by tom weppel
I don’t care what ANYONE says about the NFL…NO JOB is ever safe at any time, no matter what.
That certainly was the case here in Jacksonville, as Byron Leftwich, the guy wearing the white cowboy hat and riding in on a horse to save the town and the day all in one, was relieved of his duties by Jaguars’ Head Coach Jack Del Rio. Del Rio’s decision means that David Garrard, who started games for most of the season last year when Leftwich was injured, will take the reigns as the starter.
The timing of this decision is a little unusual, to say the least. Del Rio had said on many occasions that Leftwich was the man and there was no if’s, and’s, or buts.
But Jack Del Rio is a guy that I have yet to completely figure out, and I’ve almost given up trying. He does a great job of being himself and not letting anyone find out what he’s up to or thinking. This can be very intriguing, but also frustrating, depending on where you sit within his hierarchy.
Nonetheless, Del Rio feels completely comfortable and justified in making this switch.
I believe Jaguar fans aren’t going to be too angered about Del Rio’s decision to jettison Mr. Leftwich. Unfortunately, Byron wasn’t able to come up with standout results on a consistent basis, and fans felt a degree of cautiousness and uncertainty when they cheered for him.
Garrard brought a few talents to the QB slot that fans are looking for, namely mobility and elusiveness, a strong arm, a quick release and even quicker throwing motion. That was THE aspect of Leftwich that seemed to grate on everyone’s minds. Garrard has also been able to sharpen his skills to read defenses, which the new coaches are enjoying.
And so now, David Garrard will step into the driver’s seat and we’ll see if he can produce a few more victories similar to last season, when he was able to accumulate some success before suffering three consecutive losses at the end of the season.
After a disappointing 8-8 season last year, the Jaguars made changes in an attempt to improve their weaknesses and solidify their strengths. On offense, they signed free agents Tony Pashos (Baltimore) and Dennis Northcutt (Cleveland). Both will start and bring experience and production to their respective positions.
But the most noteworthy change comes from off the field, as the Jags once again switched out their Offensive Coordinator for the third time in Del Rio’s tenure. Dirk Koetter comes in, having spent the past six years as the Head Coach at Arizona State. With the Sun Devils, Koetter developed a prowess for his passing game as his teams averaged 30 points and well over 300 yards passing per game. It will be interesting to see what Koetter can do for, and with, this Jaguars offense.
Del Rio also brought in fired Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach Mike Shula, giving him the title of Quarterbacks Coach. He has been working with Garrard to become better in all facets of his game.
Certainly, Del Rio, Koetter, and Shula have a challenge ahead of them. The Jags’ passing game will be a concern, as Del Rio tries to develop a healthy complement to the strong running game the team carries. Led by veteran Fred Taylor and the sensational Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars showed last season that they can run the football. Taylor and Jones-Drew showed us a nice combination of abilities out of the backfield. With a solid Offensive Line to block for them, the Jags are very capable of producing a solid running attack. It will also be interesting to see if running back Greg Jones can give the Jags some strong carries, coming off an injury suffered last preseason.
In addition, we will all be watching the wide receiver corps with some degree of scrutiny. It will be up to Ernest Wilford, Northcutt, Matt Jones, and the rest of the boys to produce. Also, look for production from last year’s top pick, tight end Marcedes Lewis, as well as tight end George Wrighster, as they step into the starting slot vacated by the departure of Kyle Brady.
Without question, the Jaguars come into the 2007-08 season with a lot of potential and strong talent, particularly on defense. Led by coordinator Mike Smith, the Jags showed us last year they have a swarming defense that can, for the most part, shut down all opponents. It starts up front with an awesome line led by tackles John Henderson and Marcus Stroud. They are complimented by defensive ends Bobby McCray and Reggie Hayward, who spent all of last season on the shelf due to a torn Achilles tendon. Hayward was signed last season as a free agent from the Broncos.
Jacksonville has a strong linebacking corps led by Mike Peterson, who played only five games last season before suffering a torn pectoral muscle. He will bring leadership onto the field of play for the whole side. Clint Ingram and Daryl Smith are the other two starting LBs.
The corners are solid, with Pro Bowler Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams locked in as starters.
The question mark for the Jags’ defense will lie in the safety position. Gone are veterans Donovin Darius and Deon Grant. In their place will be veteran free agent Sammy Knight (Chiefs), Gerald Sensabaugh, and rookie first-rounder Reggie Nelson. These guys will have to establish themselves to complete an awesome defense.
On special teams, K Josh Scobee returns, but the Jaguars drafted a Punter, bringing in Maryland product Adam Podlesh to replace Chris Hanson. Look for Dennis Northcutt and others to return kicks.
This season will also be one in which Jack Del Rio will receive a greater spotlight perhaps than before. After a 12-4 campaign in 2005, culminating in a playoff berth, the Jags were looking pretty good last year at 8-5, only to falter down the stretch. Certainly, fans were disappointed in the mediocrity, now wanting Del Rio to get back into the playoffs at the very least. We shall see if the changes made, particularly with Garrard at QB, will have a positive effect and improve on last year.
We shall soon see how this 2007 season plays out. The Jaguars schedule is rather tough, facing teams from the AFC West and NFC South, along with the Steelers and Bills, as well as their divisional opponents. With fan anticipation and excitement at a peak level, hopefully it will culminate in success.
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