Better Know the Jacksonville Jaguars: Ask Big Cat Country

Has Brian Russell played yet for you?

If so, how much grit and whiffiness is he leaving on the field?

What is up with Jacksonville’s inconsistencies on offense?

Welcome to Field Gulls.

Seattle is cursed. For life.

by SSreporters on Oct 6, 2009 7:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If he;s seen the field it's just been on special teams

With the exception of the Arizona game, the offense has gotten better every game, so I wouldn’t call that inconsistent.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 7, 2009 3:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Special teams...

Seems like the perfect place to cash in on Russell’s patented late hits.

by BrianL on Oct 7, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bahaha

Jacksonville signed Brian Russell.

Next year's notable Ex-Seahawks:

Walter Jones, Patrick Kerney, Seneca Wallace

by Wayward Llama on Oct 7, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's decent depth

but i rather not see him on the field, especially after seeing some moving pictures of him getting burned.

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
"As for me, Life goes on."-TheTealDeal

by TheTealDeal on Oct 8, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What should we expect from the DE position?

Offensive tackle has been a nightmare this season for the Seahawks. Coming into the year Walter Jones and Sean Locklear were supposed to be the starters. Months ago Jones was practicing and supposed to be ready for opening day if not soon after. He has apparently regressed though and there is no timetable for his playing. Locklear started out the season at LT and was lost to an injury during week 2, he is out at least a few more weeks. The hawks have had to start Brandon Frye (released from Miami before the season) and Ray Willis (a decent backup). I know Hayward went down for the season. Can Jacksonville exploit our outside offensive line?

by michaelfox99 on Oct 6, 2009 8:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

To simply michael's question:

Realistically, how good is your pass rush?

Pressure on Seneca Wallace, the backup QB, may very well be one of the main reasons he’s not performed well. He’s been constantly flushed out of the pocket and pursued by multiple defenders.

If the Jaguars fail to pressure Wallace, he could light the Jags up.

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on Oct 6, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, to simplify michael's question:

Is it possible Jacksonville won’t pressure Wallace?

by Groundhog on Oct 6, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please note that one doesn't need to pressure Wallace.

You only need to make him think he’s being pressured to get him to abandon the pocket. He does this a lot.

by Fear on Oct 6, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jags have 3 sacks on the year, folks.

The team. 3.3% of passing downs result in a sack. Could anybody be worse? Yes, the Texans, 3 sacks, 2.5% of passing snaps.

Yes, Seneca creates his own pressure. No pocket presence.

by jacobstevens on Oct 6, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you're half right and half wrong

He played fairly well in the first half of the Bears game. The Bears only blitzed 5 times.

In the half, the Bears blitzed like crazy and Seneca took a shit.

I do believe you’re right; in some cases he convinces himself of pressure and freaks out. But if the other team consistently cannot pressure him, he’ll likely ‘pressure himself’ a lot less.

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on Oct 6, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We also ran the ball effectively

So that Seneca wouldn’t take the load of responsibility.

We were also winning.

Seattle is cursed. For life.

by SSreporters on Oct 6, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Jaguars are finding themselves now defensively

This year they’re running a hybrid 4-3/3-4 and it’s taken the team some time. The biggest thing right now has been the resurgence of John Henderson was a 3-4 DE. He’s showing energy I haven’t seen that out of him since 2005.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 6, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know position coaches can be hard to judge, but any thoughts on Robert Prince?

Your wide receiver coach over the past two years who’s now a Seahawk. Anything good? bad?

by B.B.Finnegan on Oct 6, 2009 8:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, the Jags finally look like they don't have CFL wide receivers like they've had the last few years

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 6, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It never looked like he had a WR coach during those years

the WRs were that bad. Tho that just may be the WRs.

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
"As for me, Life goes on."-TheTealDeal

by TheTealDeal on Oct 8, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong)

that your passing game has actually been decent. I feel like your WRs are a bunch of no-namers (no more Reggie or Matt Jones, though I guess getting rid of two talented headcases is a good thing), and though Gerrard may not be the most accurate QB, he is probably underrated. Is this simply Gerrard being good?

Or is it the O-line. I know you signed some OT, Tra Thomas or someone. And you also drafted two guys I liked in Britton and Monroe. How are they doing?

What kind of receivers do you have (Fast, big, route-runners, slot receivers who like to cut over the middle)? is Sims-Walker the real deal? I know Mike Thomas is a little guy, and a FG favorite as well. Many expected him to be DeSean Jackson lite. Is he promising? Is Torry Holt looking ok? He’s been decent stats-wise, but is it age/rust, or the new team that is keeping him from 1000 yards?

