Does Wayne Weaver of the Jacksonville Jaguars Hear LA Calling?

Yes, the relocation talks are cranking up once again for the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Majestic Realty Group, Inc. is considering the Jaguars and six other NFL teams as possible future Los Angeles residents.  The other six teams being considered are the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, and Oakland Raiders.

Wayne Weaver, the owner of the Jaguars, has steadfastly stated that he has no intentions to move the team.  However, with the exception of one game, every home game in Jacksonville was blacked out this season, and those games were badly under-sold.

Moreover, Weaver turns 75 years old on Jan. 13, and he may be growing tired of battling the lackadaisical attitude of the Jacksonville community towards his team.

Regardless, it’s unlikely that the Jaguars, or any other team for that matter, will move to LA in the immediate future.  First of all, the stadium being built outside of LA isn’t completed, and I’m not sure if construction has begun.

Also, we don’t know if there will be a football season in 2011.  A collective bargaining agreement is still on the table and being negotiated, and if an agreement isn’t reached, no one will be playing football.

It is, however, a wake-up call for the fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  It is time to return to the stadium, or inevitably the team will eventually leave.

Weaver, if he’s still interested in making money, may want to take a hard look at his coaching staff, and possibly look at drafting a QB and some defense.  And no, I’m not subscribing to the “draft Tim Tebow” philosophy of fixing all things wrong with the Jaguars.

Los Angeles, why don’t you go after your old team, the Rams, and leave the Jaguars alone?  Our team is mediocre, but the Rams are worse.  

Besides, St. Louis is a baseball town.

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Oakland Raiders: Arr Mateys—Is Al Davis Seeking Treasure In Mike Leach?

First Mike Leach gets fired from Texas Tech, and now he’s purportedly being sought after by Al Davis to replace Tom Cable as head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

See what happens when you lock players up in a closet, allegedly?

To get an opportunity to coach in the NFL could be the dream of any head coach.  This, however, is the Oakland Raiders we are talking about here.  This dream is more like a nightmare.

First, Lane Kiffin disagreed with Al Davis about drafting JaMarcus Russell, and now it seems that Tom Cable feels that Russell is the primary reason for the Raiders failure to reach the playoffs.

Maybe Cable wants to be put out of his misery.

I can see it now.  Here comes the 1970s overhead projector, the transparencies, and the great oratory in another classic Al Davis press conference.

“Cable, just like I told that liar Kiffin—get over it!”

Then comes the conversation Al Davis has with his new swashbuckler, Mike Leach.

Davis: Matey!  Arrr—life’s pretty good, and why wouldn’t it be?  I’m a pirate after all!

Leach: Aye!  I love pirates.  May I call you Blackbeard, sir?

Davis: Matey! You may call me Mr. Davis.  Do I have a Black Beard?

Leach: Arrrr—eleven men on the dead man’s chest!  Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!

Priceless.

Seriously, would Mike Leach consider taking the job if it were offered?  He is quirky enough to consider it, and he may attempt to put Al Davis in a dark closet and forget about him.

That may be exactly what the NFL needs.

A pirate-lover as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders.  A match made in heaven?

“It’s not every day you get to make a pirate movie, you might as well go for it.”

How will this movie end?  Al Davis has threatened not to retire unless he wins two more Super Bowls or dies.

“Dead men don’t bite.”

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Jacksonville Jaguars Regain National Respect Against The Colts

Coach Jack Del Rio:

I am writing this article to offer my heart-felt apologies to you and your team. This past Thursday night in Jacksonville, on national television (well, sort of), you and your team showed the NFL that the Jaguars are on the right track and well worth fan admiration.

That’s right—I apologize.

Early this year I wrote several articles where I blasted the Jacksonville Jaguars for their poor play and coaching. Yes, they are young and rebuilding, but I was like most other fans—in need of instant gratification.

Well, that gratification came Thursday night.

David Garrard played well, Maurice Jones-Drew ran with authority, and Mike Sims-Walker again proved he is growing into one of the best WRs in the NFL.

The defense, on the other hand, continued to struggle. Yes, I know they were going up against Peyton Manning and the gang, but there is still opportunity for great improvement on that side of the ball.

The biggest disappointment award definitely falls on Reggie Nelson. Twice he failed miserably. He looked like a pinball when attempting to tackle Dallas Clark, and after letting Reggie Wayne blow by him, he weakly attempted to knock the ball out of his hands before scoring a TD.

