I have to admit--in my first post here--that I am not actually a Jaguars' fan, though I may quickly become one. Truth be told, I am an obsessive Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs' fan (this is the year!). But having recently moved to Jacksonville, I have decided in the name of objectivity to write about the Jaguars.

Their first two preseason games, however, were anything but pretty, even the 20-17 opening win over Atlanta. Wayne Weaver, Jack Del Rio, David Garrard, and company could not have been pleased with the team's effort in their 19-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins and it didn't take a rocket scientist or brain surgeon to see that the fans were less than pleased with their team that finished 12-6 last year.

Ahh, yes, it is the preseason; no reason to worry, right? Maybe so, if the first and second offenses are moving the ball and the defense is getting stops and turnovers. But that hasn't really been the case. The first team offense got stuffed by a Miami team that won--count them--one game last year. The only points the Jags scored were orchestrated by third-string quarterback Todd Bauman. According to the Jaguars' official website, Fred Taylor said they were "out-physicalled" against the Dolphins. Never mind the grammar; his point was evident on the field.

Continue reading "Jags off to a Less-Than-Impressive Preseason Start in Preseason"

So as I sit on my couch, watching the weather, I am waiting...and waiting. For the madness to hit. And while I should be lesson planning on my second unexpected day off, the question on my mind is, 'How will this affect the Jags?' And they're playing Tampa this weekend, which I have to imagine is also being affected by all this.

I am a hoosier; back home, we have tornadoes every once in a while. But those are quick. They don't swirl around in the same spot while inching closer to our demise. How do you plan? Can the Jags practice right now? Will they play this weekend? We'll see I guess.

The Jags website doesn't seem to be giving any real answers yet. Ideas anyone?

Continue reading "Hurricane/Tropical Storm Fay Getting in the Way"

For some teams, the preseason is admittedly less important. Notice I said less important, not unimportant. If the Patriots or the Colts lose, no one is going to really get all that upset about it. If the Lions win, no one is going to get that excited. For teams at the absolute top or bottom, in-season results are what will ultimately matter.

 For teams in the middle, teams really vying for credibility and the right to be taken seriously as a contender, the margin of error is smaller in preseason. I would like to think the Jaguars are very much one of those teams. If Garrard isn't sharp, people will think last season was a fluke. If Cleo Lemon looks bad, then you fear for that one twist or pop that takes Garrard out of the game. If the defense isn't solid, then the team could quickly be viewed as an explosive team that's vulnerable to high-scoring losses. If the kicking and return games aren't efficient, then above average is the best is the best they're going to be.

Continue reading "A Bit of Reassurance as Jags Win 2nd Preseason Game"

Any sports fans out there have any thoughts on this story? 

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-toogoodtopitch&pro

Little league is such an intense experience. I remember my family lost friends during that period of our lives. And yet, do we really want to teach kids that being "too good" at something is wrong?  

Continue reading "Little League Drama"

Thank you, Derrick Harvey, for gracing Jacksonville with your presence, even if your uneventful debut precluded your first practice. 

All three QBs tossed a touchdown pass and the defense was stellar as the Jacksonville Jaguars completed a 3-1 preseason--most importantly with no significant injuries--with Thursday night's 24-3 win over the struggling Redskins. The win was Jacksonville's first dominating one as they outgained the 'Skins 339-176, more than doubled them in first downs, converted ten of seventeen third downs, and held the ball thirteen minutes longer than Washington. 

Concerns for the Jags include a pretty lackluster preseason by Garrard who will be counted on significantly, the NFL-readiness of Harvey, and a receiver corps that has yet to prove that it's anything but mediocre. Notable cuts by the Jags include QB Todd Baumann (who actually had a pretty decent preseason!), 5th round pick Trae Williams (DB) and WR D'Juan Woods. 

Continue reading "Jags Ready for Week 1"