Blackmon and Rest of the Jaguars Offense Drawing Rave Reviews from Teammates

Source: Bleacher Report

When a wide receiver is taken in the top five, he is expected to be an instant impact player. The Jacksonville Jaguars had one of the worst passing games in the league last year, so that goes double No. 5 overall pick Justin Blackmon.

The first-round pick missed the final day of rookie minicamp with a foot injury, but from the sounds of the quotes coming out of Jacksonville's OTAs, Blackmon is more than making up for his absence now that the veterans and rookies are taking the field together.

Laurent Robinson, a big free wide receiver signing for the Jags who will likely start opposite Blackmon, called the rookie a hard worker and good route-runner. He also liked Blackmon's hands and run-after-catch ability, according to long-time NFL writer Vito Stellino from the Florida Times-Union. Stellino also reported praise for Blackmon from another one of the team's veteran wideouts, Lee Evans:

"Physically, he has all the tools so now it’s just about him getting comfortable understanding the playbook and what his role is going to be."

It isn't just Blackmon's fellow pass-catchers talking him up. Jaguars starting middle linebacker called Blackmon "an absolute stud" after watching him in a drill, per Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Blackmon was "ahead of where you think most rookies would be."

All of this is against the backdrop of a team that had one of the better defenses in the league last year, but they struggled to win because of their impotent offense. Two of the team's defensive starters gushed about the effect of the offensive changes to Ganguli. Strong safety Dawan Landry said the change was "night and day" from last year. Outside linebacker Clint Session called the offense the "greatest show on turf compared to what it was last year."

The 2011 Jaguars set the bar very low for offensive performance, so seeing a dramatic difference this early might not mean that much. If the team can turn it around this year, Blackmon will need to come up big, early and often. So far, his teammates sound like they believe he has the ability to be key to the recovery.

Read more Jacksonville Jaguars news on BleacherReport.com

Relying on Eben Britton

Source: Black and Teal by Mr.Sims

Eben Britton, the Jags right tackle, has been hurt.  He’s been hurt a lot actually.

After starting his first two years at right tackle during the 2009 (15 games) and 2010 (seven games) seasons, Britton is fighting to come back from a 2011 that … [visit site to read more]

Relying on Eben Britton - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Blaine Gabbert Video Sampler Platter

Source: Big Cat Country by EricStoner

It's up, over on DraftBreakdown.

I’m in the midst of doing a fairly large write-up on what I thought of Blaine as a prospect, why his rookie year went the way that it did, and what he needs to work on to be a starting caliber NFL quarterback.

These are the exact same videos I’ll be basing my writeups on (I just cut them this past week). The first two are from his final year in college, the last four are from his rookie season in the NFL.

Tanier’s Team Reviews: The Kansas City Chiefs, via Todd Haley (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Any website can post "offseason grades" for NFL teams, mixing the draft and free agency into transaction soup, then straining it through the mind of some sportswriter who doesn't know who half the players are. Only the Shutdown Corner has the resources to get actual players, coaches, and executives from each team to evaluate their own offseasons! That's right: over the next few weeks, you will get transaction evaluations straight from the horse's mouths: straight talk about who was signed, who was lost, who was drafted, and why. (For the satirically challenged: all player, coach, and executive remarks are made by an impersonator). In this segment, former Chiefs coach Todd Haley breaks down the offseason moves of the team that fired him at the end of last season. We have a bad feeling about this. TODD HALEY: Wash your windshield, mister? I don't scrub windshields for the money. I have a coaching job now as offensive coordinator for the Steelers. I carry this slop bucket because I like it. It's comforting to wash windows while the mad clown stares at me with his dead, gray eyes, whispering razor truths mortals dare not speak aloud, truths that pierce flesh and cut an inky scarlet line against the throat of the he-goat … Sorry, my thoughts meander sometimes. The Chiefs had a productive offseason. At the skill positions, they added Peyton Hillis to a running back committee that already includes Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles, who is ahead of schedule rehabbing his knee injury. Kevin Boss joins Tony Moeaki, also on schedule to return from a knee injury, to give the Chiefs two tight ends who can block and catch. Two rookie wide receivers, Devon Wylie and Junior Hemingway, will provide extra depth behind Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston, and last year's top pick Jonathan Baldwin, who started to come on late in the season. Matt Cassel, yet another player who missed much of last season with injuries, won't have to worry about throwing to the likes of Keary Colbert or Anthony Becht. That's right, everyone gets to come back to Kansas City but me, the guy who got blamed for not being able to build an offense around Tyler Palko and Terrance Copper, while the dead-eyed clown stares back at me from the mirror and cackles. "You ever played cornhole with the devil, son?" he asks, his raspy voice a rusty hypodermic needle scraping gutter concrete. "He don't use no beanbags, boy." And that he-goat just brays and brays like he sees the end coming and don't know whether to fight it or welcome it. Moving on to the defense, Dontari Poe was one of the most physically gifted specimens in this year's draft class. The Chiefs have a bad habit of striking out with big defensive tackles, from Ryan Sims to Glenn Dorsey, so my former assistant Romeo Crennel will have to be careful about Poe's development and role if he doesn't want Poe to become an overpriced space-eater the greasepaint smears and the sharpened steel glints in the pickup truck headlights behind the barnyard. The loss of Brandon Carr is going to hurt at cornerback, because Stanford Routt is an adequate #2 corner behind Brandon Flowers. But the defense will be better if it is not  on the field as often, and when the muffled brays fade to pitch-black silence, vengeful darkness sated all-too-briefly by the still-quivering sacrifice .

