certainly seems like he is surviving.

The Rooney rule candidate is rumored to be Arizona OC Goodwin.

Assistant Coaches were told to feel free to look for other jobs, but to keep Jags "in the loop" since they are still under contract.

[Kingspoint]

Good luck to Jacksonville on their HC search.

Think it would be a huge mistake though to get McDaniels or Coughlin. Coughlin's time has passed, while McDaniels proved he was in over his head as a HC, similar to Marvin Lewis,..clueless when it comes to identifying the right personnel to put on the field.

Mike Smith is more clueless than either of them.

Caldwell is proving that he's the major problem right now.

If Caldwell picks Kyle Shanahan or some other Assistant who has not ever had a HC job, then I'll give Caldwell a pass for three more years. But, if he picks proven HC failures like Smith or McDaniels, or guys who have had the game pass them up as proven by their decisions during their last years as a HC or as their opinions as analysts over the last few years have shown them to be clueless, then Caldwell isn't the only problem. Now, it's Kahn, and his inability to recognize failure and poor abilities in an NFL G.M., and Jags fans long ride will start mirroring that of Browns', Bengals', and Rams' fans' miseries. Other clubs could be tossed in there like the Bills, but it's a small group that no one wants to be a part of. If late-night comediens start mentioning the Jags, you know you've arrived.

[JaxRed]

Wow you need to back away from the ledge a bit. Most speculation around here is that after having gone through the "hot assistant" route with Bradley, that they will lean towards the former HC route. There's a lot of evidence towards coaches that learn from their mistakes the first time like Belicheck or Pete Carroll.

Along those lines there was an interesting article on the learning curve of Josh McDaniels

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2666428-the-redemption-of-josh-mcdaniels-failure-taught-pats-oc-how-to-pick-his-spots

But, Jags should certainly be able to get who they want. One of the NFL writers polled 6 GM's as to the most attractive job. Denver was unanimous as #1 but Jax was number 2.

Pats DC Matt Patricia is now rumored to be interviewing.

[Kingspoint]

My favorite Coaching option out there right now is Anthony Lynn as Head Coach with him already believed to be bringing Gus Bradley in as his D.C. Bradley's Jax Defenses performed up to or beyond his talent level each year (had to deal with many injuries), while he was excellent in Seattle. Lynn is on the fast-track Offensively and did a great job in Buffalo thus season with numerous injuries, having to deal with an idiot as a Head Coach, and also having limited resources available at the Receiver position.

Bradley could buy him time wherever he goes (interviewing with SF and LA so far) while he takes the years necessary to put a decent Offense together.

[Kingspoint]

Wow you need to back away from the ledge a bit. Most speculation around here is that after having gone through the "hot assistant" route with Bradley, that they will lean towards the former HC route. There's a lot of evidence towards coaches that learn from their mistakes the first time like Belicheck or Pete Carroll.

Along those lines there was an interesting article on the learning curve of Josh McDaniels

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2666428-the-redemption-of-josh-mcdaniels-failure-taught-pats-oc-how-to-pick-his-spots

But, Jags should certainly be able to get who they want. One of the NFL writers polled 6 GM's as to the most attractive job. Denver was unanimous as #1 but Jax was number 2.

Pats DC Matt Patricia is now rumored to be interviewing.

The next time I read something good from bleacher report will be the first time.

Forget the ex-Pats Assistants. Over-rated every time.

There is no learning curve for McDaniels. He was the over-micro-managing Belichick's minion for a while. If he learned anything, it was "to not delegate and do not trust your Assistants". He took that education to Denver and was a complete flop on and off the field. Where's the learning curve? He ended up back being the monkey for Belichich, at which he seemed to be qualified to do. I don't believe he could succeed as an Offensive Coordinator anywhere else, yet alone be put in charge of an entire team's Offense, Defense and Special Teams.

I like Khan. I like his business models. I like his patience. I think any G.M. should get 5 years. I like Caldwell. But, I think Caldwell should have went another direction last year with the Coaching Staff, especially given the attiude that Bortles displayed as a player, Quarterback and potential leader. He would have two years with a new Coaching staff to see if he's earned the right to continue on as GM. after five years. Now, Kahn will have to make that decision after one season. As a G.M., it's not just Coaches you have to pick, but it's also an attitude that you have to permeate throughout the organization. Bortles' attitude is more of a refelection on Caldwell than it is on Bradley, and it's more of a reflection on Kahn than it is on Caldwell. Attitude flows down through an organization from the top.

I'm OK with, and I think it's right, giving Caldwell one more season, but Caldwell has painted himself into a corner, being forced to go with an established HC with a recent history of failure instead of success, when he could have rolled the dice last year with another proven Assistant who was ready to take the next step in his career.

It's not a matter of having tried one direction, it not having worked, then to try the other. Picking an Assistant ready for the next step is still the right way to go. Attempting it multiple times is how you end up with a good HC.

Kahn is as decisive as he is patient. He won't hesitate to get rid of Caldwell next season if Dave's choice of a new Coaching staff doesn't accomplish all of these three things:

1. Change Bortles's attitude 100%
2. Continue the growth on Defense Bradley established
3. Make the playoffs

Caldwell will be gone next season, as he should be, if all of that is not accomplished next season.

[Kingspoint]

But, Jags should certainly be able to get who they want. One of the NFL writers polled 6 GM's as to the most attractive job. Denver was unanimous as #1 but Jax was number 2.

I'm guessing Mike Brown was not one of those G.M.'s.

[Kingspoint]

It always bothers me when anyone tries to use Pete Carroll and Belichick as examples of Head Coaches who failed and became good Head Coaches at a later time. Those are the exceptions, not the norm. There are exceptions for any side of any discussion. Exceptions aren't reasons for doing something. It's playing the lottery, and you shouldn't play the lottery when it comes to running Billion-dollar organizations. Pete Carroll put his tail between his legs, went back to College, and had unmatched success. He then went to work for an owner with the deepest pockets in the NFL who was forward-thinking in both spending money on Free-agents, making trades regardless of the cost, not afraid to make mistakes, and innovative in all aspects of NFL Management. It was a unique situation matched up with a unique individual who thinks the same way.

Belichick is the greatest HC in the last 30 years.

Those two exceptions are not what one shoots for.

Looking for an Assistant who will bring new ideas and not be a lemming of a Coach is how you find success in the NFL. Lemming Head Coaches go 8-8, ala Jeff Fisher and Marvin Lewis.

[JaxRed]

Well there's a little frustration in Jax town, as the Jags have become Silent Bob on the coaching process. All the info that has come out has been from reporters. That's in contrast to tweets from Elway, saying they are interviewing Shanahan, etc.

There was one tweet that said Jags are more sold on Bortles than they indicated in the end of season press conference that talked about the coaching search. And that could be a turn off.

Have seen several articles that indicates Denver would be Shanahan's top job and one from SF that indicates SF would be McDaniels. It appears we will pick from the leftovers.

[Tom Servo]

I could see the Jags making a hard run at Bill O'Brien were he to become available.

[JaxRed]

Zig Fracassi ‏@ZigFracassi 31m31 minutes ago
Mark Dominik: No other coaching interviews for the #Jaguars. They've honed in on their guy, w/a defensive background.

So, Zig Fracassi is a Siruis XM broadcaster. And Mark Dominik is with Sirius and is former GM of Buccaneers.

The interesting part of this tweet if true is that the Jags only interviewed ONE defensive guy. Former Atl HC Mike Smith (former Jags DC).

If this happens, people will be very interested to see who OC would be. Mike McCoy would make people pretty happy.

[redsfanmia]

Zig Fracassi ‏@ZigFracassi 31m31 minutes ago
Mark Dominik: No other coaching interviews for the #Jaguars. They've honed in on their guy, w/a defensive background.

So, Zig Fracassi is a Siruis XM broadcaster. And Mark Dominik is with Sirius and is former GM of Buccaneers.

The interesting part of this tweet if true is that the Jags only interviewed ONE defensive guy. Former Atl HC Mike Smith (former Jags DC).

If this happens, people will be very interested to see who OC would be. Mike McCoy would make people pretty happy.

Are you happy with Mike Smith?

[KronoRed]

They could do worse as far as retreads go.

[JaxRed]

Are you happy with Mike Smith?

I would say "Solid Hire but not exciting"

[Boston Red]

"...but not exciting"

With a name like Mike Smith, how is that even possible?!?

[kaldaniels]

Marrone it is.

[Tom Servo]

Any super-strong argument that interim coach Doug Marrone could make was wiped out by the collapse of the Jags in the game..http://i.imgur.com/0q0UWMf.jpg?1


Adam Schefter
‏@AdamSchefter
Jacksonville planning to hire Doug Marrone as HC, league sources tell ESPN.

[Sea Ray]

Zig Fracassi ‏@ZigFracassi 31m31 minutes ago
Mark Dominik: No other coaching interviews for the #Jaguars. They've honed in on their guy, w/a defensive background.

So, Zig Fracassi is a Siruis XM broadcaster. And Mark Dominik is with Sirius and is former GM of Buccaneers.

The interesting part of this tweet if true is that the Jags only interviewed ONE defensive guy. Former Atl HC Mike Smith (former Jags DC).

If this happens, people will be very interested to see who OC would be. Mike McCoy would make people pretty happy.


Marrone it is.

Marrone is not a defensive guy. So much for Mark Dominik's career as an NFL insider...

My guess is this is an underwhelming choice for Jax fans who wanted change. I gotta say, the Jax situation reminds me so much of the Bengals in the 90s. It was yrs and yrs of just shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic.

[kaldaniels]

Marrone is not a defensive guy. So much for Mark Dominik's career as an NFL insider...

If a tree falls in a forest...

[JaxRed]

Well, to me Marrone is a lot like Smith. Good, competent hire, but not exciting. In fact, since he was here all along, and the fans wanted a clean sweep, this is a fairly unpopular choice with the unwashed. Will be interesting to see how much of the staff changes.

There was at least (in hindsight) one indication that he was getting serious consideration. The coach interviews were 4 hours. But the interview with Marrone was said to have started early in the morning and went till late at night.

And there were tweets from respected sportswriter that said a well respected NFL coach had called the Jags out the blue and said Marrone was who they should hire. Our local sports radio guy just said I can tell you now that call was made, and it came from Bill Belichek".

What gets people around here, is they could have made this move at mid-season.

[JaxRed]

Tom Coughlin just hired as VP of Football Operations! GM Dave Caldwell extended.

[kaldaniels]

Well, to me Marrone is a lot like Smith. Good, competent hire, but not exciting. In fact, since he was here all along, and the fans wanted a clean sweep, this is a fairly unpopular choice with the unwashed. Will be interesting to see how much of the staff changes.

There was at least (in hindsight) one indication that he was getting serious consideration. The coach interviews were 4 hours. But the interview with Marrone was said to have started early in the morning and went till late at night.

And there were tweets from respected sportswriter that said a well respected NFL coach had called the Jags out the blue and said Marrone was who they should hire. Our local sports radio guy just said I can tell you now that call was made, and it came from Bill Belichek".

What gets people around here, is they could have made this move at mid-season.

He got the Bills - yes the BILLS - to 9-7 before bolting. And while I'd usually put someone's feet to the fire for quitting on a team like that...my spidey sense tells me there was more to the story there.

Good hire by the Jags.

[KronoRed]

Coughlin being on board is good enough to ignore the unexciting retread hire.

[Tom Servo]

He got the Bills - yes the BILLS - to 9-7 before bolting. And while I'd usually put someone's feet to the fire for quitting on a team like that...my spidey sense tells me there was more to the story there.

Good hire by the Jags.
The Pegula/Whaley regime certainly hasn't inspired much confidence with the Rex Ryan experiment, it is entirely possible he had a bad feeling about the new ownership set-up.

I dunno, I think Marrone gets too much flack for simply doing what his contract gave him the option to do. It's not like he quit midseason like Petrino.

[KronoRed]

I've seen a few places that almost all the assistants will be back, what happened to the overhaul? do they really think Bradley was the only problem?

[JaxRed]

I've seen a few places that almost all the assistants will be back, what happened to the overhaul? do they really think Bradley was the only problem?

I certainly think it indicates a belief that they were very close. They lost a lot of games by less than 7/8 points.

[IslandRed]

I certainly think it indicates a belief that they were very close. They lost a lot of games by less than 7/8 points.

Yep. In the NFL, the line between playoff-worthy and pretty sucky can be a thin one, and it sometimes leads directly to the quarterback position. They still need a few other things but they're not getting anywhere until Bortles plays better or they find someone better.

[JaxRed]

They made some coaching changes today. Biggest move was keeping the DC, Todd Wash who was rookie DC. Defense played well, but defensive backs complained they they were bottled up by the scheme. IT will be interesting to see if they change the scheme.

And apparently, the Jags had a high number of coaches (in the low 20's), and the plan is to cut way back.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld...

According to Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, new Jaguars Executive VP of Football Operations Tom Coughlin is expected to have the "final say on everything." This means Coughlin will wield considerable power within the organization. It looks like GM Dave Caldwell, who agreed to a two-year extension on Monday, will be reporting to the former Giants and Jaguars head coach.


This is consistent with the high qualities I find in Kahn as an Owner. Originally, given 5 years as G.M., Caldwell chose to put 4 of those years into the trust that Bradley was the right choice. Being patient, fair, yet holding Caldwell accountable for that choice, Kahn let him make the next pick of Head Coach, is going to give him three years to make that choice work, but has removed some of his administration power by creating another position between himself and Caldwell, who now must convince Coughlin that his decisions for the next three years are best for the long-term and immediate health of the organization. It's the same model Paul Allen uses for the Seahawks and Trailblazers. Kahn let's his Managers do their jobs, but unlike Mike Brown, holds them accountable.

The Jaguars' present and future continues to look bright under Kahn.

[JaxRed]

From Rotoworld...

