The Jacksonville Jaguars offense has been a mess for weeks and the belief was that a lot of that stemmed from their injuries at running back and not being able to run the football. The offense had been going through quarterback Blake Bortles
Blake Bortles Jersey , who often struggles when he’s the one expected to carry the offense, but an odd statement by Doug Marrone after he was questioned about the offense calling just nine run plays in Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in London may point to bigger issues.“You have to have the confidence with the guys up front being able to do it,” coach Doug Marrone said. “We just felt, at times, that we thought it was our best chance to make a play.”What?I want to make sure I am understanding what Marrone is saying here. The Jaguars do not have enough confidence in their offensive line to commit to running the football, so much so that passing the ball 35 plus time per game is the better alternative.Sure, the Jaguars left tackle position has been decimated, but you still have a high priced left guard starting. You still have the highest paid (still?) center in the NFL starting. You still have third-round draft pick who you decided to not challenge starting at right guard and you have another highly paid starter at right tackle.You don’t have confidence in those guys that you can’t even try to run the football? What?It’s not like the Jaguars were particularly good running the football in 2017, regardless of being the No. 1 ranked rushing offense, they still basically just got three yards and a cloud of dust on most attempts.T.J. Yeldon is averaging over four yards per carry on the season and has been effective when given the ball, though he has also been playing injured, and you just traded a fifth-round pick for Carlos Hyde so you could get back to playing power running football and you run it... nine times because you have no confidence inyour offensive line to run block?What?AFC South names to watch If you are looking for content that is perfect for debate over a round of beers, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell delivers. His most recent release takes stock of the names worthy of attention for the coming 2018 NFL season.He breaks the list into 8 categories.The Now-or-NeversThe Rookies (or Almost Rookies)Familiar Faces in New PlacesThe Rehabilitation StoriesThe Breakout StarsOne More RideThe Wild CardsThe GhostThe AFC South has significant representation in critical positions, allowing us to look beyond 2018, to what future changes could impact the hierarchy of power within the division.The Now-or-Nevers: Blake Bortles and Marcus MariotaThe Jaguars are the media focus of quarterback instability, but the Titans share the same boat. While Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota is seen as a better talent, his decline since his rookie year is noticeable. Still a threat on the ground, Mariota’s accuracy has become a concern. Both he and Bortles have suffered from inconsistent receiving corps
Authentic Brandon Linder Jersey , and either coaching instability or improper use. Each team comes into the season hoping consistency and creative play calling will improve quarterback production.Barnwell rates Mariota 2nd on the list, and had this to say about him.Barwell rates Bortles 8th, and these were his observations on the Jaguars QB.I think Bill succinctly highlights the chicken/egg problem of these two quarterbacks, and tacitly asks the question of what skills are sufficient to retain services. Both Jacksonville and Tennessee field defenses capable of bailing their offenses out of quarterback shortcomings (Titans caveat to follow), but that wears on team chemistry. Familiar Faces in New Places: Malcolm ButlerOne of the most interesting narratives from last year’s Super Bowl was the benching of Malcolm Butler (ranked 25th by Barnwell). Brought in to help the Titans 25th rated pass defense in yards allowed (3,828), the question is whether he was an asset or liability in New England. The Patriots suffered an even worse defense in allowing 4,020 yards through the air, putting them at 30th. Here is what Bill had to say.The Rehabilitation Stories: J. J. Watt, Andrew Luck, DeShaun WatsonWhen J. J. Watt (27th) is on, he is a tough matchup. Unfortunately, Watt has battled injuries for the past two years. There is not much I can add to the lore of the ex-Badger, and it is not obvious that without a healthy Watt the Texans defense is less effective. In 2015, Watt led the league in sacks with 17.5, even though his defense finished 30th. In 2016, the Texans had the top rated defense, even with Watt only starting in three games. However