Jaguars' Uche Nwaneri, other players worry about possible long-term effects of head trauma

Source: Florida Times-Union by Tania Ganguli

For days after the shocking news of Junior Seau’s death, Uche Nwaneri grew pensive. Here was a man who made a living in the same profession the Jaguars right guard does, a man who did it well and played for 20 years. His body held up, but after he left the game, his mind didn’t.

Nwaneri thought about the nature of his position, where his helmet clanks against those of defensive linemen on nearly every play. Tiny accidents happen inside his helmet, ones he knows could damage his brain long-term.

That football can harm the human brain isn’t new information.

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Gene Frenette: Jaguars' Andre Branch learns from grandfather's parting advice

Source: Florida Times-Union by Gene Frenette

In February 2011, Andre Branch made the 45-mile drive from Richmond to visit his paternal grandfather, Orlandus, in Hampton, Va., not knowing it'd be their last one-on-one time together. The Jaguars' rookie defensive end was taken aback when Orlandus, who passed away a month later, looked his grandson in the eye and said: "Do you want to be good or great?"

At first, Andre wasn't sure how to take the question. "I didn't know exactly what he was talking about," Branch said.

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Justin Blackmon Feels Good About Jaguars Offense

Source: Big Cat Country by Adam Stites

The NFLPA Rookie Premiere event has been going on all weekend in Los Angeles, CA featuring several of the top rookies taken in the 2012 NFL Draft. After doing charity work at a local area high school on Thursday afternoon, the rookies were on the beautiful UCLA campus for a celebrity flag football game on Friday. (Don't worry Robert Edwards fans, no rookies participated in the game. Celebrities and retired players only.)

It was at the flag football game yesterday that I was able to have a short conversation with Jaguars first round pick

Fantasy Football: Maurice Jones-Drew Skips OTAs—Should You Be Concerned?

Source: Bleacher Report

The Jacksonville Jaguars can’t be pleased with star running back Maurice Jones-Drew missing the OTAs, but of course their preference is for the team to be united. For the fantasy owner, whose team is constructed of players from a multitude of teams, is this cause for concern?

My gut says no.

For starters, the workouts are voluntary. Mojo is entering his seventh year in the league and has been a dynamic performer each and every year. He knows what it takes to get ready for the rigors of the season. It’s not like he’s sitting on his couch playing some advanced copy of Madden 13. He is preparing for another season.

For the record, the past two years he has not attended OTAs. The past two years (one by choice, one by lockout) he has worked out on his own. Despite knee concerns he combined for 3,621 total yards and 18 total touchdowns.

Oh, and he managed to run away with the NFL rushing title last year.

There aren’t many players with his consistency. Since taking the lead back role, MJD has run for at least 1,324 yards with at least 317 receiving yards. For those of you in PPR leagues, he has had at least 34 catches in those three years as well.

Mojo’s touchdown production has gone down from 13.5 TDs per year over his first four seasons to 9.0 per year over the past two, but that has been more of a function of Jacksonville’s offense rather than an indictment on Jones-Drew. Besides, who’s complaining about a two-year average of 1,800-plus total yards and nine scores?

Mojo is a gamer and is still at the top of his game. If he starts to miss voluntary workouts, then you can start to go in panic mode. For right now, just take a deep breath and trust him.

That said, if you are in a keeper league and his owner is the panicking type, it wouldn’t hurt to inquire about him.

Also check out:

2012 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
2012 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
2012 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
2012 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings
2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings

Read more Jacksonville Jaguars news on BleacherReport.com

AFC South links: MJD not helping himself

Source: AFC South Blog

Houston Texans Matt Schaub isn't in the elite Tom Brady-Peyton Manning class of NFL quarterbacks, but with the talent Houston has assembled around him on both sides of the ball, he's good enough to take the Texans to a Super Bowl. That, anyway, is the contention of SB Nation's Brian McDonald, taking issue with fans' grumbling about Schaub. Indianapolis Colts The NFL Network confirmed a Boston Globe report that former Colts tight end Dallas Clark worked out this week for the New England Patriots.