According to Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, new Jaguars Executive VP of Football Operations Tom Coughlin is expected to have the "final say on everything." This means Coughlin will wield considerable power within the organization. It looks like GM Dave Caldwell, who agreed to a two-year extension on Monday, will be reporting to the former Giants and Jaguars head coach.


This is consistent with the high qualities I find in Kahn as an Owner. Originally, given 5 years as G.M., Caldwell chose to put 4 of those years into the trust that Bradley was the right choice. Being patient, fair, yet holding Caldwell accountable for that choice, Kahn let him make the next pick of Head Coach, is going to give him three years to make that choice work, but has removed some of his administration power by creating another position between himself and Caldwell, who now must convince Coughlin that his decisions for the next three years are best for the long-term and immediate health of the organization. It's the same model Paul Allen uses for the Seahawks and Trailblazers. Kahn let's his Managers do their jobs, but unlike Mike Brown, holds them accountable.

The Jaguars' present and future continues to look bright under Kahn.


The Jags have NOT spelled out Coughlin's duties. That is speculation on O'Halloran's part. The Jags will have a press conference tomorrow at 10AM eastern to talk about everything. I think the level of interference from Coughlin on both the coaching side and the personnel side will be very minimal.

Doug Marrone already walked away from a situation he didn't like in Buffalo. He interviewed for at least one other job and was rumored to be the top fallback position if Saints job opened up. He has options, so he wouldn't sign on to a situation where he didn't have essentially full control. To a lesser extent the GM Caldwell is in the same boat. He's done enough with this roster that he could pick up another gig.

I think Coughlin's job will be as a sounding board. Just meet with them periodically. "Have you thought about this?" And only step in and overrule things in the rarest of circumstances. When I still worked (retired), I was the expert in a particular piece of software. For the last 5 years or so, the only person who could make calls. Previous to that I had an assistant with the same skill set just with less experience. I missed having someone to bounce ideas off of. I think Tom Coughlin will fill that role for Dave and Doug.

And the other role he fills is for Shad Khan. When things didn't work out with this regime, Shad had to determine whether Gus or Dave were the problem (or both). He decided on Gus. But Shad is not a football guy, so all he could do is make an educated guess. Let's say the Jags go 9-7 next three years. in 2017 there will be jubilation and dancing in the streets in Jacksonville. But if the next 2 years we stay the same, there will be questions as to why we can't get to the next level. Personnel or coaching (or both). That's when Shad can call on Coughlin and his football expertise

[JaxRed]

The Jags press conference was light on details. As every knew they said if there was conflict, Coughlin had the final say, but in side conversations, everyone expected no problems. I will say this holds great potential for problems if Tom tries to have everything done his way.

Jags did fire most of assistant coaches. They kept the DC. They have also kept the OC, but have not specified his role. In fact the Jags have interviewed some OC candidates, including most notably, Chip Kelly who would seem an odd fit here, but there have been reports that it is almost a done deal. (The current OC would go back to QB coach)

Oops, just saw other posts where Hackett (current OC), is still the favorite.

[JaxRed]

Jags end up with new HC (but one that was on staff), same OC and DC, and almost totally new coaches other than that. And Coughlin as Football VP. The new asst coaches seem to have some very nice resumes. But it appears obvious that people convinced Shad Khan that the team was close to being a success, because they kept so many pieces intact.

A whole lot is going to depend on Bortles. I assume they somehow bring in some competition for him. Somebody like Mike Glennon.

Oh, well..... awaiting free agency.

[JaxRed]

Well been pretty quiet on the Jags front. A couple moves yesterday they raised a couple eyebrows. Our starting left guard Kevin Beachum did not have his optional years on his contract picked up. We are relatively thin at OL anyway, so if he doesn't get resigned to a deal by March 9th, we are hurting a bit there.

And Chad Henne was resigned as backup QB. Almost no one expected this. Everyone thought some competition would be brought in for Bortles. So this was a head scratcher.

[JaxRed]

The quiet has ended on the Jags front. This week the Dolphins told LG Branden Albert they were going to release him. He informed his agent, who Tweeted it to the world and the Jags contacted the Dolpins and let's talk trade instead. The deal can't be consummated until March 9th, but it seems they are just dotting the i's and crossing the t's. Albert will get a restructured deal to approve trade to Jax. Dolphins get TE Julius Thomas who has not lived up to expectations.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-branden-albert-20170219-story.html

[JaxRed]

Apparently too late to edit previous post. Deal still going thru, but as separate trades in case one side falls apart. The side in possible jeopardy is the Miami/Thomas side. If it goes beside the players, it looks like a 7th round selection is included. Jax would get a 2017 7th and Mia a 2018th

Jags also released Jared Odrick.

Jags have 3rd most cap room space.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars agreed to terms with SS Barry Church on a four-year contract.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the deal is worth "more than $6 million per year." The second best safety on the market, Church reportedly received interest from a "number of teams" before landing in Jacksonville. He will replace Johnathan Cyprien as the starter next to Tashaun Gipson.

Source:*Ian Rapoport on Twitter

- - - Updated - - -

A solid Defense gets stronger.

[Kingspoint]

JaxRed....you probably have the best Defense in the NFL right now. Where's the celebration?

[JaxRed]

The joke around here is that the Jags always win the off-season, and then lose the regular season. Certainly a very nice haul today and I am very happy. Calais Campbell from Cardinals on the DL and Bouye from Texans at cornerback. Those were the two big hauls. I view the safety swapout Church for Cyprien as kind of a wash.

I guess the one thing that surprised me was the Jags lack of aggression in going after the FA offensive linemen like Zeitler. Especially since this is not a great year in the draft for OL. At this point they've only made one change (left tackle) to a group that was just okay this past season. (Brandon Albert Trade with Miami). The thinking around here was "give Blake as many tools as possible to help him".

Not too much is left in FA on the OL except maybe Fluker.

[Kingspoint]

The best tool you could give Bortles is a short field. It lets him toss a couple of bombs, lessens the impact of a turnover as it's likely at midfield or in the opponents' territory, and lets the running game be more impactual as fewer 3rd down completions will need to be made to get into scoring position. By not giving up very many points, it takes away obvious passing situations.

A 16-13 win is just as good as 34-31, Atlanta's system.

The thing with Bortles is that he needs a fire lit under him by his teammates who need to make him accountable in the off-season. Who is doing this? The Bengals are going to miss this in Whitworth. He was their leader on and off the field. Cheap-Ass Mike Brown comes through again.

[JaxRed]

The Jags plugging holes at Def Line, Cornerback, and Safety has led to talk that they may go RB at pick #4 in draft. They might be saying OL, but the consensus is that there are no OL worthy of a top 4 pick.

When they talk RB, it seems the talk is 75/25 Fournette/Cook.

[IslandRed]

Running back is such a strong position in the draft this year. If that's what the Jags want most I'd be tempted to trade down.

[Kingspoint]

The Jags plugging holes at Def Line, Cornerback, and Safety has led to talk that they may go RB at pick #4 in draft. They might be saying OL, but the consensus is that there are no OL worthy of a top 4 pick.

When they talk RB, it seems the talk is 75/25 Fournette/Cook.
That would be stupid, and they don't look like they are being stupid during this entire off-season. There isn't an OT or an RB worthy of the #4 pick. Ignore anyone even considering such an idea. They have repeatedly shown the last three years that they have gone BPA, and pick #4 will be Defense.

If they are targeting a RB and/or OT, they will trade down before reaching with the #4.

[Sea Ray]

I agree with Jax. Winning the off season means nothing. Jacksonville has to win on the field and that's not asking much in their division. It'll all come down to Bortles. If he doesn't step up then the losing will continue

[Kingspoint]

SeaRay. Jacksonville has a much better team than the Bengals...a better franchise, better Owner, better GM, better Coach and much better draft picks the last three years.

They did perform on the field last year as their Defense was very respectable. It's now elite. Their Offense suffered because their QB had an attitude, but as their off-season and recent drafting dictates, they aren't going to pin their success on one person. They can win even if their QB is subpar now.

The Bengals' offseason is over before it began as they claim they have no money even though the truth is that they have over $23M and more if they cut the deadwood. They've done enough to sell season tickets and that's all that matters, as winning a SuperBowl is never the goal there, while in Jacksonville it's the only goal.

On-field success is inevitable for this franchise.

[JaxRed]

I agree with Jax. Winning the off season means nothing. Jacksonville has to win on the field and that's not asking much in their division. It'll all come down to Bortles. If he doesn't step up then the losing will continue

I'm not saying that winning the off-season means nothing. I'm very excited about what Jags are doing the last 2 years or so. They have underachieved. But what that means is a team that should have been 8-8 or 9-7 is getting the picks of a team that finished 3-13.

At some point I think this team explodes. I'm hoping it's this year.

[Sea Ray]

SeaRay. Jacksonville has a much better team than the Bengals...a better franchise, better Owner, better GM, better Coach and much better draft picks the last three years.

They did perform on the field last year as their Defense was very respectable. It's now elite. Their Offense suffered because their QB had an attitude, but as their off-season and recent drafting dictates, they aren't going to pin their success on one person. They can win even if their QB is subpar now.

The Bengals' offseason is over before it began as they claim they have no money even though the truth is that they have over $23M and more if they cut the deadwood. They've done enough to sell season tickets and that's all that matters, as winning a SuperBowl is never the goal there, while in Jacksonville it's the only goal.

On-field success is inevitable for this franchise.

How can you say that they performed on the field last year when they went 3-13? That's about as bad as it gets in the NFL. Even Mike Brown cleans house after 3-13 seasons. It's easy to "win the offseason" coming off a 3-13 season. 3-13 teams don't have star OL men that garner multimillion dollar contracts. Those teams have lots of cap space and can offer guaranteed starting jobs to FAs. They also draft at the top of every rd. I know this 'cause I lived it. I remember when I thought the Bengals had a top notch defense with James Francis, Alfred Williams, Darryl Williams, and Dan Wilkinson. It never materialized. That's great to sign FAs like Jax has but you won't know anything until they play real games next Fall. I oughta know.

[RichRed]

JaxRed, with the Jags' signing of Earl Watford, you now have two o-linemen who played at my alma mater, James Madison. Josh Wells is the other. You can go ahead and order your Super Bowl tickets. :cool:

[JaxRed]

JaxRed, with the Jags' signing of Earl Watford, you now have two o-linemen who played at my alma mater, James Madison. Josh Wells is the other. You can go ahead and order your Super Bowl tickets. :cool:

Was that the year James Madison won the National Title? :)

[JaxRed]

I'm kind of getting NFL Draft Fever even though it's 6 weeks away. For the Jags, almost everyone thinks it's coming down to 2 positions. DL and RB. The Jags just spent a bunch of money on a cornerback to go with Jalen Ramsey. They are not going there. 4 is awfully high for a safety and we have signed Tashaun Gibson and Barry Church in last 2 years at safety. They are not going there.

All indications are they are rolling the dice with Bortles one more time at QB. (The optimism around Bortles centers around his significantly better performance the last 2 games under Marrone, coupled with his spending practically the whole off-season working on his mechanics in California). Barring a major surprise they are not going QB.

We drafted Myles Jack last year and the team has repeatedly said he will get much more playing time this year. Almost everything thinks he goes to middle linebacker and Pozluzny goes to strong side linebacker. (Telvin Smith is the weak side). THat's a pretty strong group. Not going there.

If there was a consensus Top 5-7 offensive lineman, that might be in play, but most feel it is weak OL class and the top guys belong about 15-20. So unless we trade down, probably not an OL.

Jags are pretty happy with the wide receiver corps. Not going there.

That leaves DL and RB. We signed Calais Campbell, but we let go of Roy Miller, SenDerrick Marks and Tyson Alualu. So we have needs on the DL. Everyone assumes Myles Garrett will be long gone. So the most common names associated with Jags are Solomon Thomas if he is still there and maybe Jonathan Allen if he's not.

And then RB - At first everyone was torn between Dalvin Cook of FSU and Leonard Fournette of LSU. But people seem to think Dalvin is slipping. Fournette has the chance to be a HUGE impact guy and a chance to be a guy too big to play the position at the top level.

[RichRed]

Was that the year James Madison won the National Title? :)

Nope, they were both born too late for the first one ('04) and too soon for the second one ('16).

[JaxRed]

So the Jags have now completed their draft. While last year I was over the top, this year I'm a little more reserved. Some observations and notes from interviews the Jags gave afterwords.

The Jags traded Julian Thomas who they were unhappy with to Miami, for Brandon Albert who was going to be released because of $$ and being replaced by Tunsil. Albert wants more money, and has skipped voluntary workouts and Jags have had no contact with either him or his agent. They said in draft conference call that they are not renegotiating Albert's contract. Period.

Jags picked 4th and had their top 4 guys who were apparently: Garrett, Solomon Thomas, Fournette, and Jamal Adams in that order.
They stated they intended to address RB, OL, and DL in the first three rounds. How that would jibe with taking Adams if he was only one there is unclear.

Fournette will probably be a binary pick. Either a dominant force or just a guy.

In the second they had their choice of Forrest Lamp or Cam Robinson. They moved up a spot to get Robinson. At first I thought Lamp made more sense but afterwards you could tell Jags are sending a message to Albert. Robinson gives them leverage.

Most people thought they would come back to OL but they never did, and apparently their message that they felt pretty good about the OL must be true.

If they were determined to address DL at 3, that explains their pick of Smoot which surprised all here in Jax. Could be a reach/bust but they hit on a DL last year at 3 with Ingokwe. And starting the year, McShay had him mocked as #4 prospect.

With the 4th pick, the Jags took a chance on a kid with domestic violence issues. THey said they did their due diligence and he will be on a very short list. But his talent was too high to pass up. This is Biletnikoff winner and 4th place finisher in Heisman voting, DeDe Westbrooke.

Fifth rounder was Blair Brown from Ohio University, Linebacker.

