Chris Schumerth's Jacksonville Jaguars fan blog

On a day when the NFL's most dominant team of the past decade got drilled by one of the worst and several more games went down to the last play, Jacksonville's Josh Scobee experienced a little deja vu as he nailed a 51-yarder (the last time the Jags beat the Colts it was a 53-yarder that won it) to help the Jags knock off the Peyton Manning and the Colts at home. Both teams surprisingly stand at 1-2 behind the unexpected division leader, the Tennessee Titans, at 3-0. 

In what was as close to a "must-win" as week 3 can be in the NFL, the Jaguars got the job done against a team that many picked to be playing in Tampa this upcoming February. Manning played a mediocre game, throwing two picks (one of which was returned for a touchdown) but did orchestrate what would have been a game-winning 77-yard touchdown drive in barely over a minute.

Continue reading "1-2 and a Sliver of Hope"

In the MLB, when you lose your first two games, no big deal. 160 to go. In the NBA, you lose your first two games, and there's still 80 left. But in the NFL, your first two games are one eighth of the season. Playoff teams usually lose a maximum of seven, and this year's Jacksonville Jaguars already has two of those losses. Panic time? 

Not quite, but for a team that many picked as a serious Super Bowl contender this year, some adjustments better be in the making and quick. To this point, they're at the risk of being this year's Chicago Bears of last year--losing lots of close games and staying at home during the playoffs after such a promising season last year. 

It was another great week in the NFL with great individual and team stories. Some big names who starred were Aaron Rogers, Matt Cassel, Darren McFadden, Jay Cutler, and Kurt Warner. The Colts, Panthers, and Broncos all won impressively late in the game.

Continue reading "Jags in Desperation Mode after Second Straight Loss to Open Season"

On a day when Brett Farve looked damn good in a Jets' uniform, Tom Brady may have torn his ACL, a Kyle Orton-led Chicago Bears team crushed the Colts, Kurt Warner led the Cardinals to a win, Donovon McNabb threw for 361 yards in an easy Eagles' win, and the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills looked dominant, the Jacksonville Jaguar's preseason sluggishness was confirmed in a troubling 17-10 loss to its division rival and nemesis-in-the-making, Tennessee Titans. It was the second straight season Tennessee handed Jacksonville a season-opening loss. The effort came after former Broncos all-pro Tight End Shannon Sharp predicted the Jags would win the Super Bowl this year. Though an opening loss is no reason to panic, much work is left to be done and gaps left to be filled. 

Ahh, it is football season, indeed, even though baseball is still in full swing and my Cubs still sit on top of the National League Central. I am a man with divided loyalties. Not to mention college football with East Carolina's out-of-nowhere start and my Notre Dame Fighting Irish sneaking by a measly San Diego State team at home with next week's Michigan match-up approaching. But I digress; back to the NFL and the Jags. 

Continue reading "Jags Lose on Eventful Opening Weekend"

Yet again, Jacksonville has made the news for something other than a win. In a tragic story, Jag's offensive lineman, Richard Collier was recently shot in downtown Jax late at night/early in the morning for reasons that are unclear at this point. The team continues to practice, but one can only imagine how focused such a team can be in a city that already has a violent reputation.

The shooting brings back memories of other recent NFL players who have become victims to violent crime like Sean Taylor (Redskins) and Darrent Williams (Broncos). It's hard to imagine that this event--or the others for that matter--were random acts of violence. But if not random, why? What events led up to the homicide attempt?  

It is difficult to imagine playing the game of football when one of your best friends may be on his death bed or perhaps wounded enough to end a career. And yet, for some of these men, playing is the best escape. Is it healthy? I'll leave that question for the psychologists.

Continue reading "Another NFL Victim"

I know I'm supposed to blog about the Jacksonville Jaguars, but I couldn't resist on this one. 

Admit it, though: Most of you laughed when you read this title. In fact, I laughed when Ryan Dempster predicted a World Series win at the beginning of the year. Well, I assure you, he has made me a believer. 

Why will it happen? It has nothing to do with any goats or curses, or even 100 years for that matter. It has to do with the pieces. Of the puzzle that is.

Even after losing their third straight game today, the Cubs have it all: speed, good starting and bullpen pitching from both sides, good defense, power hitting, hitters for average, and bench production. The thing is, none of them are having an MVP-type year or even serious Cy Young contention. But they all just go out and play their role perfectly. Frankly, they remind me of the 2003 Marlins team or the 2005 White Sox, except this Cubs' team is better (and has a higher payroll).

Continue reading "Why the Cubs WILL Win the World Series This October"

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"

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"

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"

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"

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"