Jacksonville Jaguars Roundup

Source: Big Cat Country by Alfie Crow

Jaguars Notebook: As teams reject 'Hard Knocks,' Jaguars still an option | jacksonville.com

One more team turned down HBO’s "Hard Knocks" on Thursday. The Houston Chronicle reported the Texans said no thanks to the behind-the-scenes show that depicts teams during training camp. The Texans join the Jets,

Session: Jags' attack 'greatest show on turf' vs. 2011

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Jacksonville's defense was forced to make up for the team's inept offense in 2011. In 2012 there is hope, according to LB Clint Session, who believes the Jaguars' attack is making strides.

Ferocity! No More Mr. Nice Guy

Source: Black and Teal by Mr.Sims

The Jaguars are building a ferocious team.  The kind of team that gets the attention of the league by its tough play.

It’s almost reminiscent of the 2007 season.

Almost.

Back then the Jags were the more physical team.  Teams were … [visit site to read more]

Ferocity! No More Mr. Nice Guy - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

The Friday Tweetbag: What If the Jaguars' Defense Struggles?

Source: Bleacher Report

Welcome to the Friday Tweetbag! As always, you can tweet, email or send your questions to me in the comments section of the articles. Be sure to use the hashtag #tweetbag!

Q:

A: I'm a huge believer in regression (just ask Houston fans). The Jaguars fall into a similar class with the Texans. Both defenses were terrible in 2010, and outstanding in 2011. There's a very real chance they fall back toward the middle of the pack. After all, they do have a new head coach and a new direction as a team.

But when it comes to the Jaguars, their offense put so much pressure on the defense that a little offensive progress might be enough to mask any natural defensive regression. I suspect that Jaguars defenders will relish the chance to play without their backs against the wall all the time.

 

Q:

A: I've already written about the wideouts, so let's talk T.J. Yates.  Frankly, I found Yates' performance to be overrated. I personally, don't care that the Texans won games while he started. Wins are a terrible way to judge quarterbacks. Yates was accurate, but struggled with taking far too many sacks. By DVOA, he was the 33rd best quarterback in the league, and was well below average.

His had a remarkable performance and provided a great story, but I saw no signs that he was a future franchise player. He played with a lot of talent around him, and the coaches did an amazing job giving him things he could handle.

History is littered with the Scott Mitchells of the world, who land big-time contracts based on a limited fill-in stint. Yates is poised and smart, and he may have a nice career, but Texans fans would do well not to overrate him just because his very talented teammates won some games he happened to start.

 

Q:

A: Thompson drew rave reviews in mini-camp, but that doesn't mean much. The selection of Thompson wouldn't be nearly so controversial if the Titans hadn't traded up to do it. Still, there's a long history of converted players becoming excellent tight ends. Antonio Gates and Marcus Pollard never even played college football. It's a position where you look for big, athletic guys who can run.

It may well take Thompson a year or two before he gets his feet under him, but if at any point he becomes a reliable starter, the pick will have more than paid off. Don't worry about how long the process lasts. This was a project pick, and the Titans will be patient.

 

Q:

A: This question is referencing my earlier article about Austin Collie. Collie's health is a question mark for sure, and some fans have wondered if the Colts might not risk sending him over the middle for fear that he'll get more concussions.

Simply put, if you have to change a player's routes because you fear he'll get a concussion, you shouldn't have him on the field at all.

Collie has been medically cleared to play, and his family has decided he should continue his career. There will be no change in his routes, nor should there be.

 

Q:

A: Evans bounced around the roster last year in Indianapolis, and I have to think he has some kind of shot to do so again. The Colts have two bruising backs in Delone Carter and Vick Ballard, and Evans could be an option if Donald Brown struggles or gets hurt.

Brown did struggle with injuries in his first two seasons, so it's entirely possible that he could go down again. If he did, a spot could open up for Evans or Karim. I think Karim is a camp-body, nothing more, so it would take an injury for him to make the club.

Read more Jacksonville Jaguars news on BleacherReport.com

2012 Jaguars: Best-Case Scenario and Worst-Case Scenario

Source: Black and Teal by Daniel Lago

For reasons beyond my comprehension, the “quarterback competition” between Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne has become a hot topic over the last several days. Earlier this week, Mike Mularkey visit site to read more]

2012 Jaguars: Best-Case Scenario and Worst-Case Scenario - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Jaguars "Hard Knocks" Application

Source: Big Cat Country by Adam Stites

I've managed to acquire the application from Shaid Khan to HBO to make the Jaguars the featured team on the 2012 version of "Hard Knocks." Click on the link below to see it.