Rashad Jennings! Another favorite (of mine and Misfit anyways) looked good in mop up duty last week. Any chance Jacksonville gets him a few more carries to lessen the load for MJD?

by LantermanC on Oct 6, 2009 9:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Reggie and Matt were never really talented

The biggest key to the resurgence of the passing game has been Mike Sims-Walker. MSW was a 3rd round pick in 2007 and has spent the better part of the last two years on IR or the injured list. Now that he is finally healthy, he has been the best WR the Jags have had since Jimmy Smith retired. Walker had had over 260 yards and 3 TDs in the last 3 games.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 6, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As for the other questions

Holt is about as expected. He’s mainly a possession receiver now but about once a game he’ll be the player who was one of the ringleaders of the Greatest Show on Turf. Thomas has seen most of his action in the running game and return game actually.

Jennings is getting gradually worked into the rotation, though we didn’t just make MJD one of the highest paid RBs in the league for nothing

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 6, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Britton and Monroe?

Looking good? Or making rookie mistakes?

by LantermanC on Oct 7, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both have been looking good so far

Monroe was schooled by Dwight Freeney on opening day but the followed it up by stonewalling Mario Williams all day.

Britton has been great at RT, though he was injured and miss the 2nd half of the Texans game and the Titans game.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 7, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So Tra Thomas isn't starting?

"I wish the Seahawks were back in the AFCW so we didn’t have to face Willis and Gore twice a year."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 7, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, Monroe started the first three games, but was out against Tennessee with the flu

I would expect Monroe to return this week to the starting line up

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 8, 2009 4:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Mike Sims-Walker

I see a big day for him against us.

by jacobstevens on Oct 6, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if you guys can get pressure

You’ll have easier game. If Garrard can throw then Garrard becomes his 07’ self and Mike Sims-Waler gets to be a factor. I’d also look for jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis. He’s become a passing/redzone target.

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
"As for me, Life goes on."-TheTealDeal

by TheTealDeal on Oct 8, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do you feel about Garrard now?

It seems like he had a big dropoff after he got paid but has been more effective this year. Did he get new weapons or did something click?

""I wanted to be a quarterback, but I got hungry."
-LG Rob Sims

by ninjasocks on Oct 6, 2009 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Garrard had the drop off because he was running for his life all of 2008

Since the O-line has begun to gel, Garrard is regaining his 2007 form. Weeks 3 and 4 were Garrard at his best.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 6, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will you be gentle?

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 6, 2009 10:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Depends on your defintion of gentle haha

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
"As for me, Life goes on."-TheTealDeal

by TheTealDeal on Oct 8, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How much does Jacksonsville run up the middle?

The middle of our defense is very weak at the moment. If you blow Mebane off the line, then you pretty much have single blockable players to deal with and safeties that are out of position to stop big run plays. Can Jacksonville still power run the middle?

by ASeahawkfan on Oct 6, 2009 2:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

link

Freshly updated.

And if you go to the dl, you will see why I disagree with you.

by jacobstevens on Oct 6, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll get back to you after Jacksonville

I heard our pass defense was great until we played the first team that had a strong passing game.

I heard our run D was great until we played San Francisco and Frank Gore.

This is the second strong run team we’ve played. Let’s see how we do before I rescind my statement. I’m not much for early season statistics.

by ASeahawkfan on Oct 8, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

MJD should be a good test.

In 2007 I always felt like we had more trouble containing small and shifty backs than we did more brusing-type power runners.

"I wish the Seahawks were back in the AFCW so we didn’t have to face Willis and Gore twice a year."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 8, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably true, but Brandon Jacobs (and the Giants in general) killed us last year.

by LantermanC on Oct 8, 2009 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I try to repress memories of 2008.

"I wish the Seahawks were back in the AFCW so we didn’t have to face Willis and Gore twice a year."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 9, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We didn't have Mebane in that game, I'm sure you know.

We’ve done well against the run when he has played.

It's Great to be a Florida Gator!

Next year's notable Ex-Seahawks:
Walter Jones, Patrick Kerney, Seneca Wallace

by Wayward Llama on Oct 9, 2009 4:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

While we know better,

theoretically, losing Mebane should not mean our run defense goes to shit, since Colin Cole was signed for this sole purpose since that’s what he’s allegedly good at.