So, all in all, this is kind of a wait and see draft for me.

[Sea Ray]

Did Cam Robinson having 2 arthritic shoulders bother the Jags? It sure would have bothered me. I don't see how a guy plays through such in the NFL. That's not how you spend a top 2nd rd pick.

[JaxRed]

Did Cam Robinson having 2 arthritic shoulders bother the Jags? It sure would have bothered me. I don't see how a guy plays through such in the NFL. That's not how you spend a top 2nd rd pick.

Jonathan Allen was the guy with the arthritic shoulders. Only non-playing blemish on Cam was an off the field incident a while back with gun and grass. No charges.

[oregonred]

AFC South should finally be much improved this year and could be really nasty in 2018+. The Jags missed out on the window when it was the NFLs weakest division. With disclaimer to AFC East which has been a one-man show for about 15 years.

It's really upto Bortles to be average or better. Then the Jags will finally take off with all the top-5 draft talent and FA acquisitions.

[Kingspoint]

If you're a Jaguars fan, this is the only thing that mattered all off-season, including tge draft and free-agency.

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Blake Bortles will work with QB guru Tom House this summer.

Bortles also spent time with House early this spring. He'll continue to work on his throwing motion and a quicker release, which played a big role in Bortles' 2016 struggles. Jaguars EVP Tom Coughlin and coach Doug Marrone both believe Bortles has improved his mechanics.

Source: floridafootballinsiders.com

[MWM]

OK, I'm finally ready to go all-in on the Jags. I've lived here for 7 years and after the drafting of Mixon, I got rid of all my Bengals gear and have formally filed for divorce from the franchise. I'll be picking up a couple of token Jags apparel items and going to try to make them my new team. If it doesn't take, I think I'm likely done with the NFL, but I'm hoping I can get and stay behind the Jags.

[Rojo Rijo]

[QUOTE=Kingspoint;3655489]If you're a Jaguars fan, this is the only thing that mattered all off

This year will likely be Blakes last chance. The defense is going to be good at worst and a top 5 unit is very likely and Blake has weapons and will have an improved OL. I find myself saying this every year but I really think they can win the division.

[Kingspoint]

OK, I'm finally ready to go all-in on the Jags. I've lived here for 7 years and after the drafting of Mixon, I got rid of all my Bengals gear and have formally filed for divorce from the franchise. I'll be picking up a couple of token Jags apparel items and going to try to make them my new team. If it doesn't take, I think I'm likely done with the NFL, but I'm hoping I can get and stay behind the Jags.

Good luck with that. Seriously. I hope it works. I tried it once. I ended up first gambling on games weekly to get interested in the NFL. Then, I added Fantasy Football. I don't gamble anymore, but find enough interest through Fantasy Football that I can continue to enjoy the NFL regardless of what Mike Brown does. I'll outlive Brown and then watch how the rest of the family handles things without him. I cut the bond with the Bengals at my generation, as I wouldn't let my Boys (born in '86 & '89) be Bengals' fans (diehard Raiders fans,...and yes, it's much better than being a Bengals fan). Zero reason for them to suffer for 20+ years through their youth and young adults with a franchise that values money and screwing their fans and community over winning.

Kahn is a great Owner to root for. I like Calder asa G.M. (The Bengals not having a G.M. in 2017 is still insane. That a Head Coach who is 0-7 in the playoffs remains employed in the same position as almost as insane.)

[Kingspoint]

This year will likely be Blakes last chance. The defense is going to be good at worst and a top 5 unit is very likely and Blake has weapons and will have an improved OL. I find myself saying this every year but I really think they can win the division.

Blake only has to show a sincere willingness to improve and a professionalism on and off the field. I say, "only", because it's not much to ask, as it's the bare minimum to expect from any employee in any business, whether it's flipping burgers or doing lawn care. But for Bortles, who's displayed the maturity of an immature 15-year old since he's entered the league, it's asking a lot, as it needs to be maintained for eight more months. Even then, I would franchise-tag him and make him prove his maturity through two off-seasons and two camps/regular seasons before working out a second long-term contract.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said he was "concerned" about Blake Bortles following a poor performance at Saturday's practice.

Bortles was intercepted five times at Saturday's full-pad session including twice by Tyler Patmon, who hasn't played an NFL game since 2015. "I think any time someone doesn't perform to what you want to do, you're concerned about it," said Marrone. "We're going to look at it." Marrone has hinted at hiding Bortles this year behind a run-first attack featuring first-round rookie Leonard Fournette. The Jags reluctantly picked up Bortles' fifth-year option for 2018, though it won't be guaranteed until the first day of the new league year. This could be a make-or-break year for the former third overall pick.

Source: ESPN.com

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars LT Branden Albert announced his retirement after nine seasons in the NFL.

Even though he skipped voluntary portions of the offseason program due to a contract dispute after the Jaguars acquired him from the Dolphins via trade, this decision comes as a surprise. A 2008 first-round pick by the Chiefs, Albert played 16 games just once in nine years, but he was a quality blindside protector when on the field, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2013 and 2015. With Albert hanging up his cleats, the Jags' left tackle job is now second-rounder Cam Robinson's to lose.

Source: jaguars.com

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

ESPN Jaguars reporter Mike DiRocco reports the team is "unlikely" to allow LT Branden Albert to return to the organization.

Albert has walked out on the team more than once since he was acquired from the Dolphins back in March. First, he refused to show up to OTAs or minicamp before reporting for the first day of training camp only to "retire" three days into it after he was getting his butt kicked by the Jaguars' younger linemen. Now that it's been revealed he may have to pay back $3.4 million to the team as part of his signing bonus, Albert wants back in. That sure blew up in Albert's face.

Source: ESPN.com

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars DE Dante Fowler is struggling with discipline during camp.

Fowler had to run a lap after slapping the ball out of Chad Henne's hand and was sent to the sideline during a joint practice after committing a bad face-mask penalty and getting into it with the Patriots. "It goes back to discipline and I talked to Dante about it," coach Doug Marrone said. "Anything that anyone does to hurt the team – they have to understand it’s not about the individual, it’s about the team." Fowler hurt the team plenty last season, racking up eight penalties including three offsides and two unnecessary roughness violations. He also has had more than his fair share of issues off the field, twice being arrested and racking up 10 traffic tickets since December of 2015. Earlier this offseason, DC Todd Wash said Fowler had "matured a lot."

Source: Florida Times Union

[JaxRed]

Well the Jags have had their first preseason game, a 31-24 win over the Patriots in New England. Brady and few others didn't play. There were some players that were going to be watched. Let's start with Blake Bortles who has been up and down in the training camp, with the 5 pick day the obviously low. He didn't do anything bad, he just didn't do anything. Was 3/5 for 16 yards in first quarter of play. 3 points.

The back-ups (Chad Henne and Brandon Allen) looked pretty darn good. Henne: 5/6 139 yards 1 TD 158 Rating. Allen: 5/7 85 Yards 1 TD 151 Rating.

Jags had some explosive plays. Corey Grant RB-Auburn is a speedster who finally got some carries in the last game of 2016 running for 122 yards. I this game he exploded on a 79 yard TD run and 120 overall. An undrafted FA receiver from Kentucky Wesleyan, Keelan Cole has been standing out all training camp caught a 97 yard TD strike from Allen.

After all the Brandon Albert drama which has resulted in his being released, LT nows belongs to 2nd round pick Cam Robinson. He looked very good in his first action. The line appears to be settling in as Robinson/Omameh/Lindner/Cann/Parnell. They looked pretty good.

Everyone seemed pretty impressed with Fournette but he didn't do much. 9 carries for 31 yards.

Myles Jack was playing his first game at middle linebacker, and the reviews seem to be mixed on his work.

Overall I like what I saw, and hope to see more from Blake this THursday.

[Kingspoint]

Their Secondary will be formidable with the three main additions. Myles Jack could take off quickly. Cole looked good in all his plays. Heck of a throw by Allen on the 97-yd bomb. They picked up a 4th RB off waivers Friday. Robinson was fine for his debut as Omemah looks to grab his vacated LG spot. They are definitely going to be running more this season as their Defense will keep the score down.

[JaxRed]

The running back they picked up would be at least #5. Pecking order would seem to be Fournette, Ivory, Grant, Yeldon. There's some talk that in a roster crunch that Yeldon might be cut/dealt.

The other spot where their might be a surprise cut/move is WR. Heading into 2014 draft, the Jags had a very bad receiving corps and had recently been burned on a 1 pick by Justin Blackmon. That year they drafted Allen Robinson and Marquise Lee in Round 2, and picked up Allen Hurns in College Free Agency. In 2015 they picked up Rashad Greene. In 2017 draft they got DeDe Westbrook from Oklahoma. Arrelious Benn is supposedly a lock because of his special teams play. Greene stumbled a bit in 2016. But he's a dangerous punt returner as his 41 yard return against NE showed.

Tight End cuts are going to be interesting also.

Edit: In practice today Marquise Lee was carted off the field with non-contact leg injury, so the overage at WR might be a thing of the past.

[Kingspoint]

Well, this should open an opportunity for Cole.

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Marqise Lee avoided a serious injury during Sunday's practice.

Lee was carted off with his right leg in an air-cast after suffering a non-contact injury in 7-on-7 drills. It is great news he avoided a serious issue, but it is possible he still misses time. In more good news for the passing game, Allen Hurns was back on the practice field Sunday after sitting out the preseason opener.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

[JaxRed]

Well Jags played their second pre-season game last night, losing a 12-8 battle to Tampa Bay. It was not a good game for the Jags. It was 12-0 at halftime but felt worse. Defense couldn't stop TB and the offense did nothing.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Bortles may no longer be the Jags starting QB. Head Coach Doug Marrone said as much after the game. Not only did they not score again while he was in (much of the half), but he looked shaky, missing open receivers a couple times. When relieved by Henne (while starters for both sides were still in), the offense picked up and Henne looked confident and threw the ball well. (And this comes from a guy who could not wait to get Henne out of lineup a couple years ago.). Henne twice hit receivers in stride in the end zone only to have them drop the ball.

Marrone talked several times about opening up the QB situation to BOTH guys. Which is unfortunate, because the third string QB, Brandon Allen, came in at the start of the 4th quarter and looked fantastic. He ended up 10-15 for 144 yards and a TD and rating of 120. I was incredibly impressed with the way he moved around in pocket, ran (quickly) at just the right times, and displayed a strong, quick accurate arm. Of his 5 incompletions, I believe 3 were drops, including a TD fade throw that the receiver lost when he hit the ground.

Fournette sat out with a toe issue and Ivory/Yeldon showed nothing.

And our very shaky kicker missed both his kicks. An extra point and a field goal.

[Sea Ray]

Tampa Bay starters played pretty well against the Bengals too. As for Bortles, as a Jags fan, where do you stand? I don't think Henne's the answer. I don't think it makes much sense to go with him. As an outsider my guess is that if you really want to look at alternatives, try the 3rd string guy and see if maybe you have a Jeff Blake on your hands. It's stories like this that reminds me that the Bengals ought not cut Jeff Driskel. The dearth of talent at that position makes it likely that a team like the Jags will snatch him up. I'm sure they're well aware of him since he played college ball at Florida.

[JaxRed]

I would absolutely given Allen a shot with the 1's this next week. This is the week regulars usually play 3/4. I would split that time between he and Henne. I really like Blake personally and was rooting for him. But enough is enough.

I could not have been more impressed with the way Allen played yesterday. And the Henne we saw looked a lot better then the Henne we've seen in the past.

[Kingspoint]

I was as wrong about Bortles in that draft as I was about Carr. I was certain Bortles would be a franchise QB, while Carr's ceiling, which I didn't think he'd reach, would be as a dink-and-dunk passer. It just goes to show you how important the interview and psychology part of the draft is. Internal motivation is integral for success in the NFL, which is why I can't understand why Gase would bring in that leaderless and unmotivated Quarterback by the name of Jay Cutler to head the Dolphins' Offense.

[Kingspoint]

The first thing I would do is cut Chris Ivory. He's lazy and cares nothing about his teammates. He's clearly only there to cash a check. He got Henne creamed...could have easily ended his season, off a missed blitz pickup that had no excuse other than laziness, ill-preparedness, and a lack of support for one's teammates. Shame on Koetter for even letting this guy on the field. Two plays earlier, he got his starting TE crushed by three defenders when he was in position to block out the first one so the TE could drive through and past the other two. Instead, Ivory pulled up and stood and watched as three defenders creamed the starting TE. You can't have that from anyone on the team. Those are plays that should get anyone cut.

Give me Corey Grant and Fournette all day. Yeldon can pick up some carries that are left. If they keep Ivory on the team, then we know what the real problem is in Jacksonville....Dick Koetter doesn't know what kind of attitude it takes for football players to achieve success....a willingness to sacrifice for each other (where the Bengals are going to miss Whitworth's leadership more than his elite LT ability).

They can keep $18M in 2018 and use it somewhere else by cutting Bortles now. That only makes sense if they cut Ivory, too. You can't cut one prominent bad attitude while leaving another prominent bad attitude. You can't bench Ivory or he'll be a cancer on the team, which I'm 100% convinced that he already is. The team takes on the attitude of it's highest profile players, and that's Bortles and Ivory. Cut them both and create a new atmosphere. Don't leave Ivory around to sabotage Henne's leadership. It won't work. If Koetter and Tom Coughlin can't see this, they're out of touch.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Leonard Fournette (foot) expects to be ready for Week 1.

This is good news for their workhorse back. Foot and ankle injuries clearly hindered Fournette's rushing ability in his last season at LSU, making this injury something to keep an eye on.

Source: Mike Kaye on Twitter

[JaxRed]

And by Koetter I assume you mean Marrone.

[Kingspoint]

And by Koetter I assume you mean Marrone.

Yes.