Hard Knocks Application

Pasquarelli: Pittsburgh completes overdue overhaul of O-line (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger now 30, and the team's most valuable player sacked an average of 43.5 times over the last six seasons -- including 40 or more sacks in all but one of those campaigns, and coming off an ankle injury last year -- Pittsburgh has drastically retooled its blocking unit.

Around the League: USFL to become NFL minor leagues? (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Some of the discussion at Tuesday's league meeting is expected to focus on the resurrected USFL, which is being reconstituted as a "feeder" or minor league, and on how involved the NFL should be with it. Former NFL executive Jim Steeg, who once presided over Super Bowl preparations, is chairman of the USFL's board of advisors, and that could give it some entre with the NFL.

HBO Better off Canceling Hard Knocks Than Featuring Jaguars

Source: Bleacher Report

Slowly but surely, teams from across the NFL are turning down the opportunity to appear on HBO's highly acclaimed television show Hard Knocks. The Houston Texans added their name to that ever-growing list on Thursday. 

However, one NFL team—the Jacksonville Jaguars—has remained interested this offseason in participating with the Emmy Award winning show. Their interest was confirmed again this week by beat writer Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

But if HBO eventually runs out of viable options and is forced to turn to the Jaguars in order to produce the show, Hard Knocks should seriously consider canceling for 2012.

While interest in football and the NFL is at an all-time high level, there simply wouldn't be enough national interest in a training camp documentary featuring the league's least popular franchise. The story lines coming from Jaguars camp would likely be few and far between. 

Maurice Jones-Drew is a recognizable face, and has always been a compelling character in front of the cameras, but the Jaguars wouldn't offer much beyond their best player. 

A potential quarterback battle between Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne would be the only other potential storyline worth looking into, and even that scenario looks unlikely. Head coach Mike Mularkey is already on the record stating that Gabbert is and will be the team's starting quarterback in training camp and beyond. 

Henne has even stated that he wouldn't exactly welcome in the cameras to the Jaguars' camp. 

I’m not a big show guy or one of those guys that likes to be behind the camera or stuff like that. If the team wants it then obviously we are going to have to deal with it … If the organization wants that, then obviously it’s going to be great media to the team and get to know some of the guys on the Jaguars.

Jacksonville might also struggle to keep up with the historical entertainment value of the show. Compared to the cast of characters we are used to seeing involved with the show, the Jaguars don't offer much. 

Think back to the days of the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, or most recently the New York Jets, who gave HBO arguably its best season in the show's history. The contract holdout of Darrelle Revis, combined with the profanity-laced tirades of head coach Rex Ryan, gave HBO television gold during the 2010 training camp. 

How do the Jaguars continue that tradition of quality watching value?

When the dust finally settles, it may be hard for HBO to turn down the Jaguars for a role on the show. Hard Knocks has been active in finding a suitable team, but throwing a franchise that actually wants to participate under the bus would be an ugly black eye for the successful show. 

But considering how small the Jaguars fan base currently is, and the lack of national attention a showing featuring Jacksonville would generate, HBO's best move would likely be to pull the show if no other franchise steps to the plate. 

It's a harsh reality, but there's few who would want to watch a Hard Knocks season with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the featured franchise. 

Read more Jacksonville Jaguars news on BleacherReport.com

Jaguars OTA Update – Units Rebound Well

Source: Black and Teal by Mr.Sims

The Jaguars Organized Team Activities (OTAs) started Tuesday.  OTAs are voluntary for all involved, but the showing for the Jaguars has been solid thus far.  Kicker Josh Scobee and running back Maurice Jones-Drew have yet to attend and are the … [visit site to read more]

Jaguars OTA Update – Units Rebound Well - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Jags Linebackers – Core of the Defense

Source: Black and Teal by Mr.Sims

A lot has been said about Jacksonville’s pass rush.  A lot has been said about Jacksonville’s secondary.  But not a lot gets said about the Jaguars second-level defense: the linebackers.

Jags Linebackers – Core of the Defense - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Jones-Drew Contract Extension – Getting MJD Back on the Field

Source: Black and Teal by Mr.Sims

Maurice Jones-Drew has been hungry for a contract extension lately.  He has sat out of OTAs and other voluntary workouts thus far.  While it isn’t abnormal for Jones-Drew to miss voluntary workouts with the team, it is becoming more and more clear … [visit site to read more]

Jones-Drew Contract Extension – Getting MJD Back on the Field - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

SB Nation's Dan Rubenstein and Amy K. Nelson are out at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere having a good...

Source: Big Cat Country by Alfie Crow

SB Nation's Dan Rubenstein and Amy K. Nelson are out at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere having a good time. Amy K will have an interview with Justin Blackmon later.