Now any player can have a bad game, but Nelson’s play Thursday night was disgraceful.  If Coach Tucker and/or Coach Del Rio doesn’t reevaluate Reggie Nelson’s future after that game I would be shocked.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the game, but I was able to watch it in it’s entirety. I hope what we saw was indicative of the future.

Overall, I give the Jaguars a B+ for their performance. Obviously I took into account they played an undefeated Peyton Manning led team, but there was still room for improvement. 

Will the Jaguars slip into the playoffs this year?  Who knows, but they are definitely moving in the right direction for next season.

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Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: A Prelude To 0-3?

Attention Jacksonville Jaguars fan base, or what is left of it. The Jaguars will be on television this week!

Seriously, the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the road again to take on the Houston Texans. Unlike the Jaguars, the Texans won last week while on the road against the Tennessee Titans. Frankly, I’m not confident that the Jaguars will do the same this week.

If the Jaguars are to win, they will have to move the ball on a rather porous Texans defense. To do so will keep the Texans offense off the field, and maybe Andre Johnson can catch hoagies instead of footballs.

The first area of focus is the Jaguars OL against the Texans DL. Mario Williams is arguably one of the best in the game at DE, and surely he’ll eat Eugene Monroe’s lunch. Tra Thomas better be ready to give Monroe some rest because its going to be a long afternoon.

Then there is Andre Johnson. He may be able to eat a hoagie during the game depending on how Mel Tucker decides to have him covered. Surely he will be double and possibly triple-teamed, but regardless he will get his catches and yards. Unless Derrick Harvey or Atiyyah Ellison puts pressure on Matt Schaub, the Jaguars may see another disaster, defensively this Sunday.

The Jaguars game plan will be simple; enter Maurice Jones-Drew and a minimum of 20 carries to eat game clock. Fortunately, the Texans run defense has played poorly giving up 215 yards per game, so we may see the Jaguars run game open up this week. It better because the Jaguars cannot afford to have the Texans on the field more than 30 minutes.

If the Texans turn the game into an aerial shootout, the Jaguars will be pressed to improve on their WR play. Torry Holt has shown glimpses of his past performances, and Mike Sims-Walker showed why the Jaguars coaching staff has been hopeful about his potential.

The Jaguars passing game has been abysmal. David Garrard has had more fumbles than TD passes, and he only has two TDs so far this season. If Dirk Koetter doesn’t find a way to open up the passing game and stretch the defense, we may see the Texans improve their run stopping abilities.

The Jaguars will keep it close, but I’m afraid the Texans will win this one by a field goal. I hope that the Jaguars at least show up and play with passion and determination.  Jacksonville cannot afford another lackluster effort this week.

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Michael Vick Joining the Jaguars Could Shake Things Up in Jacksonville

Picture this: Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver calls head coach Jack Del Rio into his office soon after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a conditional reinstatement of QB Michael Vick. After about an hour or so, Del Rio leaves Weaver’s office, and Weaver makes the call.

Seriously, it is about time the Jaguars make a splash in the NFL. Would it be controversial? Without a doubt it would shake things up in this conservative and tight-knit town.

I would venture to bet that it would sell a few more tickets and make the team a bit more interesting.

Don’t get me wrong; I love the Jaguars. However, the Jaguars have always seemed to be a second-tier NFL team, and their version of thinking outside the box is reaching out to players that are past their prime and paying them excessive salaries.

Is Vick past his prime? Maybe, but let’s face it: He was exciting to watch with the Atlanta Falcons, and you always knew that he was going to make a play. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars badly need a spark. Yes, there would be animal activist protesters, and other angry citizens would certainly pile on.

I love it! Mr. Weaver, please make the call!

Vick has paid his price to society. Goodell put conditions in place for Vick to adhere to that allow him to sign with a team and begin to prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

And frankly, Mr. Vick would come to work rather cheaply.

A one-year contract with a low base salary with heavy incentives would get him into camp. That would be a change for the Jaguars, and bringing in an exciting and controversial player would be extraordinary.

Hosting a Super Bowl was nice, but giving Vick a second chance while he provides some excitement would be even better for the city of Jacksonville.

Pull the trigger, Mr. Weaver. Pick up the phone and make the call before Jerry Jones or Al Davis does.