Youth Jalen Ramsey Jersey , in 2017, with Watt only playing in five games, where he managed 11 tackles and 2 passes defended, the Texans defense ended the year ranked 20th. The Texans also lost Whitney Mercilus in the week 5 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.The small sampling above may indicate there is more to the Texans defense than just Watt (cough, cough...Aaron Colvin, Jadeveon Clowney and Mercilus). Still, the big questions are 1) what are the long term impacts back and leg surgery, and 2) will those injuries necessarily limit the ability of the eight year veteran.For me, Andrew Luck (30th) falls here and Now-or-Never. When Luck is healthy, the Indianapolis Colts are historically playoff contenders. When not, they are inept at best. Injured in 2015, playing through it in 2016, and finally sitting out 2017. The good news for the Colts is that he appears to be getting stronger with every preseason game. The bad news is that he took on a minor foot injury, and he sits behind an offensive line learning a new system. And who is he throwing to? And will he have a complimentary running game?Vince Young. Marcus Mariota. Two AFC South quarterbacks who showed promising rookie campaigns, but never made the next step (and I am referencing Young very loosely...MJD was the OROY). So where will DeShaun Watson (32nd) sit? I am unapologetic in my affinity for the Clemson Tiger. He was the guy I wanted in the 2017 draft, and aided by an anemic defense, Watson led the offense to point totals of 33 (twice), 57
Authentic Myles Jack Jersey , and 34. He battled, but lost, to Tom Brady in New England, and led a 4th quarter comeback against the Chiefs that just fell short. As I have written before, if Watson was the Jaguars quarterback we would be lauding the upside of what he brings to the offense.Watson looks to throw first, so how much will the knee impact him, and will that offensive line allow him to throw first?The Breakout Stars: Jalen RamseyWhat? Placing Ramsey here implies he has yet to come close to his ceiling. That is scary for opposing offenses. Players and writers recognize his impact, and it is debatable as to whether he presently is the best at his position, though even in that debate the margin of difference is microscopic.While some may point to Ramsey’s bravado as a negative, I would argue he is simply playing the role of mental disruptor. And he backs it up.What may be the most intriguing aspect of Ramsey’s potential for development is the cast around him. The Jaguars defense is arguably the best in the NFL, and when talent is surrounded by talent everyone wins.There are some AFC South omissions that Barnwell could easily have added. Mike Vrabel, as a new face, has a tough task in Tennessee if you consider the Mariota argument above. What does a defensive minded coach bring to a struggling offensive system? Sticking with the same team, and same category, can Matt LaFleur find the same success in Tennessee that he had with the Rams and Jared Goff?The AFC South will not be short of narratives to watch, in what could be a very balanced division.
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense has been a mess for weeks and the belief was that a lot of that stemmed from their injuries at running back and not being able to run the football. The offense had been going through quarterback Blake Bortles Blake Bortles Jersey , who often struggles when he’s the one expected to carry the offense, but an odd statement by Doug Marrone after he was questioned about the offense calling just nine run plays in Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in London may point to bigger issues.“You have to have the confidence with the guys up front being able to do it,” coach Doug Marrone said. “We just felt, at times, that we thought it was our best chance to make a play.”What?I want to make sure I am understanding what Marrone is saying here. The Jaguars do not have enough confidence in their offensive line to commit to running the football, so much so that passing the ball 35 plus time per game is the better alternative.Sure, the Jaguars left tackle position has been decimated, but you still have a high priced left guard starting. You still have the highest paid (still?) center in the NFL starting. You still have third-round draft pick who you decided to not challenge starting at right guard and you have another highly paid starter at right tackle.You don’t have confidence in those guys that you can’t even try to run the football? What?It’s not like the Jaguars were particularly good running the football in 2017, regardless of being the No. 1 ranked rushing offense, they still basically just got three yards and a cloud of dust on most attempts.T.J. Yeldon is averaging over four yards per carry on the season and has been effective when given the ball, though he has also been playing injured, and you just traded a fifth-round pick for Carlos Hyde so you could get back to playing power running football and you run it... nine times because you have no confidence inyour offensive line to run block?What?AFC South names to watch If you are looking for content that is perfect for debate over a round of beers, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell delivers. His most recent release takes stock of the names worthy of attention for the coming 2018 NFL season.He breaks the list into 8 categories.The Now-or-NeversThe Rookies (or Almost Rookies)Familiar Faces in New PlacesThe Rehabilitation StoriesThe Breakout StarsOne More RideThe Wild CardsThe GhostThe AFC South has significant representation in critical positions, allowing us to look beyond 2018, to what future changes could impact the hierarchy of power within