Jaguars Offense Sees Improvement Already, According To Defense

Source: Big Cat Country by Alfie Crow

As the Jacksonville Jaguars finish up a session of OTAs and get short break before another session of OTAs, we can get a miniature glimpse of what the team will be doing, offensively and defensively. Defensively we know what the Jaguars are capable of and with the return of Mel Tucker as the defensive coordinator, it should look relatively the same.

On the offensive side of the ball however, the Jaguars have a whole new staff and with it will need to be installing a whole new offensive scheme. Already, Jaguars defensive players have noticed a dramatic difference. "I have never seen an offense since I've been here as precise and as accurate as they are now,"

Blackmon and Rest of the Jaguars' Offense Drawing Rave Reviews from Teammates

Source: Bleacher Report

When a wide receiver is taken in the top five, he is expected to be an instant impact player. The Jacksonville Jaguars had one of the worst passing games in the league last year, so that goes double No. 5 overall pick Justin Blackmon. The first-round pick missed the final day of rookie minicamp with a foot injury, but from the sounds of the quotes coming out of Jacksonville's OTAs, Blackmon is more than making up for his absence now that the veterans and rookies are taking the field together.

Laurent Robinson, a big free wide receiver signing for the Jags who will likely start opposite Blackmon, called the rookie a hard worker and good route-runner. He also liked Blackmon's hands and run-after-catch ability, according to long-time NFL writer Vito Stellino from the Florida Times-Union. Stellino also reported praise for Blackmon from another one of the team's veteran wideouts, Lee Evans:

"Physically, he has all the tools so now it’s just about him getting comfortable understanding the playbook and what his role is going to be."

It isn't just Blackmon's fellow pass-catchers talking him up. Jaguars starting middle linebacker called Blackmon "an absolute stud" after watching him in a drill, per Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Blackmon was "ahead of where you think most rookies would be."

All of this is against the backdrop of a team that had one of the better defenses in the league last year, but they struggled to win because of their impotent offense. Two of the team's defensive starters gushed about the effect of the offensive changes to Ganguli. Strong safety Dawan Landry said the change was "night and day" from last year. Outside linebacker Clint Session called the offense the "greatest show on turf compared to what it was last year."

The 2011 Jaguars set the bar very low for offensive performance, so seeing a dramatic difference this early might not mean that much. If the team can turn it around this year, Blackmon will need to come up big, early and often. So far, his teammates sound like they believe he has the ability to be key to the recovery.

Read more Jacksonville Jaguars news on BleacherReport.com

Chad Henne Ranked NFL's 32nd Best QB

Source: Big Cat Country by Alfie Crow

Since it's time for ranking things nonsensically... which I'm not sure is a word, here's another ranking of the NFL's quarterbacks by Jason Smith of NFL.com. I'll note, he's a "Fantasy Analyst", so I'm assuming these are based on something to do with fantasy football.

32) Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars: Projecting he'll beat out Gabbert. By and large Henne is the same QB now he was when he was a freshman at

Will Maurice Jones-Drew's absence from OTAs set him back?

Source: Florida Times-Union by Tania Ganguli

How much will Maurice Jones-Drew's absence from the Jaguars voluntary practices set him back in learning a new offense?

I posed that question to both Jaguars offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey yetserday. 

"It’s not helping him by not being here, he’ll have a lot of learning to catch up on," Bratkowski said. "But yet, he’s a gifted and talented player and I’m sure he can get caught up. It’s certainly not helping him. Whether it’s hurting him or not, that remains to be seen."

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Will Maurice Jones-Drew's absence from OTAs set him back?

Source: Tania Ganguli's Blog by Tania Ganguli

How much will Maurice Jones-Drew's absence from the Jaguars voluntary practices set him back in learning a new offense?

I posed that question to both Jaguars offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey yetserday. 

"It’s not helping him by not being here, he’ll have a lot of learning to catch up on," Bratkowski said. "But yet, he’s a gifted and talented player and I’m sure he can get caught up. It’s certainly not helping him. Whether it’s hurting him or not, that remains to be seen."

0

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Comment on 2012 Draft’s Top Receivers – A Mini-Camp Comparison (Take II) by Black and Teal – A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and | football-feed.com

Source: Black and Teal by Black and Teal – A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site – News, Blogs, Opinion and | football-feed.com

[...] to Original Content From more.: read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]

Comment on Are The Jaguars Once Again Becoming Hubristic With Their Roster? by Jason Love

Source: Black and Teal by Jason Love

Gotta believe in the team! This new coaching staff will be the main and MAJOR difference from last year. 