[JaxRed]

Jags play Carolina at home tonight in the "dress rehearsal" third preseason game. And as expected Marrone said Henne would start although both Henne and Bortles will get snaps with the ones. Will be interesting to see what happens.

[Edskin]

I would be very surprised if Henne isn't starting week one now. He would have to REALLY implode tonight for them to go back to Bortles, IMO. In many ways, their decision has been made now. Bortles is a guy (still relatively young) who had an disastrous season last year and has looked terrible in the pre-season so far. By giving Henne the start Marrone and staff are publicly admitting that they've lost confidence in Bortles. At this point you pretty much MUST give Henne the opening day start or you look like fools for messing with Bortles confidence for essentially no reason two weeks prior to the opener. I imagine the rest of the team has also grown tired of Bortles and there had to be some tension inside.

So now I think you just have to roll with Henne-- and I think you have to roll with him until 1 of 2 things happens:

1. The Jags are out of the playoff race/competitive part of their season
2. Henne is just really bad/worse than Bortles has been

If either 1 or 2 above happen then it's a natural time to give Bortles one more shot. He will have had time to sit and watch and the pressure will be dialed back because either the team will be struggling and/or Henne will have proven to be no more effective.

I don't think there is a competition at this point. I think they gave the job to Henne-- now you just wait for him to lose it.

[Kingspoint]

Let's face it.

Coughlin is back. No more coddling for anyone. They should be tougher as a result.

[JaxRed]

Well, game over. Neither guy did much to separate himself from the pack. Henne was rather middle of the pack, whereas Bortles had some good flashes and some bad flashes.

OLine continues to struggle.

[Kingspoint]

Well, game over. Neither guy did much to separate himself from the pack. Henne was rather middle of the pack, whereas Bortles had some good flashes and some bad flashes.

OLine continues to struggle.

Chris Ivory didn't make anyone's job easier. Fournette needs to take over quickly. When Yeldon and Fournette are healthy, Coughlin could "suggest" they cut Ivory.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars coach Doug Marrone announced Blake Bortles will be his Week 1 starter.

Despite starting the third preseason game over Blake Bortles, veteran Chad Henne was named the backup quarterback. Henne's stint with the first team was relatively average on Thursday highlighted by a well-thrown deep ball and not producing any turnovers. While Henne isn't going to be the starter Week 1, Bortles is sure to be on a short leash making it likely we will see Henne get some time in the regular season.



.......a very short leash.

[KronoRed]

Bortles being Bortles and Fowler screwing up is a torpedo in the side of this rebuild.

[Kingspoint]

I was looking forward to seeing what Westbrook would do after he earned regular playing time with his stellar performances in the preseason.

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars placed Dede Westbrook (core) on injured reserve.

It's an unexpected development after the Jaguars let Westbrook play in their preseason finale. Westbrook was healthy enough to get in limited practice this week, but must have suffered a setback. He'll miss at least the first six games, but is a candidate to return from IR. Westbrook's injury locks Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, and Allen Hurns into three-wide sets.



Also for the Jags...

Jaguars claimed S Calvin Pryor off waivers from the Browns.

Pryor made it past final cuts with Cleveland, but was released for fighting teammate Ricardo Louis. He reunites with assistant GM John Idzik in Jacksonville, who drafted Pryor in 2014 with the Jets. Pryor is solid depth behind Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church.

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

[JaxRed]

By the way...outside of Jax,no one in entire country will be rooting for Jaguars this weekend. They will all want the Feel Good story of a Houston victory.

[Kingspoint]

By the way...outside of Jax,no one in entire country will be rooting for Jaguars this weekend. They will all want the Feel Good story of a Houston victory.

100 Million people play fantasy football. That will take precedent over any feel-good stories. There are millions of feel-good stories other than Houston.

[Sea Ray]

100 Million people play fantasy football. That will take precedent over any feel-good stories. There are millions of feel-good stories other than Houston.

With Irma and other hurricanes brewing Houston will be moved to the back page in terms of donations and sympathy

[Revering4Blue]

By the way...outside of Jax,no one in entire country will be rooting for Jaguars this weekend. They will all want the Feel Good story of a Houston victory.

Colts and Titans fans beg to differ.

[Kingspoint]

Allen Robinson hurt 1st Qtr.

[Kingspoint]

Jags' Defense putting a hurtin' on the Texans.

[Kingspoint]

Leonard Fournette scores and begins a long career for the Jags.

[Kingspoint]

Savage lost his job at halftime.

:laugh:

I wish Dalton had.

[Kingspoint]

DeShaun Watson with a 14-play drive TD to begin his career.

And with that score the Bengals are the only team who hasn't scored today.

[JaxRed]

Well, that was a very interesting game. I did not have high hopes heading into this game. It just seemed destined to be the Texan's game. The commish was sitting in the Texan's owners box. Some games are not as lopsided as the score indicates. This was NOT one of those games. The Jags played better than the 29-7 score would indicate.

The Jags OL line completely neutralized JJ Watt, Mercilous and Clowney. They were total non-factors. I literally don't remember any of them making a play all day. The Jags DL line set a team record with 10 (10!!!) sacks. They got 4 turnovers.

The only drive they scored on was because of 2 atrocious penalty calls that kept the drive alive.

The Jags used to be plagued with senseless errors. None of that was present today. Bortles was an efficient game manager today. No real mistakes. I could not have been more impressed.

[Kingspoint]

21 passes. 39 rushes. Ivory was efficient as a backup. Fournette was good.

[JaxRed]

The one downside to the game, and it's a big one, we've lost Allen Robinson for the year with an ACL tear. Happened on the first pass of the year.

[Kingspoint]

The one downside to the game, and it's a big one, we've lost Allen Robinson for the year with an ACL tear. Happened on the first pass of the year.

Drafting Lee in my draft looks great right now.

[JaxRed]

Well, 25 minutes before kickoff. First home game and playing the Division favorite Titans. Jags are slight underdogs. What a difference a big win would make. If we lose we are tied for division, with a losing streak and the feeling will be that 1st game was a fluke.

Win, and we have a 2 game lead after 2 and things will be looking good.

This is our first game we've played with a winning record in 5 years.

[Kingspoint]

Revenge game for Titans, who were knocked out of the playoffs in Jacksonville in Week 16 last year, including having their Quarterback's leg broken. Jacksonville held up for a half, but they really never had a chance.

[KronoRed]

Shame the D stayed in after halftime.

[Sea Ray]

Well, 25 minutes before kickoff. First home game and playing the Division favorite Titans. Jags are slight underdogs. What a difference a big win would make. If we lose we are tied for division, with a losing streak and the feeling will be that 1st game was a fluke.

Win, and we have a 2 game lead after 2 and things will be looking good.

This is our first game we've played with a winning record in 5 years.

Sure looks like the first game was a fluke but it's early.

[Kingspoint]

Sure looks like the first game was a fluke but it's early.

Not at all. Tennessee will win the AFC Championship (over Oakland).

Jacksonville will finish at least .500.

[Sea Ray]

Not at all. Tennessee will win the AFC Championship (over Oakland).

Jacksonville will finish at least .500.

With their talent they should, but no, it won't work out that way. They'll be sub .500 again.

[JaxRed]

Well the Jags have brought in a QB to the active roster. Ryan Nassib. Former Coughlin backup at NYG, and has worked before for HC Marrone and OC Hackett. I think the leash just got a lot shorter for Bortles.

[Kingspoint]

As soon as Henne takes over the Offense will start moving a bit.

[JaxRed]

Will be very interesting to see who becomes #1 if Bortles is benched. If it happens after this week, I'm inclined to think Nassib and not Henne.

[JaxRed]

Well we are minutes away from kickoff. Time to see who shows up Jeckyll or Hyde...

[Kingspoint]

Well we are minutes away from kickoff. Time to see who shows up Jeckyll or Hyde...

Two quick three-and-outs with one sack by the Jags' DEF. Surprised by the early long gain (35 yards), by Marquise Lee. I drafted Lee in my 12-team, PPR, but am playing DeSean Jackson (vs Trae Waynes, who has given up 10 of 10 targets for 150 yds and a TD), and J.J.Nelson (Ltd practices Thur and Fri, but going up against an injured, and terrible when healthy, Cowboys' Secondary) @ ARI. Nelson could fall victim to Palmer force-feeding Fitzgerald after he was double-teamed and avoided last week, but he should still see at least three 30-yd+ targets from Palmer connecting on at least one for a TD Monday Night.

I also have Garcon, who has risen to my #1WR, though I have yet to play him, Martavis Bryant, whom I have yet to play and had a hard time not going with him this week, Higgans, who I want to see when a team has a chance to gameplan against him, and Snead, who comes off suspension next week. (rest of my team is Rodgers @QB, Kelce @ TE, Cook, Elliott, Cohen and Coleman @ RB, and Eagles and Rams on DEF).

[Kingspoint]

Wow! What a drive by Bortles from the Jags' 4. After getting stalled at the Ravens 5 on the first drive, he slices through the Ravens' Secondary for gains of 5, 11, 14, 13, & 17, with Fournette mixing in runs of 5 & 15 for a 96-yd TD drive that only saw 2nd Down twice and never saw 3rd down. Guess Baltimore is seeing a real Offense and a real QB after going up against the Bengals and Browns to open the season. ;)

[Kingspoint]

3rd straight 3-&-Out by the Jags' DEF, with another sack, which I know they are going up against Flacco, but it is legit. Jags' Offense begins another march down field reaching the Ravens' 40 before the 1st Qtr ends in London.

After converting on a 4th-&-1 @ the BAL 39, the JAGS committ a potential drive-killing holding call, while knocking them potentially out of FG range. These things need eliminated if Jacksonville wants to establish a winning pattern.

A couple of Bortle passes of 11 & 7 yards got them close enough to convert a 45-yd attempt for a 13-0 lead. Baltimore is lucky it's this close. Bortles is giving management some hope.

4 catches for 65 yards already for Lee. Maybe should have played him. The surprise Receiver has been Cole, as it looks like Hurns is too hurt.

[Kingspoint]

Baltimore is getting the ball for the 5th time in the half and is still looking for it's first 1st Down.

[Kingspoint]

Baltimore is getting the ball for the 5th time in the half and is still looking for it's first 1st Down.

Not to be!

A. J. , can you say "Bouye"! intercepts his first pass of this drive and returns it 19 yards to the Ravens' 28. Hope you're watching this on the Yahoo stream, JaxRed?

TOUCHDOWN HURNS!

I want what he's (Bortles) having.

[Kingspoint]

Baltimore finally gets a 1st down with 4:18 left in the half thanks to a Defensive offsides penalty by the Jags, but they quickly punt four plays later. :laugh:

[Kingspoint]

When a team is getting dominated, one of the side-effects is their players drop out of the battle due to injuries. Baltimore just lost their 3rd player of the half (Maclin-concussion, Jefferson & Urban).

23-0 Jacksonville @ Halftime!

261 Total Yards for JAX, 15 Total Yards for BAL.

Baltimore punted six times.

[Boston Red]

A number of people with the Ravens in my eliminator pool. So I'm enjoying this one so far.

[JaxRed]

Enjoying it so far. London games are shown on TV for local teams. No need to stream.

[Kingspoint]

A number of people with the Ravens in my eliminator pool. So I'm enjoying this one so far.

My FFB opponent has them, too, which I needed after I played the RAMS this week.

[Kingspoint]

Ramsey gets into the act and intercepts Flacco on his first pass of the 2nd half...two plays later and it's Bortles to Lewis, 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN!

Game over.

[Revering4Blue]

A well-executed fake punt against when you're ahead 37-0?

Since the Ravens (whom I can't stand) are the opponent, I LOVE it!

[Kingspoint]

Of course it's only two games in, but Jacksonville is ranked 4th in lowest sack percentage by their Offense at 3.6% of their QB's dropbacks. They never could have had this kind of number under the revolving gate of Joeckel. 2nd Round pick Cam Robinson must be learning fast as Bortles played with confidence in London. Having watched good Andy and bad Andy and good Carson and bad Carson for so many years, I know what merely perceived confidence in the pocket does for a Quarterback. Few (like Rodgers) can play well if they think pressure is coming.

[JaxRed]

Well 90 minutes from game time. The Jags are in NY playing the Jets. The Jags are road favorites for the first time in like 5 years. Everyone in town (including me) is expecting a comfortable win. It's a weird feeling after essentially a decade of suckitude. A win would put them at 3-1.

We're all pretty healthy, we're all playing pretty well. The defense is playing outstanding.

[Kingspoint]

The Jets are better than people think. They showed it in preseason and now in the regular season.

[Boston Red]

Jags thrash the Texans in Houston and lose to the Jets in NY. The NFL is weird.

[Kingspoint]

Jags thrash the Texans in Houston and lose to the Jets in NY. The NFL is weird.

Tennessee crushes Oakland, then Houston destroys Tennessee.

[JaxRed]

I usually try to give myself a little time to reflect after a loss. But this is so frustrating to look like world beaters one week and look totally inept the next. It's been 4 weeks of up/down/up/down. After Blake had arguably the best game of his career last week, he is simply terrible this week.

I don't mind giving Nassib some time but I know they'll never do it. (this week).

[IslandRed]

That's pretty much the size of it. The rest of the team is pretty good so it all comes down to how Bortles plays on a given day.

[JaxRed]

As we recover from a loss in which we were a favorite we head into a week where we are the biggest underdog in the NFL. Pretty much no one in town expects a win. Out top OL (Linder) is out for today's game. Needing a roster spot the Jags cut Nassib. What looked like an easy game before the season (Rams) now looks like a tough game next week.

[Kingspoint]

Steelers never had a chance in this one. League office couldn't even save them.

Jags are never out of a game with this Defense.

[SteelSD]

Steelers never had a chance in this one. League office couldn't even save them.

Jags are never out of a game with this Defense.

Did you actually watch the game or are you just commenting on something PFF told you? League office? What are you talking about?