An Early Look at the 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars

In great anticipation of the 2009 season, let’s take a look at the current Jacksonville Jaguars team with the understanding that roster changes can and most likely will happen before the start of the season.

The positions most in question: Wide Receiver, Tight End, Defensive Line, and Linebackers. The Jaguars had a solid 2009 draft, and went conservative in free agency. How will it all shake out? Let’s see….

The 2009 AFC South – What Can We Expect?

Personally, I found the overall outcome of the 2008 AFC South’s season both interesting and disappointing. Interesting to see the unexpected play of the Tennessee Titans that led to a 13-3 record and division championship, and disappointing to see the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were suppose to contend for the division title, fall apart from the start in week one and never recover, and ending in last place at 5-11.

Alas, I don’t foresee much improvement for the Jaguars since they are in major rebuilding mode; however, with the retirement of Tony Dungy in Indianapolis, the departure of Albert Haynesworth from the Titans, and other personnel and coaching changes, we need to analyze each team to best guess the outcome of this upcoming season. The following is a review and prediction for the performance of each team in the AFC South for the 2009 season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2008 Season: Let’s Forget It Ever Happened, OK?

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I’ve forgotten the debacle that is better known as the 2008 Jacksonville Jaguar season.  Now that the 2009 NFL Draft is over, the Jags can pickup right where they left off, after the 2007 season and after making it to the second round of the playoffs, right? 

In my best Lee Corso voice, “Not so fast.”

The question that seems to be forgotten to be asked is, how much damage was done to the team in 2008 with the questionable free agent pickups? 

Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence were HUGE disasters to say the least, and quickly, they were shown the door along with general manager Shack Harris. 

However, does the taste linger in the mouths of the remaining Jaguar players?  Mucho dinero was handed out to those two gentlemen, with very little return on the investment on the field or in the locker room.  Purportedly, the locker room became an atmosphere thick with distrust and discontinuity.

We shall soon find out when the season starts. 

Torry Holt is now a Jaguar, and everyone is sure he will be the exact opposite of Jerry Porter on the field and in the locker room. 

With the departures of Matt Jones and Reggie Williams, Holt will be looked upon to pickup the slack.  And in my humble opinion, he doesn’t have to do much to meet their 2008 production. 

However, I think in the long run Holt’s presence in the locker room will be the true benefit.  With Mike Walker and the 2009 draft additions Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard coming of age, Holt can really help the Jaguars by teaching and mentoring. 

On the field, it may be possible that he, Williamson, and Northcutt could actually be a formidable threesome on the field for Garrard and opposing defenses. How quickly the WR’s come together and produce is the question everyone wants answered. 

Patience is truly a virtue.  And in the case of the Jaguar fan, it is almost impossibility. 

The offensive line was the glaring weakness of the 2008 Jaguars.  With the additions of Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton from the draft, and free agency acquisition Tra Thomas, the Jaguars will be vastly improved. 

What concerns me is the departure of Fred Taylor.  I have confidence in MJD; however, he will now be asked to carry the ball 20+ times a game, and Greg Jones will act more as a fullback. 

Will Jones-Drew be able to step up and carry the running game on his shoulders?  Patience Jaguar fans, patience.

On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars so far have done very little to counter the losses from last year’s team.  Yes, they picked Terrence Knighton, the 6’3” 321 pound monster from Temple in the third round, but how long will it take for him to handle and learn the nuances of the NFL game? 

Rob Meier will be there to assist, which is a very good thing, but neither one are going to fill the gap like the departed Marcus Stroud.  I still say letting Stroud go was a very bad idea, and the Bills seem to agree.

They signed Stroud to an extension this offseason.  Some feel Derek Cox is a Rasheed Mathis clone and will do quite nicely once he hits the field.  We shall see, patience, patience.

The 2009 season is going to be quite intriguing, and I feel the Jaguars can easily achieve a .500 record. 

I know, I know, Tony Dungy retired, but I still think the Colts will be the team to beat, and the Titans are still a step above the Jaguars.  However, if the wide receivers catch on quickly (no pun intended) and the offensive line gels nicely, the Jaguars are capable of earning a wild card in the playoffs. 

Injuries, as always, can derail the team once again, but other than that, the Jaguars are well on their way back.  And a wild card would be a nice feather in Del Rio’s cap.   

 

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