Comment on Are The Jaguars Once Again Becoming Hubristic With Their Roster? by dlago89

Source: Black and Teal by dlago89

This is an interesting take, but I think there are some fairly significant differences between Gene’s confidence in this roster, and the confidence the former GM Shack Harris had in his 2008 roster.
In 2008, the Jaguars were counting on A LOT of player that were aging/past their prime – John Henderson, Paul Spicer, Rob Meier, Brian Williams, Reggie Hayward, Tony Pashos, Mike Peterson – most of these players were 28, 29, 30 and on the tail end of their prime if not past it. 
In 2012, most of Gene’s draft picks and young free agent signings are approaching their prime. And even the question marks – Eben Britton, D’Anthony Smith, Austen Lane – are young enough and haven’t seen the field enough where you can write them off. 
I do agree, looking back at 2008 it was pretty clear there were a lot of positions – safety, DE, offensive line – where the Jags thought they were set that were clearly still a problem. But I don’t think this is an identical situation.

Projecting 2012: Blaine Gabbert's Numbers

Source: Big Cat Country by Alfie Crow

While we're on the subject of the quarterbacks, namely Blaine Gabbert, we can kind of look at what his projections for the 2012 NFL season will be. With a new full offseason under his belt but also nearly a full season of playing experience under his belt, it should really all be "down hill" for Gabbert from here on out. It can't get worse, right?

Jason Lisk of The Big Lead did some projections for the second-year quarterbacks for 2012, and I think his projection of Gabbert is both fair and

Tanier’s Team Reviews: The Seattle Seahawks, via Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Any website can post "offseason grades" for NFL teams, mixing the draft and free agency into transaction soup, then straining it through the mind of some sportswriter who doesn't know who half the players are. Only the Shutdown Corner has the resources to get actual players, coaches, and executives from each team to evaluate their own offseasons! That's right: over the next few weeks, you will get transaction evaluations straight from the horse's mouths: straight talk about who was signed, who was lost, who was drafted, and why. (For the satirically challenged: all player, coach, and executive remarks are made by an impersonator). In this segment, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll breaks down his team's offseason moves. PETE CARROLL: What an awesome day! The sun is shining! The birds are chirping! Let me give a shout out to all the folks at The Circle Perk coffee shop for working so hard to keep all of us energized! And to all the crossing guards making sure kids get to school safely! And to the Seattle-area sewer workers: you guys are the thin line that separates good citizens from their own filth, and I cannot thank you enough! Fans really need to get amped about our three-way quarterback battle. The front-runner is Matt Flynn, who got America totally stoked in that awesome Packers-Lions game in Week 17. Next, there's rookie Russell Wilson, who is short but fiery. Isn't that right, Russell? RUSSELL WILSON: Grrrrrr... PETE CARROLL: I love this kid! He's like a feral cat! And finally, there's Tarvaris Jackson, the Taylor Hicks of NFL quarterbacks. You don't like him, you keep expecting him to lose, and then bang! He finds a way to win a starting job, if not many games. But enough about the offense. Let's talk defense!! We are going to have one of the best front sevens in the NFL!! Defensive tackle Jason Jones had a great, if quiet, season for the Titans last year. First-round pick Bruce Irvin may have seemed like a reach, but that is only because West Virginia had this crazy idea that a 245-pound speedster was a good fit at defensive end. I like my defensive ends Red Bryant-sized! When I am not being enthusiastic about everything, you can find me in my office drawing up creative defenses, and Irvin is going to be everywhere the offense doesn't expect him to be!!! Irvin and Wilson had awesome rookie camps. In fact, all of the rookies had awesome camps, as did our parking lot attendants and the people who work so hard to make sure the office wastebaskets are clean enough to guzzle energy drink out of!! Let me dedicate my Song of the Day to the rookies: "Dog Days are Over" by Florence + the Machine! That's right: I'm a 60-year old man who listens to Florence + the Machine!!! Nicky Minaj, too! And don't forget Ke$ha, who is tiny and has a nasty attitude, just like Russell Wilson!!! RUSSELL WILSON: Grrrr… PETE CARROLL: Excellent growling, buddy!!

AFC South links: No 'Knocks' for Texans

Source: AFC South Blog

Houston Texans The Texans became at least the fifth team to beg off of being the subject of HBO's "Hard Knocks" series, John McClain reported. The Texans join the Jets, Redskins, 49ers and Falcons as teams that have declined to be on the show. Indianapolis Colts The Colts signed Justin Anderson, the Georgia guard whom they selected in the draft's seventh round, and David Legree, an undrafted quarterback from Hampton University. Indianapolis also waived tight end Brody Eldridge.