Pittsburgh had plenty of chances in that game as Jacksonville's offense is terrible. But, as usual, play calling in the red zone and Ben's high throws (a serious issue this season; it's time to wonder if something is physically wrong with him) did them in.

Hats off to the Jag's defense. They capitalized on mistakes, Pittsburgh didn't and made too many of them offensively while coming into the game with a dud of a playbook (Haley should have been fired years ago). That's the any given Sunday rule in full effect.

[Redsfaithful]

Thanks Jacksonville! Must have been even better than the box score to have Ben whining after the game that he's done.

[JaxRed]

Well obviously I didn't see that coming. Jags defense can be utterly dominating at times. This makes the Jets loss even more painful. We could be 4-1 easily. As it is we are over .500 after 5 games for the first time in 10 years.

Obviously offense (ok......Bortles) is still an issue. They totally took the game out of his hands. (successfully). But offensive line looked pretty good and run game looks pretty good. Since the Jags finished in last place in 2016, we play the last place teams of other divisions this year. We're entering the "easy" part of the schedule. After Rams next week, we face 6 straight games against teams that currently have losing records.

[Sea Ray]

A 5:1 turnover margin will doom most any NFL team.

Thanks Jax!

[JaxRed]

Well Jacksonville plays at 4PM at home. We wait to see whether Jekyll or Hyde shows up. They've played Good/Bad/Good/Bad/Good, It's time for bad again, so finally putting together 2 good games would be huge. Center Brandon Linder is still out with his mystery illness. Other than that we are fairly healthy.

I'm expecting a win. Don't let me down guys.

[Sea Ray]

Well Jacksonville plays at 4PM at home. We wait to see whether Jekyll or Hyde shows up. They've played Good/Bad/Good/Bad/Good, It's time for bad again, so finally putting together 2 good games would be huge. Center Brandon Linder is still out with his mystery illness. Other than that we are fairly healthy.

I'm expecting a win. Don't let me down guys.

I think both Jekyll and Hyde showed up in the first 5 mins...

[JaxRed]

Well, enough time has passed that I can discuss without too much emotion.... Mr Hyde showed up. (I think he was the bad one). This time it was essentially a total breakdown on special teams. We lost 27-17. We gave up a Touchdown on the opening kickoff (that's 7 points), had a punt blocked for a TD (that's 14 points) our kicker missed 2 field goals (fairly long ones), and the one he did get, he missed the first time he tried it but a penalty gave him another shot.

And our punter stroked a 19 yarder deep in his own territory. The defense did not allow a first down, but Rams were in field goal range after the punt and made it.

That said, we still saw a bit of weakness in our run defense, and our offense still has little ability to throw the ball. Meaning when you are behind, you have little to no ability to come from behind.

[JaxRed]

Jags finally cut the kicker and signed Josh Lambo.

[JaxRed]

Jags at Indy today. Normally you'd feel pretty good about this game, but Jags are a bit shorthanded. With one notable exception (Allen Robinson), Jags have avoided major injuries this season. But some minor stuff has surfaced for this game. Leonard Fournette will be out with ankle sprain from last game. Center Brandon Linder is still out with his mystery illness. Marquise Lee and Tashaun Gibson were questionable but are active. Have to wonder if they are 100%.

Last week the Rams essentially played goal line defense daring Jags to throw, which they could not do. Expect more of the defense this week...... We need a decent game from Bortles.

[Kingspoint]

Tough loss of the rookie LT.

[Kingspoint]

Jaguars pouring it on.

[JaxRed]

Tough loss of the rookie LT.

On first offensive play I think. Have not heard anything about his status after the game. His replacement game in and played very well.

Well Jags dominated Colts today. It was 27-0 and it was every bit that bad. Had Colts wanted to they could have attempted field goals twice but were trying to score TD's. But it was pretty thorough butt whooping. Now it's time to get healthy with our bye week coming up.

PS - 10 sacks again. Welcome to Sacksonville.

[redsfanmia]

On first offensive play I think. Have not heard anything about his status after the game. His replacement game in and played very well.

Well Jags dominated Colts today. It was 27-0 and it was every bit that bad. Had Colts wanted to they could have attempted field goals twice but were trying to score TD's. But it was pretty thorough butt whooping. Now it's time to get healthy with our bye week coming up.

PS - 10 sacks again. Welcome to Sacksonville.

Do sacks against the Colts count? Turnstiles would be more effective as lineman than the jokers we are putting out there now.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars signed WLB Telvin Smith to a four-year, $50 million extension through 2021.

This was Smith's contract year. A fifth-round steal in the 2014 draft, Smith is one of the most athletic linebackers in football, capable of covering pass catchers in the slot in addition to tight ends and running backs in the flats. His run-defense game has reached new heights this season, grading out as PFF's No. 1 run-defending outside linebacker among 34 qualifiers. Still only 27, Smith is a worthwhile investment as an ascending player in an elite defense.

[JaxRed]

Things are looking good here in Jax. First of all the injury to Cam Robinson was only an ankle sprain. We have not heard how severe it was. Since this is Jags bye week they Jags have not had to disclose injuries. We probably won't know till next Wed what his real status is. But what Jags have learned in Robinsons and Linders absences is that their backups are pretty solid. Hopefully whatever illness Lindner has is over by next week.

But the front office is not having a bye week. As noted above the Jags signed LB Telvin Smith to a healthy extension. He's one of the key cogs in a defense which is all of a sudden among the best in the NFL.

And yesterday the Jags traded a 6th (conditionally a 5th) round 2018 pick for Marcel Dareus. This is a a low risk/high reward on a troubled but talented former Top 100 player. Dareus has already had 2 strikes in the Drug program, has lots of off the field issues, and has been a sulking under-performer in Buffalo since signing his big $96 Million dollar deal.

The total risk on Jags part is fairly small. They are responsible for about $5 million of his contract this year, and about $5 million next year. He has no contract or cap obligations after 2018. That's if he's a total bust. If they add him to the roster at 2 PM and cut him at 4 PM. It costs them 10 million and a 6th rounder. If he gets whacked for drugs again, he gets maor suspension and Jags won't have to pay his salary.

But in coming to Jax, he gets to perform in the scheme that fits him best, under the coach where he performed his best (even though they had issues), in a team making a playoff push, with veteran leadership like Calais Campbell that might be able to set him straight.

After 2018 his salary does get expensive. And Jags will have some high priced big ticket guys in Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell. Guys we had to throw a lot of money at to come to Jax.

It will be critical going forward to manage the cap in a sustainable model, which has been the stated goal of Owner Shad Khan and GM David Caldwell. Gone are the days where we could lure big name free agents. But we should not need to lure them either. JUst keep our guys.

[JaxRed]

This afternoon the Jags square off against the Bengals. Maybe the first time, for many of you to actually watch a recent Jags game. Jags are coming off a bye, in very good shape physically. No excuses. Just have to put 2 wins in a row together (something that has not happened this year), and win at home. Something else that has not happened this year.

Perhaps jinxing things... I feel the Jags are getting ready to go on a roll. I think the Division is totally theirs if they just play decent.

[Redsfaithful]

They're going to roll my Bengals. Horrible matchup for a team with a terrible offensive line.

[RedTeamGo!]

Amongst the reasons Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette is out today is that he missed the team photo earlier this week, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Hahahaha hahahaha

Catches breath

Hahahahahahahaha

[JaxRed]

Hahahaha hahahaha

Catches breath

Hahahahahahahaha

Fournette missed the photo session, a rehab assignment and a practice. (all on the same day). New Jags management sent a message.

[JaxRed]

This afternoon the Jags square off against the Bengals. Maybe the first time, for many of you to actually watch a recent Jags game. Jags are coming off a bye, in very good shape physically. No excuses. Just have to put 2 wins in a row together (something that has not happened this year), and win at home. Something else that has not happened this year.

Perhaps jinxing things... I feel the Jags are getting ready to go on a roll. I think the Division is totally theirs if they just play decent.

Well, that's kind of what I expected. Jags are becoming one of the better teams in the League. I think we came out of the game pretty healthy. Have to wait for final results. Ramsey was ejected for no reason, but there's a rumor going round that he was removed from the Bengals locker room in the second half after confronting AJ Green there. If that's true, I think that is worthy of a suspension.

But with few injuries and what appears some good GM work by Dave Caldwell over the years, the Jags appear to have a lot of depth also. THat's part of why they wear teams down in 2nd half.

First time with 2 games over .500 since 2010.

Last couple weeks teams have dared the Jags to throw the ball, and Jags have done that and done it well. All of a sudden Blake looks more composed and in control.

[Assembly Hall]

Your Jags look fine.

[Sea Ray]

Your Jags look fine.

As for our Bengals...

The Bengals are done until they get a new coaching staff. With that they can be back right away. In the meantime this is what we get

As for Jacksonville, this is your chance to take the division. If you don't win it this year then something seriously went wrong

[JaxRed]

Well, interesting game today. The Chargers (LA/SD, whatever). They have been our achilles heel for last few years. Just because of quirks in schedule, this will be the 5th consecutive year we have played them. We are 0-4 at the moment. Only one game was moderately close. Philip Rivers simply carves our defense apart. Last year the score was 35-0 before SD started pulling starters.

Chargers are 3-5 but won 3 on a row before a close loss to NE and are coming off a bye. So this would be a nice win if we can get it.

Fournette made all the team meetings so he should play. Hopefully the new, improved Blake Bortles shows up. Jags remain overall very healthy. We've really only lost one player for the season (Allen Robinson). We are nicked up at OL today with 3 different guys nursing problems, so we may be mixing/matching all game against a very tough DL for Chargers.

Edit - We have lost one of OL lineman for game. RT Parnell. Josh Wells gets his first career start.

[Sea Ray]

Ugly, ugly win against a very beatable team. Bortles is still a below avg QB even after all these yrs in the NFL. If that's what you've been handed, a good coaching staff will lean heavily on the run. So that gets me to the second issue. Poor coaching. Why, in such a close and low scoring game, does a coaching staff abandon the run and put so much on Bortles' shoulders?

A final point...this game is one (of many I'm sure) that shows why the NFL is so hard to watch nowadays. The game is often heavily influenced, if not decided, by officials' judgment calls of personal fouls/unsportsmanlike penalties. These are game changers and need to be called fewer times. Every little bump out of bounds or after a pass is getting flagged. It's getting to the point where it's not enough to watch the play, we now have just as much suspense in seeing if any yellow laundry is thrown after wards. It's either thrown or we have players yelling for one. I want these things to be settled during the play and not by the officials afterwards. This is now the 4th area of the game after offense, defense, and special teams

[Redsfaithful]

The Jags defense is very good. Might be enough. The AFC looks kind of weak this year, so it could have an oddball result.

[Kingspoint]

Your Jags look fine.

Top

[Sea Ray]

The Jags defense is very good. Might be enough. The AFC looks kind of weak this year, so it could have an oddball result.

The AFC is its usual weak self. Just like last yr it's there for the taking. Jags couldn't pull it together last yr. If they fall short again this yr then their gains will add up to very little from one yr to the next.

Having said all that, a good QB makes the Jags an AFC championship contender.

[JaxRed]

I still think we're an AFC contender.

I usually give myself some time to reflect on a loss. This was a win that felt like a loss. The offensive line which is temporarily depleted due to injuries (non-IR type), had been strong but got overmatched against SD's DL. We couldn't run the ball and they were forcing Blake to throw before he wanted. And our vaunted DL line was shut out on sacks although they generally played well against the run.

Marrone had seemingly made all the right moves but came up with one stinker of a decision in this game. Early in the second half the Jags passed up a opportunity for a 52 yard field goal, with a slight trailing wind. I can't remember now whether they punted or went for it on 4th and 6. Our new FG kicker, has not missed one since joining the team had hit a 56 yarder the previous week. Not getting those 3 points haunted us the rest of the game.

And out of nowhere Bad Blake showed up. With less than 2 minutes left in the game, he threw not one but 2 inexplicable interceptions.

So you felt bad about the team even though they won.

But then the win itself was kind of remarkable. No team has ever trailed in under 2 minutes, thrown 2 interceptions and still won. It was a game that was decided by 2 FG's (one to send to overtime, the other to win), and we were using the backup snapper, a guy that never had a long snap in the NFL. SD's interceptor threw up his hands in celebration and walked out of bounds, rather than return the ball which would have probably would have put Jags out of field goal range. With no timeouts and 30 seconds on clock and clock running after a completion, an injured Allen Hurns realizing that an injury timeout would cost Jags 10 seconds, crawls on his hands and knees to get off the field. The winning field goal was blocked by SD yet it still went through the goal posts. Incredible.

[JaxRed]

So... today is Browns game. Winless team so you certainly hope you're not the first win. Need to get in, take care of business and get out. We have 2 sets of short term injuries. O-Line. 2 of our starters will be staying home, so we are going with a patchwork line again. It didn't do well last week.

Receivers.... Allen Robinson was lost for season Game 1. Allen Hurns is out for this game. Backup Arrelious Benn was put in IR this week. So we have one noon-rookie in our entire receiver corps (Marquise Lee). We activated off IR our 4th round pick DeDe Westbrook. He looked great in pre-season (against third stringers). Rookie Keelan Cole looks to get more targets. Very possible Fournette sits out with ankle problem.

Defense is at full strength. Pitch a shutout.

[Sea Ray]

So... today is Browns game. Winless team so you certainly hope you're not the first win. Need to get in, take care of business and get out. We have 2 sets of short term injuries. O-Line. 2 of our starters will be staying home, so we are going with a patchwork line again. It didn't do well last week.

Receivers.... Allen Robinson was lost for season Game 1. Allen Hurns is out for this game. Backup Arrelious Benn was put in IR this week. So we have one noon-rookie in our entire receiver corps (Marquise Lee). We activated off IR our 4th round pick DeDe Westbrook. He looked great in pre-season (against third stringers). Rookie Keelan Cole looks to get more targets. Very possible Fournette sits out with ankle problem.

Defense is at full strength. Pitch a shutout.

This is as close as you get to a second bye week in the NFL. Historically speaking you don't get teams as bad as the Browns every yr

[RedTeamGo!]

So... today is Browns game. Winless team so you certainly hope you're not the first win. Need to get in, take care of business and get out. We have 2 sets of short term injuries. O-Line. 2 of our starters will be staying home, so we are going with a patchwork line again. It didn't do well last week.

Receivers.... Allen Robinson was lost for season Game 1. Allen Hurns is out for this game. Backup Arrelious Benn was put in IR this week. So we have one noon-rookie in our entire receiver corps (Marquise Lee). We activated off IR our 4th round pick DeDe Westbrook. He looked great in pre-season (against third stringers). Rookie Keelan Cole looks to get more targets. Very possible Fournette sits out with ankle problem.

Defense is at full strength. Pitch a shutout.

If the Jags don’t win by 3 scores today they suck.

[JaxRed]

So... today is Browns game. Winless team so you certainly hope you're not the first win. Need to get in, take care of business and get out. We have 2 sets of short term injuries. O-Line. 2 of our starters will be staying home, so we are going with a patchwork line again. It didn't do well last week.

Receivers.... Allen Robinson was lost for season Game 1. Allen Hurns is out for this game. Backup Arrelious Benn was put in IR this week. So we have one noon-rookie in our entire receiver corps (Marquise Lee). We activated off IR our 4th round pick DeDe Westbrook. He looked great in pre-season (against third stringers). Rookie Keelan Cole looks to get more targets. Very possible Fournette sits out with ankle problem.

Defense is at full strength. Pitch a shutout.

OK, we did what we needed to do. Take care of business and get out of town. In essence the defense pitched a shutout because they gave up 7 and scored 7. In reality, it was all about the defense as Browns could do nothing except for one drive.

The offensive line continues to be a problem with 2 starters out. They are just dinged up, so hopefully we get them back soon.

DeDe Westbrook showed some real nice flashes.

4 wins in a row.... On to Arizona !!

[Sea Ray]

OK, we did what we needed to do. Take care of business and get out of town. In essence the defense pitched a shutout because they gave up 7 and scored 7. In reality, it was all about the defense as Browns could do nothing except for one drive.

The offensive line continues to be a problem with 2 starters out. They are just dinged up, so hopefully we get them back soon.

DeDe Westbrook showed some real nice flashes.

4 wins in a row.... On to Arizona !!

Arizona next? How'd you get this schedule? You've had the Indy Colts, Bengals, LA Chargers, Browns, and now the Arizona Cardinals with their 3rd string QB, followed by Indy again. You've also got the 49ers left on your schedule. I'd be surprised if that's not the easiest schedule in the league this yr. Enjoy this season

[JaxRed]

It probably is. You get it by finishing last in your division.

[GAC]

It probably is. You get it by finishing last in your division.

When you finish last in your division no schedule is easy. Just ask a Brown's fan (LOL)

[Sea Ray]

It probably is. You get it by finishing last in your division.

That's part of it but good fortune is also part of it. Where you finish in your division only makes a difference of two games. The rest comes down to which divisions you draw and how strong your own division is. That means you got the Jets and the Chargers as a result of finishing last. Everyone else is the same as your division mates.

If one were to list the weakest NFL offenses, the Jags have gotten pretty much all of them: Bengals, 49ers, Browns, Colts, Jets and post Palmer AZ Cardinals. You couldn't hand pick 'em any better.

[Rojo Rijo]

That's part of it but good fortune is also part of it. Where you finish in your division only makes a difference of two games. The rest comes down to which divisions you draw and how strong your own division is. That means you got the Jets and the Chargers as a result of finishing last. Everyone else is the same as your division mates.

If one were to list the weakest NFL offenses, the Jags have gotten pretty much all of them: Bengals, 49ers, Browns, Colts, Jets and post Palmer AZ Cardinals. You couldn't hand pick 'em any better.

Yep, we've had the luxury of....

Playing Houston and getting a half of Tom Savage not to mention right after the city was under water from Harvey
Playing Houston again without Watson
Playing Indy twice with no Luck
Playing at Arizona without Palmer or David Johnson
Playing Seattle without Sherman or Chancellor
Playing the Browns, 49ers, and Jets (who we should've beaten)

[JaxRed]

Yep, we've had the luxury of....

Playing Houston and getting a half of Tom Savage not to mention right after the city was under water from Harvey
Playing Houston again without Watson
Playing Indy twice with no Luck
Playing at Arizona without Palmer or David Johnson
Playing Seattle without Sherman or Chancellor
Playing the Browns, 49ers, and Jets (who we should've beaten)

We? I thought I was doing a solo trip on the Jags bandwagon.

[Rojo Rijo]

We? I thought I was doing a solo trip on the Jags bandwagon.

Been rolling with Team Teal since '95. Want me to prove it?

1 - The Music City Miracle was an illegal forward pass
2 - Fred Taylor would've been the best RB in modern NFL history if not for injuries
3 - Jimmy Smith is a crackhead, but at least he could play, can't say the same for Matt Jones
4 - I still don't think I could go back in time and convince my younger self that Byron Leftwich would be an absolute bust
5 - A Panther is a black Jaguar and therefore we will always be the superior franchise

[Tom Servo]

5 - A Panther is a black Jaguar and therefore we will always be the superior franchise
Don't make me start the Carolina Panthers 2017 Season thread and list all the reasons why this is wrong.

[JaxRed]

Been rolling with Team Teal since '95. Want me to prove it?

1 - The Music City Miracle was an illegal forward pass
2 - Fred Taylor would've been the best RB in modern NFL history if not for injuries
3 - Jimmy Smith is a crackhead, but at least he could play, can't say the same for Matt Jones
4 - I still don't think I could go back in time and convince my younger self that Byron Leftwich would be an absolute bust
5 - A Panther is a black Jaguar and therefore we will always be the superior franchise

OK, you pass. I will note that it's been very lonely posting about the Jags the last few years. I'm really about a 2007 convert from Bengaldom. I've lived here since 1999, so I gradually became a Jag fan, it was hard not to root for an owner (Wayne Weaver) who seemed to be doing everything he could for Jacksonville and the Jaguars, versus Mike Brown (enough said). And in a way, Leftwich was the final thing to pushed me into Jagdom. When he got drafted I thought it was cool, I loved the 'players carried him between plays' story.

But after watching him for a year or so I came to the realization he sucked and the Jags had to switch to Garrard. Once they did in 2007, I had to root for Jags to win to prove myself right!! I think it was that year (but my memory could be wrong), the Jags traveled to Cincy for a game they both needed, and I made the switch over to the Jags. (Jags lost).

And I've been Jags strong ever since.

[IslandRed]

I go back even farther than that -- I moved to the Jax area right after they were awarded the expansion franchise. I mainly liked the 49ers at the time but grew to be a Jaguars fan while watching the team be built from scratch. Never was a season-ticket holder but we were at the inaugural regular-season game and also at the franchise's high-water mark, the 62-7 blowout of the Dolphins in the playoffs (footnote: Dan Marino's final game).

At this point, though, I am at best a tepid fan. We moved out of Florida for a dozen years -- and not just away from Florida, into Tennessee Titans territory. I wasn't going to go over to the Titans just on principle, but over time I drifted away from pro football in general, and the Jaguars didn't help because they were not only mediocre for a long time, they were boring too. We're back in Florida now but even though I'm happy for the Jaguars' resurgence, I'm not into it the way I used to be.

[JaxRed]

I go back even farther than that -- I moved to the Jax area right after they were awarded the expansion franchise. I mainly liked the 49ers at the time but grew to be a Jaguars fan while watching the team be built from scratch. Never was a season-ticket holder but we were at the inaugural regular-season game and also at the franchise's high-water mark, the 62-7 blowout of the Dolphins in the playoffs (footnote: Dan Marino's final game).

At this point, though, I am at best a tepid fan. We moved out of Florida for a dozen years -- and not just away from Florida, into Tennessee Titans territory. I wasn't going to go over to the Titans just on principle, but over time I drifted away from pro football in general, and the Jaguars didn't help because they were not only mediocre for a long time, they were boring too. We're back in Florida now but even though I'm happy for the Jaguars' resurgence, I'm not into it the way I used to be.

Where in Jax did you live? I'm actually south of town in St Johns County.

[IslandRed]

Southside initially before we moved up to Fernandina/Amelia, where I absolutely loved it even though I wasn't in the ideal tax bracket for residing there, let's just say.

[JaxRed]

Well it's game day. Jags have won 4 straight. (Been a long time since I could say that). They are favored to win today against the Cardinals on the road. I've heard the Cards are banged up but not sure of the specifics. Jags are pretty much the shape they were heading into last game. Same 2 starting OL are out again. WR Allen Hurns out again. Fournette a little gimpy. Only real difference is Ramsey imjured his hand Friday and declared himself out, but everyone seems to think he will play.

Jags defense still healthy and that the key thing. These days I go into every game hoping for a shutout, so that any points from offense will win the game. Just never know which Bortles will show up.

[Tom Servo]

Sorry Jags faithful but if you can't beat Glaine Babbert in Arizona, you're not going far in the playoffs.

[Sea Ray]

It doesn't look good when you can't beat a team with its 3rd string QB. Nothing much has improved in Jax other than their schedule. I think they've gone as far as they can w/o a change at QB

[Rojo Rijo]

It doesn't look good when you can't beat a team with its 3rd string QB. Nothing much has improved in Jax other than their schedule. I think they've gone as far as they can w/o a change at QB

If you don't think the defense has improved I don't know what to tell you. They have the #1 defense in football.

Yards per game allowed - 281.8, down from 321.7 in 2016.
Points per game allowed - 15.3, down from 25.0 in 2016.

This team will live and die by the inconsistencies of the offense and that starts with the most inconsistent player on the team, Blake Bortles.

[Rojo Rijo]

Don't make me start the Carolina Panthers 2017 Season thread and list all the reasons why this is wrong.

I've been having this argument for years with my Carolina friends. Yes, technically all the cats are from the Panthera genus and therefore the Jaguar is technically a Panther but I always argue back that the black panther is typically a Jaguar (Panthera ocna) (or leopard - but typically a Jaguar in America) that has a dominant allele gene and Melanism has caused it to be black. So you could say a black panther is a jaguar that is a panther.

[Sea Ray]

If you don't think the defense has improved I don't know what to tell you. They have the #1 defense in football.

Yards per game allowed - 281.8, down from 321.7 in 2016.
Points per game allowed - 15.3, down from 25.0 in 2016.

This team will live and die by the inconsistencies of the offense and that starts with the most inconsistent player on the team, Blake Bortles.


If you don't think those stats aren't largely due to who they've played then I don't know what to tell you. They've played the likes of the Bengals, Browns, Jets, Cardinals, Colts and Houston in Watson's first ever NFL game. You'd have a hard time hand picking any weaker offenses.

Congrats on beating Pittsburgh. 5 INTs including 2 pick 6s will lead to a pretty good game. I don't care how they pulled that one off. I'm just glad they did...

[Redsfaithful]

Jacksonville isn't really going to lose that division are they?

If they do, I think both wild cards will win their games.

The 6 seed will beat Tennessee, and Jacksonville will beat the 4 seed.

[JaxRed]

It appears, unless something changes, that the last game of the season Jax at Tenn will decide the division. Sea Ray, I think you'll be shown to be wrong. Jags may have the best defense in the NFL. So against the Cards the offensive woes of the Jags manifested themselves. The O-line with 2 guys out could not run block or pass block effectively. Kept putting the defense in precarious positions.

It was frustrating to see coaching errors play a big part in the loss. They had been doing everything well for a while. The worst error, which probably cost them the game came near the end. Game tied,less than 2 minutes on clock, Cards with no time outs. Deep in Jax territory, Jags had ball. Jax had to make a choice to attempt to score or just run out clock and go to OT with best defense in NFL.

After running the ball on the first play to indicate the were going to OT, Jags passed on 2nd down, and it was incomplete. Stopped the clock, and when they failed to make a first down, turned the ball over to Cards with enough time to win game. They also screwed up by playing prevent, allowing Cards to get downfield into field goal range. This with a secondary, where the stats have shown you are better off spiking the ball then passing deep against Jax.

They also called a timeout earlier because the defense wasn't ready on an extra point kick. Total waste of time out.

[Sea Ray]

It appears, unless something changes, that the last game of the season Jax at Tenn will decide the division. Sea Ray, I think you'll be shown to be wrong. Jags may have the best defense in the NFL. So against the Cards the offensive woes of the Jags manifested themselves. The O-line with 2 guys out could not run block or pass block effectively. Kept putting the defense in precarious positions.

It was frustrating to see coaching errors play a big part in the loss. They had been doing everything well for a while. The worst error, which probably cost them the game came near the end. Game tied,less than 2 minutes on clock, Cards with no time outs. Deep in Jax territory, Jags had ball. Jax had to make a choice to attempt to score or just run out clock and go to OT with best defense in NFL.

After running the ball on the first play to indicate the were going to OT, Jags passed on 2nd down, and it was incomplete. Stopped the clock, and when they failed to make a first down, turned the ball over to Cards with enough time to win game. They also screwed up by playing prevent, allowing Cards to get downfield into field goal range. This with a secondary, where the stats have shown you are better off spiking the ball then passing deep against Jax.

They also called a timeout earlier because the defense wasn't ready on an extra point kick. Total waste of time out.

Fair enough but when will the defense get tested? Perhaps Seattle but other than the Seahawks I don't see too many offensive juggernauts left on the Jags schedule. The tests will be Seattle and Tenn. If they play well and beat those teams then they deserve to go to the playoffs. If they don't then one has to wonder what it will take to taste the post season. I agree 100% with your comments about coaching decisions in last week's game. I was watching late in the game as I suspect you were.

[JaxRed]

OK, the Cat Signal has gone off and it's coming up on game time. We are slightly better off at OL as one of our starters (Parnell) is back, one of his replacements (Wells) is out. We have been lucky with major injuries this year as evidenced by the fact that we are having our first defensive starter miss a game today. LB Telvin Smith is still out with concussion.

As usual....hope that defense dominates and offense doesn't mess up and lets get a win.

[JaxRed]

Well, very happy with the Jags performance in a 30-10 victory. Both sides of the ball performed well. This was perhaps Blake Bortles best game ever. He was calm and accurate and in control. He was 26/35 2 TD's, 0 picks, 119 rating. 27 yards on the ground also.

Our 2 rookie receivers played well and avoided drops. Defense played it's usual outstanding game. We have now held teams to 10 points or less in 7 of 12 games.

We've guaranteed a non-losing season for the first time since 2010.

We look to have a VERY tough game coming up against Seattle.

[redsfanmia]

Is it just me or have the Jags really enjoyed laying the wood to the Colts the last 2 years?

[JaxRed]

Is it just me or have the Jags really enjoyed laying the wood to the Colts the last 2 years?

We owe them a lot. They dominated this division forever.

[Rojo Rijo]

We owe them a lot. They dominated this division forever.

Their record against us since Peyton showed up is definitely in their favor but what a lot of people forget is how close some of those games were.
2002 they won 28-25 and 20-13
2003 they won 23-13 and we won 28-23
2004 they won 24-17 and we won 27-24
2005 they won 10-3 and 26-18
2006 they won 21-14 and we won 44-17 (GREAT GAME)
2007 they won 29-7 and 28-25
2008 we won 23-21 and they won 31-24
2009 they won 14-12 and 35-31
2010 we won 31-28 and they won 34-24
2011 we won 17-3 and 19-13 (suck for Luck year)
2012 we won 22-17 and they won 27-10
2013 they won 37-3 and 30-10
2014 they won 44-17 and 23-3
2015 they won 16-13 in OT and we won 51-6
2016 we won 30-27 and they won 24-20
2017 we won 27-0 and 20-10

[JaxRed]

Big game coming up against Seahawks. Ramsey was a recent addition to injury report with a hamstring, but word is he's playing. Not playing is LB Telvin Smith who is still out with a concussion. He's a speed LB and we really could could have used him against Wilson.

Litmus test game for Jags.

[Sea Ray]

Big game coming up against Seahawks. Ramsey was a recent addition to injury report with a hamstring, but word is he's playing. Not playing is LB Telvin Smith who is still out with a concussion. He's a speed LB and we really could could have used him against Wilson.

Litmus test game for Jags.

It is a big game. Nice 1st half but the Seahawks are a 2nd half team. Enjoy!

[Sea Ray]

Congrats to the Jags on a great big win. That should earn them a home game in the playoffs. A little shaky DB play in the 4th qtr but they did what they had to in order to pull out a win. That's the NFL. Also were the beneficiary of a huge missed defensive illegal contact call w/ 2 mins to go but once again, that's the NFL.

[Slyder]

I wish to thank Jax and Seattle for bailing out my draft kings/nfl weekend.

[JaxRed]

Well the Jags passed the litmus test against Seattle. Sometimes the score doesn't really reflect the game and this was one of those times. The Jags were clearly the better team yesterday. Last few games I was lamenting the fact that 2 of our starting OL were out. They both returned and our OL dominated the Seahawks DL. Seahawks got no sacks and hardly even pressured Bortles. Jags ran well. Fournette went over 100 yards. Seahawks DL was so frustrated they took cheap shots at Jags OL when we were in victory formation. As Blake said after the game, "I guess their not used to getting asses beat for 60 minutes".

[JaxRed]

Question #1 - Tom Coughlin - The question is raised about how much credit Coughlin deserves for the turnaround. No one REALLY knows how much difference he makes. Or what he does. He is over both the GM and Head Coach.

We had a nice draft in 2017. Rd -1 Fournette, Rd -2 Cam Robinson, Rd -4 DeDe Westbrook. But, other then Caldwell's first draft, the Jags drafts are full of good players.

2016 - Ramsey, Myles Jack, Ngakoue
2015 - Fowler, AJ Cann
2014 - Bortles, Marquise Lee, Allen Robinson, Brandon Linder, Telvin Smith, Aaron Colvin

There were never any indications that Coughlin over-rode a Caldwell choice. But Jags are usually very close to the vest so I'm not sure you'd ever hear.

Free Agency - Jags had a very successful Free Agency. Picking up Calais Campbell, Bouye, and Church. The first 2 are at pro bowl level. We did sign Malik Jackson the previous year. And Tashaun Gibson. This is one area that Coughlin's reputation might have made a difference. When you are a bad team, you have to throw money at players to get them to come to town. Having Coughlin onboard might have made a difference.

Coaching - Marrone is almost a Coughlin clone. A disciplinarian. Took over a 2-12 team and over the last 2 games they were 1-1. The team looked completely different in just one week. My inclination is to say it's Marrone, not Coughlin.

I think Coughlin is a sounding board for both of them. But my guess is he's 20% reponsible.

[Sea Ray]

Well the Jags passed the litmus test against Seattle. Sometimes the score doesn't really reflect the game and this was one of those times. The Jags were clearly the better team yesterday. Last few games I was lamenting the fact that 2 of our starting OL were out. They both returned and our OL dominated the Seahawks DL. Seahawks got no sacks and hardly even pressured Bortles. Jags ran well. Fournette went over 100 yards. Seahawks DL was so frustrated they took cheap shots at Jags OL when we were in victory formation. As Blake said after the game, "I guess their not used to getting asses beat for 60 minutes".

The Jags deserved to win but their defensive backfield breakdowns can negate a bunch of dominance at the line of scrimmage. Thanks to Fournette for getting that key first down. I wouldn't want Wilson to test your DBs one more time with the game on the line.

As for the end of the game, it was bush league for the Seahawks to go after the knees/legs of your center. I think the commissioner should levy heavy penalties on that kind f stuff. I hope your linemen are OK.

[Rojo Rijo]

Question #1 - Tom Coughlin - The question is raised about how much credit Coughlin deserves for the turnaround. No one REALLY knows how much difference he makes. Or what he does. He is over both the GM and Head Coach.

We had a nice draft in 2017. Rd -1 Fournette, Rd -2 Cam Robinson, Rd -4 DeDe Westbrook. But, other then Caldwell's first draft, the Jags drafts are full of good players.

2016 - Ramsey, Myles Jack, Ngakoue
2015 - Fowler, AJ Cann
2014 - Bortles, Marquise Lee, Allen Robinson, Brandon Linder, Telvin Smith, Aaron Colvin

There were never any indications that Coughlin over-rode a Caldwell choice. But Jags are usually very close to the vest so I'm not sure you'd ever hear.

Free Agency - Jags had a very successful Free Agency. Picking up Calais Campbell, Bouye, and Church. The first 2 are at pro bowl level. We did sign Malik Jackson the previous year. And Tashaun Gibson. This is one area that Coughlin's reputation might have made a difference. When you are a bad team, you have to throw money at players to get them to come to town. Having Coughlin onboard might have made a difference.

Coaching - Marrone is almost a Coughlin clone. A disciplinarian. Took over a 2-12 team and over the last 2 games they were 1-1. The team looked completely different in just one week. My inclination is to say it's Marrone, not Coughlin.

I think Coughlin is a sounding board for both of them. But my guess is he's 20% reponsible.

Coughlin is 100% responsible for the no nonsense culture that has been instilled in the franchise since his arrival. It's also wrong to not include certain players like Calais who have been paramount in setting the tone for work ethic and professionalism amongst the rest of the team. This team is 9-4 and not 2-11 for many reasons and it's not just talent and development. Hard work pays off and Coughlin has tasked the entire organization with working hard and being held accountable. Who's influence do you think was the deciding factor in sitting Leonard for missing the team photo shoot?

Aside from the teams inaugural season in 1995 when they went 4-12 a Tom Coughlin led team has never finished with less than 6 wins / more than 10 losses over a period of 19 seasons. His teams work hard enough and have enough discipline to not crumble over a season like you see so many others do (when players just give up). \

I think his influence is stronger than most think. As far as the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise goes, if you had to make a Jaguars Mount Rushmore, Coughlin would be the first face up there. (Followed by Tony, Mark, and Fred).

[MWM]

I was at the game on Sunday up in the FanDuel pool area. It's not as cool as I thought it would be, but still a fun experience. Jags fans were pretty rowdy and not very welcoming to the many Seahawks fans there. I saw/heard some things that didn't reflect well on Jags fans. It's definitely something new here to be a real contender.

I'm trying to become a Jags fan having lived here for 7 years, but going to the game this Sunday set that process back a bit. The whole "Duuuuuu-vaaaaaaaal" thing is just horrendous. It would be one thing if it were every once in a while. But in the 4 hours I was there, I don't think I went more than 10 seconds without someone screaming it. And walking to the car after I don't think it was 3 seconds. It's gotta stop. I don't even live in Duval myself. I always hated the whole "Who Dey" thing in Cincinnati, but this one takes the cake.

[JaxRed]

I was at the game on Sunday up in the FanDuel pool area. It's not as cool as I thought it would be, but still a fun experience. Jags fans were pretty rowdy and not very welcoming to the many Seahawks fans there. I saw/heard some things that didn't reflect well on Jags fans. It's definitely something new here to be a real contender.

I'm trying to become a Jags fan having lived here for 7 years, but going to the game this Sunday set that process back a bit. The whole "Duuuuuu-vaaaaaaaal" thing is just horrendous. It would be one thing if it were every once in a while. But in the 4 hours I was there, I don't think I went more than 10 seconds without someone screaming it. And walking to the car after I don't think it was 3 seconds. It's gotta stop. I don't even live in Duval myself. I always hated the whole "Who Dey" thing in Cincinnati, but this one takes the cake.

I'm with you on the whole Duval thing. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid.

[JaxRed]

Jaguars Controversial Thought #2. (Number 1 was - Coughlin gets way too much credit for turnaround).

I no longer think Blake Bortles is a liability. I don't think the Jags pursue another starter in the off-season. Slowly but surely Blake has grown into the job. His last few games he's looked confident, and thrown accurately. He has a 60% completion rate, a 2-1 Touchdown to interception rate, has no pick sixes this year, and has run for 282 yards. In 4 years Blake has gone thru 3 different offensive coordinators. He seems to be settling into OC Nate Hackett's system.

Blake is only 25. If he's the guy, we can be set at QB of for 10 more years.

[Sea Ray]

Jaguars Controversial Thought #2. (Number 1 was - Coughlin gets way too much credit for turnaround).

I no longer think Blake Bortles is a liability. I don't think the Jags pursue another starter in the off-season. Slowly but surely Blake has grown into the job. His last few games he's looked confident, and thrown accurately. He has a 60% completion rate, a 2-1 Touchdown to interception rate, has no pick sixes this year, and has run for 282 yards. In 4 years Blake has gone thru 3 different offensive coordinators. He seems to be settling into OC Nate Hackett's system.

Blake is only 25. If he's the guy, we can be set at QB of for 10 more years.

So you think Bortles has turned the corner and could be the Jags QB for the next ten yrs? That is controversial. You watch far more Jags football than I so I'll defer to you. This will be something to watch.

[JaxRed]

It's gameday. A Jags win clinches a playoff spot for the first time since 2007. A win should be very do-able since the Jags are playing the injury depleted Texans at home. (they could be tough next year). Leonard Fournette will sit today's game out with a quad issue. They've already said he can play next week, so the feeling around town is that this is mainly precautionary. The Jags are pretty happy with their backup running situation and Chris Ivory will assume the Fournette role for today, with Yeldon as the second back.

Jags OL is at full strength again, and the defense is too with LB Telvin Smith back from concussion protocol. A big part of the Jags success this year has been health. We've only lost one important player for the season, WR Allen Robinson. In the absence of Robinson and Hearns, the Jags have have found 2 up and comers at WR with Keelan Cole and DeDe Westbrook.

Jags are selling Standing Room Only tix now at stadium.

- - - Updated - - -


So you think Bortles has turned the corner and could be the Jags QB for the next ten yrs? That is controversial. You watch far more Jags football than I so I'll defer to you. This will be something to watch.

Over the last 2 weeks, Bortles is the highest rated QB in the NFL.

[JaxRed]

Well, Jags continue their roll. This was about a thorough of a dominance over a depleted Texans team as you could get. Jags were winning 31-0 at halftime and then went into shutdown mode, mostly just running the clock out. Even when in shutdown mode they took the second half 14-7.

Jags played Henne at QB the entire 4th quarter and he didn't attempt one pass as Jags just wanted clock to keep going. Blake Bortles was excellent again. 21/29, 326 yards, 3 TD's and 0 picks. A 143.8 rating. And that was in 3 quarters.

The Jags rookie receiver corps continues to grow and impress. Already shorthanded at receiver, Marquise Lee went down and left game on the first drive. Jags had to employ their rookie punt returner Mickens as a wide receiver. That meant all 3 WR's were rookies. And they were great. Mickens had 4 catches and 2 TD's. Keelan Cole had 7 catches for 186 and a TD.

League's best defense was great again only giving up 7 points while only allowing 186 total yards.

The Jags win gave them a playoff spot for the first time since 2007. With the Tennessee loss, a Jags win or a Titans loss (they play Rams) next weekend cliches the division for the Jags.

[JaxRed]

I'm not saying that winning the off-season means nothing. I'm very excited about what Jags are doing the last 2 years or so. They have underachieved. But what that means is a team that should have been 8-8 or 9-7 is getting the picks of a team that finished 3-13.

At some point I think this team explodes. I'm hoping it's this year.


It was.

[dubc47834]

As a Colts fan, I'm glad for the Jags and their fans. I think bringing Coughlin back into the fold was huge. AFC South is no joke anymore!

[Tom Servo]

I think the Coughlin factor gets overstated a bit. He's clearly helped, but despite getting a bum rap for doing what his contract allowed him to do in Buffalo and opt out, Marrone is a pretty good NFL coach and is probably the largest non-player reason for their success. Gus Bradley had the on-field talent but was in way over his head, Marrone has the on-field talent and has them playing up to it.

[JaxRed]

As a Colts fan, I'm glad for the Jags and their fans. I think bringing Coughlin back into the fold was huge. AFC South is no joke anymore!

Watching Colts in the off-season will be a lot like watching Jags in previous off-seasons.

[Rojo Rijo]

I think the Coughlin factor gets overstated a bit. He's clearly helped, but despite getting a bum rap for doing what his contract allowed him to do in Buffalo and opt out, Marrone is a pretty good NFL coach and is probably the largest non-player reason for their success. Gus Bradley had the on-field talent but was in way over his head, Marrone has the on-field talent and has them playing up to it.

Marrone has been great but Coughlin's effect is underrated in my opinion. Prior to his return there was nobody in that entire organization except for Marcedes Lewis who had experienced success with the Jaguars. Coughlin is arguably the most accomplished (team wise) individual in Jaguars history and having him in house has been the biggest difference between this year and last year. Implementing professional accountability and the offseason workouts are the biggest things that he has effected. Now, he couldn't do it by himself. This has been a great effort from the top down. Kahn, Coughlin, Caldwell, Marrone, the coordinators, the position coaches, all the way down to the big time players like Calais who are setting the tone for the entire team.

The biggest difference in this years team is they are preparing and handling themselves like actual professionals and winners and not just a bunch of guys making huge amounts of money to play football. Coughlin has had a lot to do with the change in atmosphere within that organization.

[Rojo Rijo]

Watching Colts in the off-season will be a lot like watching Jags in previous off-seasons.

Colts knew what they were doing the whole time. No way Luck was ever coming back this season and most realized it by week 4/5.

[dubc47834]

Watching Colts in the off-season will be a lot like watching Jags in previous off-seasons.

Most definately. Could be a clown show like the pre manning years. Pagano's status, Lucks status, and how the draft goes are all huge questions. The again, Irsay could get arrested again...ya never know!!!

[Rojo Rijo]

Pittsburgh losing to New England hurt our chances at a first round bye. Now sitting a game behind both it isn't likely that the Pats lose to the Bills or the Jets and it isn't likely that the Steelers lose to the Browns or the Texans.

[Chip R]

Good for the Jags. That defense is as tough as anyone's. Although Bortels has been playing better as of late, I think he might be a liability come the post-season against the better teams. The less he has to throw the ball, the better off they are going to be.

[Sea Ray]

Don't count Jadeveon Clowney as one of Blake Bortles' biggest fans...




Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles torched the Houston Texans during a 45-7 victory Sunday, but his performance apparently wasn't enough to impress linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney said Bortles is "trash" when he was asked if the signal-caller has improved, per Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2749773-jadeveon-clowney-calls-blake-bortles-trash-after-jaguars-win-vs-texans

[Rojo Rijo]

Don't count Jadeveon Clowney as one of Blake Bortles' biggest fans...

after beating Seattle - Earl Thomas said "That was a sub par quarterback"
Bortles was 18-27 for 268 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs

after beating Houston - Clowney calls Bortles "Trash"
Bortles was 21-29 for 326 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs

I think it speaks to these players character that they try to criticize a QB who just beat their defenses fairly easily.

This would be defined as being "Butt hurt"



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2749773-jadeveon-clowney-calls-blake-bortles-trash-after-jaguars-win-vs-texans[/QUOTE]

[JaxRed]

Ready for controversial comment #3?

1. Tom Coughlin gets too much credit for the turnaround.
2. Blake Bortles has turned the corner and should be the Jags QB of the future.

3. Jags can win the SuperBowl this year. Jags can now beat anyone in the NFL. Doesn't mean they will, but they can. If they play well they can beat anyone. There's a possibility that the Superbowl could be (2016 records), the 4-12 Rams versus the 3-13 Jags).

[MWM]

2. Blake Bortles has turned the corner and should be the Jags QB of the future.


Man, I don't know about this one. He's looked good over several game stretches before. I wouldn't bet the future on the last month's worth of games, when you have a much larger sample of him being really bad. We'll see though. I think the team agrees with you.

[Redsfaithful]

With that defense if they got a real QB ...

I do think they could possibly make a deep playoff run this year though. Elite defensive line play usually shows up big in the playoffs.

[Assembly Hall]

I have nobody to root for in the AFC........so I am jumping on the Jag bandwagon.

[GAC]

Ready for controversial comment #3?

3. Jags can win the SuperBowl this year. Jags can now beat anyone in the NFL. Doesn't mean they will, but they can. If they play well they can beat anyone. There's a possibility that the Superbowl could be (2016 records), the 4-12 Rams versus the 3-13 Jags).

Me, personally, I don't think the above is a controversial comment (LOL). Yeah, there's been losses to a couple teams of questionable ilk, that leaves one shaking their heads, but - this was also the team that put a huge hurtin' on the likes of the Steelers and Ravens too. Their defense is sound. The question mark is the consistent performance of the offense. But when they're clicking on all cylinders, IMO, they can beat anyone.

And I've always been of the mindset of rooting for what I call the "underdog", so I'm cheering on the Jaguars.

My "dream scenario" is them facing off vs the Steelers in the play-offs, and your defense tears them a new *********! LOL

[dubc47834]

Ready for controversial comment #3?

1. Tom Coughlin gets too much credit for the turnaround.
2. Blake Bortles has turned the corner and should be the Jags QB of the future.

3. Jags can win the SuperBowl this year. Jags can now beat anyone in the NFL. Doesn't mean they will, but they can. If they play well they can beat anyone. There's a possibility that the Superbowl could be (2016 records), the 4-12 Rams versus the 3-13 Jags).

Not sure what his contract status is, but if I'm the Jags I'm not giving him the huge contract until I have to. Now I'm wouldn't pull a stunt like the Redskins did with Cousins, but I would put it off a bit. Maybe franchise him for a year, but if he continues to play well then I think the Jags have to pay the guy.

I do think #3 is a very good possibility. While I don't think they will win, I think they could if things go their way!

[Rojo Rijo]

Ready for controversial comment #3?

1. Tom Coughlin gets too much credit for the turnaround.
2. Blake Bortles has turned the corner and should be the Jags QB of the future.

3. Jags can win the SuperBowl this year. Jags can now beat anyone in the NFL. Doesn't mean they will, but they can. If they play well they can beat anyone. There's a possibility that the Superbowl could be (2016 records), the 4-12 Rams versus the 3-13 Jags).

No, No, and Yes

1 - I’ve seen that some have this opinion, yet that’s all they have. Nothing that might actually support that his involvement has been overrated. Even a tweet today quoting Malik Jackson on the Coughlin/Marrone training camp “It sucked, but now that we’ve gone through it, we see the results.” The quote discussed a preseason Jags/Bucs joint practice where afterwards the Jags did up-downs while the Bucs hit the showers.

2 - He needs to prove (earn) it in the playoffs.

3 - We’ll be playing in Minnesota in January


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[JaxRed]

Not sure what his contract status is, but if I'm the Jags I'm not giving him the huge contract until I have to. Now I'm wouldn't pull a stunt like the Redskins did with Cousins, but I would put it off a bit. Maybe franchise him for a year, but if he continues to play well then I think the Jags have to pay the guy.

I do think #3 is a very good possibility. While I don't think they will win, I think they could if things go their way!

Blake has a team option at 19 million for next year.

[dubc47834]

Blake has a team option at 19 million for next year.

I think I pick that up and take my chances with him another year. If he has another good year I try to sign a long term deal, if not, I move on!

[JaxRed]

I should have said that they have picked up his team option for 19 million for next year. So technically, he is already signed. They can cut him unless he is injured, but there's no talk of that now.

[JaxRed]

Jags laid a stinker of a game against 49's. They pretty much stunk in all facets of the game. They found out before they kicked off that they had already clinched the Division and I'm going to assume that played a big part in a game that they looked like they sleep walked thru.

In addition, Jags were kind of out of control. Players were fighting with each other on the sideline. Players and coaches were yelling at each other and have to be restrained. The defense had 12 penalties. On one touchdown drive by 49's Jags gave up 50 yards in penalties. One taunting, one personal foul, etc.

Interesting thing is they have a final game against Tennessee that means nothing to Jags, but could put Titans into playoffs. Jags are already talking about the possibility of resting players.

[GAC]

Jags are already talking about the possibility of resting players.

Thought they did that against the 49ers? :mooner:

The Jag's defense definitely laid an egg in that game. But it happens. Regroup and move on.

[JaxRed]

Doug Marrone had a talk with Herm Edwards and said Jags are playing this one to win. Nobody wants to limp into playoffs losing 2 straight. (Jags have not lost 2 straight all year).

In other news Playoff tickets sold out within hours yesterday.

[JaxRed]

NFL waived their rules and allowed Jags to take off tarps and they sold out in 6 minutes. So did SRO tix.

Heading into last game, Jags are playing to not get hurt and not have 2 game losing steak. Titans playing for their playoff lives.

[MWM]

Jags are not going to win in the playoffs with Bortles as their QB. If there’s a silver lining, they at least have clarity on the qb situation.

[JaxRed]

Well Jags did sleep walk thru another game. People around here are convinced they can turn it on again. And I confess I am one of them. Interesting matchup in that the 2 teams that have not been playoff in ages are playing each other.

And that Jags coach Doug Marrone came from Buffalo.

[Sea Ray]

A game of two shaky QBs. Who will show up? I'll go with the home team

[JaxRed]

Two hours to game time. LOts of excitement in Jacksonville area this week. First playoff game since 2007, first home playoff since 2000.

I think Jags will prevail. My worry is we get too conservative on offense. Run, Run, pass on 3rd down with 3rd and 7. That will kill Jags if they do that. Need to let Blake thrown on 1st down to loosen up defense.

Of course, if defense would just throw up a shutout, we'd have no problem.

[Betterread]

This game is so being badly played (2nd q). Finally someone scored.
Bortles looks like he has no confidence and the coaches are treating him that way for play calling.
Looks like Jax''s strategy is to take the head off Taylor - Steelersesque. Cynical and bereft of creativity.

[Rojo Rijo]

This game is so being badly played (2nd q). Finally someone scored.
Bortles looks like he has no confidence and the coaches are treating him that way for play calling.
Looks like Jax''s strategy is to take the head off Taylor - Steelersesque. Cynical and bereft of creativity.

Yeah umm it’s two strong defenses with suspect QBs playing in windy conditions so I’m not sure what your expectations are but you should probably reevaluate.

Agree that Jax play calling is awful and hurting Bortles but he just had a couple of nice runs.

There has been 1 real bad hit on Tyrod by Jags but other than that it looks the norm for a defense against a fast DT QB.


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[dubc47834]

Not seeing the horrible hits on Taylor either. Bengals fan I guess upset everyone else is playing tackle football when they were playing 2 hand touch. Bortles has been terrible tho!!!

[RedTeamGo!]

Not seeing the horrible hits on Taylor either. Bengals fan I guess upset everyone else is playing tackle football when they were playing 2 hand touch. Bortles has been terrible tho!!!

Taylor went in for an obvious slide which everyone knows is the universal symbol to not hit the Qb. The defensive player not only hit him but hit him in the helmet. That was a dumb play by the defender.

[Redsfaithful]

Really hard to see Jacksonville beating any tier 1 teams with Bortles.

[Rojo Rijo]

“Tom Coughlin’s influence, his imprint is all over this team”


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[dubc47834]

Tough hit there for Taylor!

[RedTeamGo!]

Fowler grabbed him by the neck and pretty clearly deliberately slammed him on his head.

[dubc47834]

It the Steelers catch wasn't a catch, that's not a catch.

[RedTeamGo!]

Welp, Bills waited 18 years to lay a complete egg.

Too bad Taylor got choke slammed on to his head and didn’t get a chance to finish the game.

Jags against the Steelers next week should be interesting. Two headhunting defenses.

[dubc47834]

Fowler grabbed him by the neck and pretty clearly deliberately slammed him on his head.

Come on man, it's football. There was no ill intent there. Yes, he slammed him to the ground, it's called a tackle. Not everything is a dirty hit.

[Tom Servo]

that was awful lol but congrats

[dubc47834]

Welp, Bills waited 18 years to lay a complete egg.

Too bad Taylor got choke slammed on to his head and didn’t get a chance to finish the game.

Jags against the Steelers next week should be interesting. Two headhunting defenses.

LOL...choke slammed...come on man!!!

[dubc47834]

Both teams played like crap. The Jags played less like crap. AFC South is doing things in the playoffs. Both the Titans and Jags gonna get drubbed next week tho. CONGRATS Jags fans

[RedTeamGo!]

Come on man, it's football. There was no ill intent there. Yes, he slammed him to the ground, it's called a tackle. Not everything is a dirty hit.

That was not a tackle, he grabbed him by the neck. It was unnecessary. You could tell on the way down he put extra effort into slamming his head on the turf.

[dubc47834]

That was not a tackle, he grabbed him by the neck. It was unnecessary. You could tell on the way down he put extra effort into slamming his head on the turf.

I guess we'll have to disagree on it!

[Sea Ray]

This game is so being badly played (2nd q). Finally someone scored.
Bortles looks like he has no confidence and the coaches are treating him that way for play calling.
Looks like Jax''s strategy is to take the head off Taylor - Steelersesque. Cynical and bereft of creativity.

It took 'em the whole game to do so but they did accomplish this with 1:27 to go

[Assembly Hall]

And I echo.......congrats Jags fans. And best of luck with the next one.

[Boston Red]

My eyes! My eyes!