"I wish the Seahawks were back in the AFCW so we didn’t have to face Willis and Gore twice a year."

by Fearless Frog on Oct 9, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

We’ve done better. But both Chicago and Indy had some very good runs against us. They didn’t come often, but they did break some. That’s a killer for your team, especially when you’re giving up pass yards like a broken faucet.

by ASeahawkfan on Oct 10, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who told you our pass defense was great?

You need to stop listening to these people.

What I meant to establish with those links are, Jacksonville runs up the middle 68% of the time. No other gap is over single digits, except around right end, at 12%. That’s how often.

Of course, they’ve only run 78 times this year. A low number. Which means, they’re really good at it.

But, I read the DL table wrong — I thought we were ranked 2nd in ALY up the middle. We are actually ranked 2nd defending the left B-gap (here you see Mebane’s effect). Although there haven’t yet been a lot of snaps, a dozen or so. We’re middle of the road, in the middle of the line, in actuality. So far. Small samples. Not adjusted for opponent.

So I take back the “I disagree with you” part, on account of my thinking up the middle was our one strong area, when it’s not. But I still disagree with you, about how weak we are there. it’s not so simple as you make it out to be.

Now, that matchup — Jacksonville wins that matchup. Obviously, they will. but not so much that that will make the game. We can control it, if not win it, and we ain’t beat yet.

by jacobstevens on Oct 9, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping we dont' lose

It’s going to be tough stuffing the middle. But we at least have our best players in there to do it except for Babineaux. But we won’t be able to solve our safety problem until next year.

Interesting site. I only skimmed over the D-line statistics. Sounds like the site has a ton more functionality. I’ll have to look around it.

by ASeahawkfan on Oct 10, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I went to the D-line

Didn’t see why you disagreed with me. We are ranked middle of the pack in most aspects of defense. What exactly is making you feel we have a great run defense up the middle? Because of our stuff rank? That seems to be the only area we ranked high on. And it doesn’t matter if you get alot of stuffs if you’re also ranked 30th in 10 plus yard runs.

by ASeahawkfan on Oct 8, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was wrong (see above)

but it was the ALY broken down by gap that I was referring to, not the rankings. So I don’t feel we have a great run defense up the middle.

I also don’t think it’s weak. It’s not an achilles heel, in fact for this poor team it’s still one of the strengths. That might be a left handed compliment, but nonetheless, not weak.

by jacobstevens on Oct 9, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has Mebane been blown off the line this year?

The run D has been great with him in and lousy when he was out.

""I wanted to be a quarterback, but I got hungry."
-LG Rob Sims

by ninjasocks on Oct 6, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Jags traditionally have been a big power run team

The main reason they aired it out so much vs Tennessee was because at one point the Titans had as many as 9 guys in the box to stop MJD. Besides the Tennessee game, MJD has been a huge part of the Jags offense,

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 7, 2009 3:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I must admit John

that our precious team starting to look alike a “throw first” team who has a realy good running threat.
Our 2 LTs (rookie Eugene Monroe, and multiple ProBowler and former Eagle Tra Thomas) is a pass blocker then a run blocker. Maurice is used only at the running game, neither FG Greg Jones or rookie Rashad Jennings saw lot of actions until last sunday, and our receivers are not garbage anymore.
But the star of the team is really MJD, and his 5TDs are speak for itself.
Plus, David Garrard is maybe the best mobile starting QB right now in the entire league!

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Oct 9, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Typing errors following me

Greg Jones is a FB not FG
And Our 2 LTS are a pass blocker then a run blocker (not is)

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Oct 9, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How are Jags fans feeling about Torry Holt?

Early numbers for him don’t look so hot. Has he looked slow?

I will smash your face into a jelly.

by Phildopip on Oct 6, 2009 3:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sorry I didn't address this one specifically yet

So far we’ve been pleased with Holt. He’s doing exactly what he was signed to do, provide a veteran presence in a very young WR corp and be a clutch possession receiver. Number don’t show all of what he’s done for the Jags

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 8, 2009 5:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's clutch but flys as fast a

excuse the reference, A 1 winged Seahawk.

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
"As for me, Life goes on."-TheTealDeal

by TheTealDeal on Oct 8, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jags are frequently one of the most inconsistent teams

why is that?

This year the trend is continuing. Always play the Colts tough, low scoring. Couldn’t stop or run on Arizona. Beat Houston in a shutout. Beat the poor Titans. Will they show up for us?

by jacobstevens on Oct 6, 2009 4:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What?

No they barely beat the Texans 31-24. The only reason they won the game was a fumble inside the Jags 10 by Chris Brown.

Where did you get shutout?