Tanier’s Team Reviews: The Arizona Cardinals, via Kevin Kolb (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Any website can post "offseason grades" for NFL teams, mixing the draft and free agency into transaction soup, then straining it through the mind of some sportswriter who doesn't know who half the players are. Only the Shutdown Corner has the resources to get actual players, coaches, and executives from each team to evaluate their own offseasons! That's right: over the next few weeks, you will get transaction evaluations straight from the horse's mouths: straight talk about who was signed, who was lost, who was drafted, and why. (For the satirically challenged: all player, coach, and executive remarks are made by an impersonator). In this segment, Cardinals quarterback (at least for now) Kevin Kolb breaks down the Arizona Cardinals' offseason moves. KEVIN KOLB: Howdy folks. Don't mind me. I'm just tyin' a few flies, polishin' up the outboard motor, gettin' ready to hit the lake. Goin' fishin' right after we're done. It won't take long, 'cuz the Cardinals didn't do much this offseason. We didn't get a new quarterback for one thing. Sure, the team chased Peyton Manning, but that was one big river bass with a lot of fight in him. So the quarterback job is mine to lose. And don't you worry, I'm gonna lose it. It's not that John Skelton is any better than me: he may have led just as many fourth-quarter comebacks as Tim Tebow last year (four), but only city slickers and TV blowhards in fancy suits pay attention to those cow chips. I just have no idea what to do in the pocket. So the third or fourth time I roll to my right and get dragged down by Aldon Smith or somebody, Coach Whisenhunt's gonna decide it's time to cut some fresh bait. I know Larry Fitzgerald's happy about our new second receiver, Malcolm Floyd. Floyd liked to hit the honky-tonks in college, but he's a big guy, and when he wants to be, he can be as fast as a boar gettin' flushed by three hound dogs.

Jaguars may get Hard Knocks by default (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Texans latest team to turn down HBO series.

NFLPA Rookie Premiere Flag Football Game

Source: Big Cat Country by Alfie Crow

The NFLPA Rookie Premier even is going on out in California and our own Adam Stites is out on the scene. This after noon, the NFLPA will hold their Flag Football Game featuring former and current NFL players, as well as some of the top rookies from the 2012 NFL Draft class. Only one of the Jaguars rookies will play in the event, first-round pick Justin Blackmon.

There are a handful of current and former NFL players in the game, but the only player who can trace his career to the Jacksonville Jaguars at some point is former UCLA star J.J. Stokes. Stokes spent a season with the Jaguars in

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Lisk Sets Pass/Fail Line for Blaine Gabbert

Source: Bleacher Report

Jason Lisk is one of the best football writers around. I've always enjoyed his analytical approach to the game and his willingness to investigate claims with research. His most recent piece sets projections for Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker.

I don't want to dwell heavily on his analysis of Locker, as even he admits it's difficult to draw comparisons. There are three points about Gabbert that merit comment, however.

 

First, Gabbert's rookie year really was terrible, even using the standard of bad rookie years.

Lisk draws comparisons to 10 rookie quarterbacks similar to Gabbert. The list includes seven abject failures, two future stars and Kyle Orton.

There's been a frequent debate among Jacksonville Jaguars fans about why the media is so hard on Gabbert when many rookies struggle. The reason is that Gabbert was worse than a comparable bin of players who mostly turned out to be awful NFL starters. The NFL is an odds game, and the odds are very much stacked against Gabbert. Yes, his comp bin includes John Elway and Donovan McNabb. It also includes Jeff Komlo, Neil Lomax and Kyle Boller.

Everyone needs to take a deep breath and just admit the criticism of Gabbert is fair and justified. We can argue about how well he develops from here on out, but the warning bells are sounding with good reason.

 

Second, Lisk agrees we will likely know by the end of this year if Gabbert's career is in trouble.

A few weeks ago, I made the claim that by the end of the second year, we have a pretty good idea if a quarterback is going to make it in the NFL. There are always exceptions, especially for guys who didn't play much, but for a player like Gabbert, we'll have enough reps to judge.

As he lays out his projection for Gabbert, Lisk states:

His comps did show improvement in year two, particularly those that panned out. If you want to know where Gabbert needs to be this year, look at his average projection for 2012 below. At or better than that, and it’s too early to write him off. Another year with numbers below that projection, and it would be pretty unlikely he ever turns into a decent starter in the league.

The idea that we need years and years to judge a quarterback is false. When a player starts early in his career, we can judge him with some degree of accuracy after year two.

 

Third, if Gabbert can hit Lisk's projections, the Jaguars can be in contention.

Lisk's projections would put Gabbert around league average and give him a passer rating in the upper 70s. As I wrote a few weeks ago, that would likely mean the Jags could finish at above .500 on the season.

The future of the franchise is on him. If Gabbert can hit these numbers and become an average starter in his second year, Gene Smith will keep his job and the Jaguars can stay the course. If he can't hit these numbers and/or loses his job to Chad Henne, the Jaguars will likely be looking for a new general manager and a new quarterback as the rebuilding process will start over again.

Read more Jacksonville Jaguars news on BleacherReport.com

Jacksonville Jaguars Roundup

Source: Big Cat Country by Alfie Crow

Jaguars Notebook: As teams reject 'Hard Knocks,' Jaguars still an option | jacksonville.com

One more team turned down HBO’s "Hard Knocks" on Thursday. The Houston Chronicle reported the Texans said no thanks to the behind-the-scenes show that depicts teams during training camp. The Texans join the Jets,

Jaguars Notebook: As teams reject 'Hard Knocks,' Jaguars still an option

Source: Florida Times-Union by Tania Ganguli

One more team turned down HBO’s “Hard Knocks” on Thursday.

The Houston Chronicle reported the Texans said no thanks to the behind-the-scenes show that depicts teams during training camp. The Texans join the Jets, Redskins, 49ers and Falcons as teams that have declined to be on the show.

This process of elimination could lead to the Jaguars appearing on the HBO show for the first time. Jacksonville participated in a similar program that aired on NFL Network in 2004. The Jaguars have said they would be willing to be the subject of the show.

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Learning from experience, Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey is rolling with the punches

Source: Florida Times-Union by Tania Ganguli

If Mike Mularkey hadn’t changed in the seven years since he was last an NFL head coach, Maurice Jones-Drew’s absence from the Jaguars voluntary organized team activities would be driving him crazy.

But one thing he’s learned as an NFL coach is, there’s a limit to what he can control.

“I [used to] let little things that I had no control over suck the energy out of me,” Mularkey said. “At this job you’ve got to have a high energy tank and I’m not going to let that happen this time around.”

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Jaguars Notebook: As teams reject 'Hard Knocks', Jaguars still an option

Source: Florida Times-Union by Tania Ganguli

One more team turned down HBO’s “Hard Knocks” on Thursday.

The Houston Chronicle reported the Texans said no thanks to the behind-the-scenes show that depicts teams during training camp. The Texans join the Jets, Redskins, 49ers and Falcons as teams that have declined to be on the show.

This process of elimination could lead to the Jaguars appearing on the HBO show for the first time. Jacksonville participated in a similar program that aired on NFL Network in 2004. The Jaguars have said they would be willing to be the subject of the show.

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No Sophomore Slump for Cam Newton or Andy Dalton - Because it Doesn't Exist! Fan's Analysis (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Fans of the Carolina Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals - you can stop panicking. Your stellar rookie quarterbacks Cam Newton and Andy Dalton will not suffer from the dreaded "Sophomore Slump" in 2012. How do I know this? Well, there is one simple reason:

Are The Jaguars Once Again Becoming Hubristic With Their Roster?

Source: Black and Teal by zoltanfrombudapest

Hubris (or hybris). Noun. Means extreme pride or arrogance. Hubris often indicates a loss of contact with reality and an … [visit site to read more]

Are The Jaguars Once Again Becoming Hubristic With Their Roster? - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

2012 Draft’s Top Receivers – A Mini-Camp Comparison (Take II)

Source: Black and Teal by Mr.Sims

NFL rookie mini-camps have now been completed.  Teams are starting to know what they have in each player they drafted.  Do they have the next Jerry Rice?  Or did they manage only a Troy Williamson?  While we can’t really know, we may as well … [visit site to read more]

2012 Draft’s Top Receivers – A Mini-Camp Comparison (Take II) - Black and Teal - Black and Teal - A Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Jaguars have leverage over Jones-Drew (Pro Football Weekly)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Few GMs around the league enter the 2012 season on shakier ground than the Jaguars’ Gene Smith.

Defensive players see dramatic offensive improvement

Source: Florida Times-Union by Tania Ganguli

When asked about the team's learning curve this year, linebacker Clint Session didn't talk about his own side of the ball. Instead, his mind went right to the biggest change he's seen on the field. 

"I have never seen an offense since I've been here as precise and as accurate as they are now," said Session, who came to the Jaguars last year in free agency. "I don't want to toot their horn, but they're looking like the greatest show on turf compared to what it was last year. I'm excited about that." 

Safety Dawan Landry, too, saw a difference. 

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Defensive players see dramatic offensive improvement

Source: Tania Ganguli's Blog by Tania Ganguli

When asked about the team's learning curve this year, linebacker Clint Session didn't talk about his own side of the ball. Instead, his mind went right to the biggest change he's seen on the field. 

"I have never seen an offense since I've been here as precise and as accurate as they are now," said Session, who came to the Jaguars last year in free agency. "I don't want to toot their horn, but they're looking like the greatest show on turf compared to what it was last year. I'm excited about that." 

Safety Dawan Landry, too, saw a difference. 

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