the division.The Now-or-Nevers: Blake Bortles and Marcus MariotaThe Jaguars are the media focus of quarterback instability, but the Titans share the same boat. While Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota is seen as a better talent, his decline since his rookie year is noticeable. Still a threat on the ground, Mariota’s accuracy has become a concern. Both he and Bortles have suffered from inconsistent receiving corps Authentic Brandon Linder Jersey , and either coaching instability or improper use. Each team comes into the season hoping consistency and creative play calling will improve quarterback production.Barnwell rates Mariota 2nd on the list, and had this to say about him.Barwell rates Bortles 8th, and these were his observations on the Jaguars QB.I think Bill succinctly highlights the chicken/egg problem of these two quarterbacks, and tacitly asks the question of what skills are sufficient to retain services. Both Jacksonville and Tennessee field defenses capable of bailing their offenses out of quarterback shortcomings (Titans caveat to follow), but that wears on team chemistry. Familiar Faces in New Places: Malcolm ButlerOne of the most interesting narratives from last year’s Super Bowl was the benching of Malcolm Butler (ranked 25th by Barnwell). Brought in to help the Titans 25th rated pass defense in yards allowed (3,828), the question is whether he was an asset or liability in New England. The Patriots suffered an even worse defense in allowing 4,020 yards through the air, putting them at 30th. Here is what Bill had to say.The Rehabilitation Stories: J. J. Watt, Andrew Luck, DeShaun WatsonWhen J. J. Watt (27th) is on, he is a tough matchup. Unfortunately, Watt has battled injuries for the past two years. There is not much I can add to the lore of the ex-Badger, and it is not obvious that without a healthy Watt the Texans defense is less effective. In 2015, Watt led the league in sacks with 17.5, even though his defense finished 30th. In 2016, the Texans had the top rated defense, even with Watt only starting in three games. However Youth Jalen Ramsey Jersey , in 2017, with Watt only playing in five games, where he managed 11 tackles and 2 passes defended, the Texans defense ended the year ranked 20th. The Texans also lost Whitney Mercilus in the week 5 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.The small sampling above may indicate there is more to the Texans defense than just Watt (cough, cough...Aaron Colvin, Jadeveon Clowney and Mercilus). Still, the big questions are 1) what are the long term impacts back and leg surgery, and 2) will those injuries necessarily limit the ability of the eight year veteran.For me, Andrew Luck (30th) falls here and Now-or-Never. When Luck is healthy, the Indianapolis Colts are historically playoff contenders. When not, they are inept at best. Injured in 2015, playing through it in 2016, and finally sitting out 2017. The good news for the Colts is that he appears to be getting stronger with every preseason game. The bad news is that he took on a minor foot injury, and he sits behind an offensive line learning a new system. And who is he throwing to? And will he have a complimentary running game?Vince Young. Marcus Mariota. Two AFC South quarterbacks who showed promising rookie campaigns, but never made the next step (and I am referencing Young very loosely...MJD was the OROY). So where will DeShaun Watson (32nd) sit? I am unapologetic in my affinity for the Clemson Tiger. He was the guy I wanted in the 2017 draft, and aided by an anemic defense, Watson led the offense to point totals of 33 (twice), 57 Authentic Myles Jack Jersey , and 34. He battled, but lost, to Tom Brady in New England, and led a 4th quarter comeback against the Chiefs that just fell short. As I have written before, if Watson was the Jaguars quarterback we would be lauding the upside of what he brings to the offense.Watson looks to throw first, so how much will the knee impact him, and will that offensive line allow him to throw first?The Breakout Stars: Jalen RamseyWhat? Placing Ramsey here implies he has yet to come close to his ceiling. That is scary for opposing offenses. Players and writers recognize his impact, and it is debatable as to whether he presently is the best at his position, though even in that debate the margin of difference is microscopic.While some may point to Ramsey’s bravado as a negative, I would argue he is simply playing the role of mental disruptor. And he backs it up.What may be the most intriguing aspect of Ramsey’s potential for development is the cast around him. The Jaguars defense is arguably the best in the NFL, and when talent is surrounded by talent everyone wins.There are some AFC South omissions that Barnwell could easily have added. Mike Vrabel, as a new face, has a tough task in Tennessee if you consider the Mariota argument above. What does a defensive minded coach bring to a struggling offensive system? Sticking with the same team, and same category, can Matt LaFleur find the same success in Tennessee that he had with the Rams and Jared Goff?The AFC South will not be short of narratives to watch, in what could be a very balanced division.