Seattle is cursed. For life.

by SSreporters on Oct 6, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Think he meant shootout.

by MFAN on Oct 6, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah probably

Although 31-24 isn’t much of a shootout to me. ;-)

Seattle is cursed. For life.

by SSreporters on Oct 6, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, and for those teams, yes.

by jacobstevens on Oct 6, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh I'm off today

for those teams, I think that’s a shootout.

by jacobstevens on Oct 6, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There were two Jags teams against the Texans

The one that allowed over 300 yards in the first half and was down 21-14. And then the team in the 2nd half that didn’t give up 100 yards and came back to win 31-24.

I think the Jags were a team finding themselves and something clicked in the 2nd half at Houston.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 7, 2009 3:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would you mind

making it unclick for just this one upcoming game?

Would help tons. Thx <3

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on Oct 7, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Out of curiosity

How have those rookie DE you guys drafted last year looked? I understand the pass rush isn’t great, but are they developing into solid contributors?

by Tyler Cox on Oct 7, 2009 12:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Meh

The 2008 offseason was so messed up and that draft was just part of it. Derrick Harvey’s hold out in essence set his career back a year. He looked good against the Titans, though. Despite having no sacks he was constantly in the back field forcing Collins to make bad throws. As for Quentin Groves, the only play I can remember him for was in Mini-Camp he was going up against Tra Thomas and Thomas picked him up and practically threw him down to the ground like it was the WWE.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 7, 2009 3:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To add to that, Groves was just demoted to 3rd team yesterday

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 8, 2009 5:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We have been told to lower our expectations

Sorry to butt in John

Big Cat Country!:: The Official Home of the Unofficial Blog of the Jacksonville Jaguars!

by Tkopa on Oct 9, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disappointing would be a better description - but I'm probably their harshest critic

Everyone was asking, when is Harvey going to produce – they no longer ask that question and are happy when he gets in the same area code of the QB. He has had his moments – last week was probably his best game. But we mortgaged the 2008 draft for a dominant DE to register QB hits and sacks – by that critieria he blows.

by OGN on Oct 10, 2009 3:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How has special teams performed so far?

by Seahawka 12th on Oct 7, 2009 6:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So far so good

I dare say Josh Scobee is the best kicker in the league. His only misses have been from 55 or more and has been burying kickoffs in the endzone.

The one real weak line is punter Adam Podlesh, though at least he’s getting hang time on his punts now.

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 7, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mike Thomas, a rookie

has become a good KR. Last week we had great field position because of him, which helped alot.

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
The Flavour of the Day is Turf. - Courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars
"As for me, Life goes on."-TheTealDeal

by TheTealDeal on Oct 8, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you spot us 3 TDs?

Child please...

by Airborne Hawk Guy on Oct 7, 2009 9:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

haha.

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on Oct 7, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, seriously

""I wanted to be a quarterback, but I got hungry."
-LG Rob Sims

by ninjasocks on Oct 7, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

um

2. Maurice Jones-Drew: The forgotten man in the bedazzlement of Tennessee, look for MJD to once again become a focal point of the offense it what is regarded as one of the loudest crowds in the NFL. Not to mention Seattle has one of the worst defensive interiors in the NFL and expect to see alot of MJD on Sunday.

Brandon Mebane Disagrees with you.

It's Great to be a Florida Gator!

Next year's notable Ex-Seahawks:
Walter Jones, Patrick Kerney, Seneca Wallace

by Wayward Llama on Oct 9, 2009 4:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And I think Tats would like to second the motion

""I wanted to be a quarterback, but I got hungry."
-LG Rob Sims

by ninjasocks on Oct 9, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We should be better with Tatupu and Mebane back in

They read the play better. I hope Tatupu is closer to full strength.

Not real confident in Babs. Still wish they would put Lawyer in to play strong safety. Babs is not a starter and has never taken a position from a starter until we decided to dump Russell at the last minute. He doesn’t have starter instincts. Yeah, I know he is making alot of tackles. But the ones he misses stand out more.

by ASeahawkfan on Oct 10, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't take for granted ...

… that the Jags can’t put pressure on the QB and have a soft secondary. We don’t have a lot of sacks but the past 2 weeks have forced QBs into quick decisions and bad throws. We have an all-pro corner in Mathis who will take one WR out of the play, and another in Cox who is not playing like a rookie. Our safeties have been weak, but starting Alexander at SS will help. We are vulnerable short and in the middle … your backs and TEs should have a big day receiving.

by ruffdaddy on Oct 9, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs