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By James Critch Story Updated November 19, 2011

The upcoming game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns could be summed up in two words: Who cares?”

It’s a showdown between two 3-6 teams that both continue to disappoint their fans. These were teams that were being talked about in the off season as possible playoff teams. But injuries, egos, and player changes have created detours for both teams. Neither the Jags nor the Browns are in the playoff hunt at the midway point of the season and following this game little will change for either, except their position in next year’s draft.

If this is a game that the Jaguar fans are looking for improvement from rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, this might not be his best opportunity. He will be facing the league’s best secondary when it comes to yards per game. The Browns are allowing a league low 163 yards passing per game, whereas the Jaguars are averaging 122 passing yards per game. Gabbert has helped lead his team to two victories over the last three weeks versus the Ravens and Colts, but little has come from his production. In the Ravens game he threw for 93 yards and versus the Colts he was able to gain 118 yards through the air. His role right now is to manage the game, don’t turn the ball over or make any ill advised mistakes.

When it comes to offensive production and leadership, it is all driven by running back Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jags ground game is averaging 121 yards per game which ranks them 11^th in the league. Jones-Drew is averaging 4.5 yards per carry and has rushed for 854 yards and four touchdowns. Going against the Browns poorest run defense, ranked 29^th, allowing 142 yards per game, Jones-Drew should have a big day. Last season when Jones-Drew faced the Browns he carried the ball 23 times for 133 yards and one touchdown. Look for much of the same in this match up.

One big challenge the Jaguars will be facing is the loss of Pro Bowl cornerback Rashean Mathis in the Colts game last week. At present time, the Jaguars secondary is ranked 5^th in the league allowing 189 yards per game. Mathis is the leader in the secondary and has been the cornerstone of that group since 2003.

This is a game for the true fan. Neither team has too much to fight for but respect. It may be just past the mid-way point in the season, but it is obvious, neither team is going to be considered a true contender by anyone, but maybe themselves.

By James Critch, Story Updated October 8, 2011

Three things to keep your eyes on during this match up.

1.      Maurice Jones-Drew versus the Bengals front seven.

With the seventh ranked run defense coming to town, Jones-Drew will be facing his toughest challenge to date. The Bengals are currently allowing 86.8 yards rushing per game. The Jaguars are averaging 107 rushing yards per game. The Bengals faced off against Fred Jackson and the Buffalo Bills, who are the fifth leading rushing offense in the NFL, last week.  At that time, Jackson was leading the league in rushing. The Bengals allowed Jackson to rush for 66 yards and 21 of those yards came on one run. If the Jaguars offensive line can create some creases for Jones-Drew, the Jaguars could have a good day. If they are unable to do so, it could be a long day for the Jaguars offense.

2.      Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green versus Jaguars secondary

Jaguar’s defensive coordinator Mel Tucker mentioned in the off season that they would be                           “simplifying” their defensive schemes. So far it seems to be working in their favor.  Their pass defense improved from 28 last season to 12 so far this season. This week they will face rookie sensation A.J. Green. Green has accumulated 312 yards receiving over the first four games of the season. More importantly he is averaging 16.4 yards per reception. He torched the Bills for 118 yards last week along with the Broncos in week two for 124 yards. He has come up with receptions of 41, 26, 18, and 58 yards along with two touchdowns.  Green should be a challenge for starting defensive back Rashean Mathis.

3.      Coach Jack Del Rio versus Coach Marvin Lewis

 This is the most important match up of the game. This is the battle between two head coaches that are on the hot seat. Both coaches have overall losing records: Lewis is 62-71-1 with only two division titles and Del Rio is 67-68 with only one playoff win.  Both coaches have made changes at quarterback, Lewis with rookie Andy Dalton since Carson Palmer told the Bengals he would retire if he was not traded. For Del Rio he chose to go with rookie Blaine Gabbert once starting quarterback David Garrard was released.  Bengals owner Mike Brown is looking for a “better year” than last season’s 4-12. If the Bengals are better he has mentioned that Lewis’ contract “might get longer real fast”, as reported in the Florida Times Union. In the off season Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver put Del Rio and his coaching staff under a mandate to make the playoffs this year. A win for either coach is a step in the right direction, not only for their respective teams, but also for their job security.

Week Four: New Orleans Saints

 Versus

 the Jacksonville Jaguars

By James Critch Story Updated October 1, 2011

Coming off a second straight loss, the Jacksonville Jaguars look to improve to a 2-2 record. The only thing stopping them from accomplishing this: the high flying New Orleans Saints.

The Saints travel to EverBank Field bringing their high scoring offense, scoring more than 30 points a game, led by quarterback Drew Brees to face off against the third leading rusher Maurice Jones-Drew.

Brees comes into this game having thrown for 1,059 yards, nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. His quarterback rating is 109.7.

Jones-Drew is third in the NFL with 307 rushing yards, one touchdown and is averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

Offensively this is going to be a game where Jones-Drew will be the focal point of the Jags offense, but also the Saints defense. The Jaguars will want to control both the ball and the clock. They do not want to get into an air it out style of game. Brees has too many weapons. He has two receivers that have accumulated over 100 yards receiving and two that are well over 200 yards receiving. The Jaguars have one receiver with over 100 yards receiving. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams will look to confuse Jaguars rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert. He will mix up the defensive coverage’s, bring multiple look blitz packages and have Gabbert guessing all day.

When it comes to the head coaches, Saints coach Sean Payton is a proven winner. He has been to the playoffs all but one year of his head coaching career in New Orleans and has won a Super Bowl. On the other side of the ball, Jaguars coach Jack Dl Rio has one playoff win and has missed the playoffs the last three years.

This is a game that has the Saints favored by seven. But as bad as the game looks on paper, it could look worse on the field. The Saints are favored for a reason, too much talent, too much experience and too much desire to be one of the best teams in the NFL.

Saints (2-1)

Jaguars (1-2)

EverBank Field (Jacksonville, FL)

1 p.m.

Partly cloudy with a hi of 78 degrees

Jacksonville Jaguars versus New York Jets

By James Critch Story Updated September 18, 2011

This Sunday at 1pm in MetLife Stadium marks the first time the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Jets will face off since 2009. That meeting found the Jaguars prevailing  24-22 on a last second Josh Scobee field goal.  During that contest  Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was a rookie.  Since that season he has lead his team to two consecutive AFC Championship games. He will pose a much larger challenge than their last meeting.

Both teams are coming off wins from week one. The Jaguars narrowly escaped a late rally from the Tennessee Titans and the Jets found a way to pull off  a comeback victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

The Jaguars come to town led by Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew and crew. Coming off knee surgery in the off season, Jones-Drew was ready to prove to everyone last week, especially himself, that he was ready to carry the work load. He gained 97 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown. Jones-Drew missed all of pre-season minus a handful of carries in the final game versus the St. Luis Rams. He seems to have no ill effects from the time off or the surgery.

The Jets will be waiting with their own ground attack. Running backs Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson are ready for the season to begin. Yes they did play in week one but with a total combined 15 carries and 42 yards between the two of them, they are ready to hit the ground running(no pun intended).

When it comes to the quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez has the edge over Jaguars newly appointed starter Luke McCown. Last week McCown had a respectful game going 17 of 24 for 175 yards and no touchdowns.  In comparison Sanchez went 26 of 44 for 335 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Defensively both teams like to stack the line of scrimmage and contain the run. Jacksonville was able to hold Titans running back Chris Johnson to 24 yards rushing and the Titans as a whole to 43 yards. The Jets also get after the running backs  as they did versus Dallas. They held the Cowboys to a total of 64 yards rushing.

The real obstacle the Jaguars will face in this game will be Sanchez’s aerial attack with two premier receivers. Sanchez can choose from either Plaxico Burress or Santonio Holmes, not to mention tight end Dustin Keller. All three averaged over 10 yards per catch versus the Cowboys with Burress and Keller catching a touchdown each. 

The Jaguars secondary has been ranked in the lower half of the league the last two years and starting cornerback Rashean Mathis is becoming a liability.

On the other side of the ball, the Jets have one of the best cornerback tandems in the league with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.  Revis helped finish the comeback win over the Cowboys last week with a fourth quarter interception. 

Its been said that any team can beat any team on any given Sunday. That may be true, but it will be one long, tough road for the Jaguars to go to MetLife Stadium and beat the Jets. Offensively the Jags truly have one thing to offer, Jones-Drew. If the Jags are to win, they must  keep Sanchez and company off the field and keep pounding that Jets defense with a serious dose of Jones-Drew.

By James Critch Story Updated September 11, 2011

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 upon us, people may be more inclined to remember those that perished when the Twin Towers collapsed than what teams are on T.V. this weekend. For others, they may find refuge with the kick off to the NFL season.

This weekend marks another chapter in the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars rivalry. They may wear the same uniforms and it’s a divisional game but most of the cast of characters are new to this long time heated rivalry.

The game will be played in Jacksonville at 1pm in Everbank Field.

A few years ago when the stadium was known as ALLTEL stadium, then Titans coach Jeff Fisher mentioned following a victory over the Jaguars that ALLTEL was the Titans “Home away from home.”  Following that comment you never saw a “Welcome Coach Fisher” banner hanging in the Jacksonville area. Let the heated rivalry begin.

Let’s be honest, the only “players” that are worth watching on either of these teams are Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew and Titans running back Chris “CJ2000” Johnson. These backs are both Pro Bowl players and have been the face of their franchises for several years.

For longtime Titan and Jaguar fans, that reminisce about the “good ole days” back when both the Titans and Jaguars had a roster of Pro Bowl players such as: Fred Taylor, Eddie George, Mark Brunell, Steve McNair (R.I.P.), Jimmy Smith, Derick Mason, Tony Boselli, Javon Kearse, Kyle Brady, Frank Wycheck, etc…. are waiting for that kind of hate to resurface once again.

With free agency and money truly running the game now more than ever, players come and go. With the kick off to this year’s match up, fans are forced to watch players like Luke McCown, the new Jags quarterback following the release of David Garrard earlier this week, Titans quarterback “old man” Matt Hasselbeck, Mike Thomas, Nate Washington, Rashean Mathis, and Cortland Finnegan.

The one new big change that has taken place is Coach Fisher is gone from the Titans and Mike Munchak is the new Head Coach. If the Jags do not make the playoffs this year, there may be another change made to this rivalry, there could be a new head coach in Jacksonville next year. But until then, the field holds 22 players and at least there will be two that everyone will be watching; hopefully they can rekindle this rivalry to the “good ole’ days” fashion. 

David Garrard Released By Jacksonville Jaguars

By James Critch

It may have come as a surprise to the nation that today the Jacksonville Jaguars released veteran quarterback David Garrard. But is not so much of a shock to the city that has watched Garrard over the last four years.

Garrard was given opportunity after opportunity to rise up and become an elite quarterback. Unfortunately for him, the Jaguars and the Jaguars fans, this would never come to pass.

It seems like an awkward time for the release to take place when the season opener versus the Tennessee Titans is only five days away. However, it may have been inevitable due to his lack of ability to get the job done.

Garrard has an overall record of 44-42 as a starter. He has only been able to muster one playoff win. Following that season, the Jaguars gave him a seven year deal worth $62.98 million. This season he was due to make $7.97 million. It had become clear to the Jaguars front office and head coach Jack Del Rio that Garrard was no longer worth that kind of money.

The Jaguars have decided to go with journeyman quarterback Luke McCown. McCown spent four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one year with the Cleveland Browns. He has been singed and released by the Jaguars a few times over the last two years, but he has impressed Del Rio enough to make such a significant change.

Another reason that Garrard had become expendable was when the team drafted Blaine Gabbert in this year’s draft in the first round. The Jaguars moved up in the draft to get their future franchise quarterback.

During this year’s pre-season games, Garrard went 19-38 for 205 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.  More importantly, he was unable to register a victory. As a four year starter, the team expected much more out of their leader.    In limited duty, McCown went 12-18 for 133 yards, two touchdowns no interceptions and one comeback victory.

Del Rio mentioned at a press conference in Jacksonville, “He just couldn’t get it going. We were looking for some sign of life, for him to pick it up and get it going. We waited until the eleventh hour. It just became obvious that this was not going to happen. It is a football decision that we had to make.”

It may have been told to the public that this was a football decision, but when you have a quarterback that has been unsuccessful overall and due to make over $7 million, you have drafted your franchise quarterback, and you have a respectable back up, money comes into play.

The next question for Jaguar fans, when will Gabbert start and McCown move out of the way, now that Garrard finally is gone.

Jaguars: Is There A Quarterback Controversy?

By James Critch  Story Updated August 26, 2011

The Jacksonville Jaguars were blown out their first pre-season game 47-12 last week versus the New England Patriots. Most football fans would expect the Patriots to win the game in a convincing fashion, but probably not by 35 points.

Tom Brady, Chad Johnson, Wes Welker, Albert Haynesworth and so on would have a great chance at beating any team in the NFL, but unfortunately for Jaguars fans, none of these players were present for their meeting in New England last week.

O.K., first pre-season game does it really mean that much? For most teams they are just feeling things out with their rookies and practice squad players.

For the Jaguars, they were forced to start rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert due to a back injury to ten year veteran quarterback David Garrard.

Garrard has been the Jaguars starting quarterback for the last four years, but GM Gene Smith made a big decision to draft Gabbert in this year’s draft. So with Garrard out for the first pre-season game, Gabbert was ready to go. In his first NFL game Gabbert went 9-16 for 85 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was somewhat efficient but did not have the city of Jacksonville screaming for Garrard to be released. 

Next up, game two…

Coach Jack Del Rio has maintained all off-season that Garrard is his starting quarterback. It was determined that Garrard’s back was healthy enough to start the Jags second pre-season game versus the Atlanta Falcons. 

On the first drive of the game Garrard looked like he had no ill effects of his recent injury. It was almost as if he was in mid-season form. Unfortunately, Garrard’s mid-season form is not always a good thing for Jag fans. He completed a few passes, controlled the offense but as usual he threw the ball over receivers heads along with over throwing receivers. One of his overthrown passes was at least ten yards too  far. The ball was intercepted and the Falcons took over with good field position.  Garrard finished the night going 7 of 12 passes for 99 yards, with an interception, no touchdowns in three series.

Enter, Gabbert. He seemed to take control of the offense as did Garrard. He was able to connect with his wide receivers with pin point passes, a few times. But for the most part, he mirrored Garrard. He had underthrown and overthrown passes. He finished the night 11 of 23 passes for 96 yards, no interceptions but also no touchdowns. 

It seems like Del Rio has some decisions to make. Realize that it’s only the second pre-season game, but owner Wayne Weaver made it clear to Del Rio before the beginning of the season that his job is on the line if the Jaguars do not make the playoffs this season.  

Del Rio has said that he is happy with his quarterback situation and he likes that there is real competition for Garrard. With the way that both Garrard and Gabbert have played so far, it looks like the decision is picking the best of the worst.

The way the Jaguar quarterbacks have played so far in the pre- season, how can there be a controversy? Neither of them has proven that they deserve to be the starter more than the other.

Next up, game three…..

By James Critch Story Updated July 31, 2011

The Jacksonville Jaguars were quick to get out in signing a free agent that would benefit their needs. They were in the market for a safety and a linebacker. They defiantly filled a hole at linebacker in former Buffalo Bill Paul Posluszy.

The Bills leading tackler Posluszny had a break out year in 2010 with 151 tackles, 103 which were solo and 2 sacks. He has been the Bills leading tackler over the last few years. He is a fan favorite and has been compared to previous Bills middle linebacker London Fletcher, just a tackling machine.

The Jags signed Posluszny for 6 years, unfortunately at press time the amount of his contract has not been released.

It was recently reported that the Giants were the front runners for obtaining Posluszny. He was very interested in going to work for his previous defensive coordinator in Buffalo Perry Fewell.

With Jacksonville moving into a new defensive scheme with a new defensive coordinator, this may be a good fit for Posluszny, a fresh start.

It is baffling that the Jaguars would sign this particular linebacker. He was part of the worst run defense in the league. It is great for a middle linebacker to have a ton of tackles, but when the tackles are 4-6 yards pass the line of scrimmage, that should be a concern.

Maurice Jones –Drew: Is he ready?

By James Critch Story Updated July 16, 2011

In January, Jacksonville Jaguars Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew had knee surgery for a torn meniscus that he suffered prior to the 2010 season.  Critics would have you believe that he will not be the same following the procedure. Jones-Drew on the other hand, would disagree.

In a recent interview, Drew was quoted as saying, “I can still carry the load regardless of what surgery I had.” Comforting words for the Jaguar fan base, since he is their feature back and workhorse. Jones-Drew is also aware that the NFL is a league of, what have you done for me today? “I want to be out of the gates playing because this is a production based business.” said Jones Drew.

Maurice does seem concerned that the Jaguars may be willing to give a significant amount of his carries to back up running back Rashad Jennings. “They’re (Jaguars) going to be anxious to throw Rashad in, and they’re already scared of my knee. Maybe we’re working him too hard, we should give him a break.”

Playing on the injured knee last season, Jones-Drew was able to carry the ball 299 times,  rush for 1,324 yards and score 5 touchdowns. With production like that, why would the Jaguars believe that he cannot  come back from the injury healthy and ready to run. According to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, they have no such doubts. “ There’s been no discussions in the offensive staff room on Maurice’s knee.  I can assure that coach Del Rio has never said to me when we get to the season we’ve got to hold Maurice back.”

Currently, this situation is a wait and see. Neither the Jaguars nor Drew will know for sure if he is healthy until he takes that first big hit on his knee, or makes a cut at full speed.

Jones-Drew likes to wear a Superman t-shirt beneath his jersey, and we will all come to find out whether he is the man of steel or not. It is safe to say that all Jaguars fans, in the stadium or watching the game from home, will be watching that first run by Drew, with baited breath.

By James Critch Story Updated May 21, 2011

Following a recent fishing tournament that supports both breast cancer and Crohn’s disease, Jaguars quarterback David Garrard took time to talk about the recent drafting of Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert. “I just tell them (Jaguars) I am always open to competition.  I think competition is healthy. He went on to say, "My thing is the best man will play. The cream will rise to the top. You want the best person out there on the field, to give the team the best chance. That's what I believe.”

“If Blaine comes in and he is above and beyond just better than me, then best of luck to him. I'm going to work my tail off to make sure that it's me. I'm sure he'll be working hard as well. There's nothing but just healthy competition." "When you're a rookie quarterback that they're thinking about putting out there in Game, 1 I think it would be a great setback. But hopefully for him I'm out there Game 1 and doing a pretty good job. Especially going into a lockout like this, for any rookie quarterback it's going to be tough, even if you do have a playbook. You're not working with all your receivers; you're not being coached on little things that come up, little tendencies that you needed to work on. When you're a rookie you still have so much development that you need to do.

 When you have a lockout like this and you haven't been around the team at all, that's really going to affect you and it's really going to set you back. I've been around here for a few years and I've got a pretty good grasp of it." And finally: The best opportunity for this team is having a veteran quarterback. We'll make sure he's prepared for whenever his time comes in the future." Garrard seems to be a player that realizes his time in Jacksonville is coming to an end. His comments are of one that is a team player, but also one that is not ready to relinquish his position. Garrard is hoping for open competition between himself and Gabbert, but it remains to be seen if the organization is ready to move on with the new or give the old, one last chance

By James Critch  Story Updated July 6, 2011

Is the NFL lockout coming to an end? For giggles, let’s say yes. Now, let’s talk about our teams and their needs. Each one of the 32 NFL teams has them, just some need more help than others.

First need: Finish the season strong. The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off another disappointing season. For the third year in a row, the Jags started strong at the beginning of the season, but fell apart at the end. Starting 8-5 in 2010, but losing their last three games caused them to miss the playoffs, again. The most disappointing part of the season for the Jags? They were one win away from clinching the AFC South division when they faced the Indianapolis Colts in week 15. 

A second concern for the Jaguars: Quarterback. Do they continue to stay with veteran David Garrard or go with the rookie Blaine Gabbert?  Garrard is a ten year veteran and has led his team to the playoffs once and has as many playoff wins. David had a productive season last year, throwing for a franchise record 23 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was injured and could not finish the season. The knock on him, from fans and the Jags organization, is he has never reached the elite level of quarterback. And as long as Coach Jack Del Rio has stood behind Garrard, waiting for this to take place, it may be time to move him out of the way.

Blaine Gabbert was acquired when the Jags traded up to the Washington Redskins tenth spot. It was seen as a steal by some NFL experts. The reason? Gabbert was deemed, in some pre mock draft magazines, the number one quarterback in the draft as well as one of the best players in the draft. Coming out of Missouri the knock on him was he played in a spread formation offense and very rarely took the ball from under center. This is something that Jags offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has said they can work on with Gabbert.

Defense, defense, defense. The defense was a disaster last year finishing in the bottom of all four major categories: Pts. allowed (27th), Yds. per game (28th), Passing yards allowed (28th), and Rushing yards allowed (22nd). Free agency is a way the Jags are considering to booster up their defense, but current salaries on the team, may cause that not to happen.

There are more concerning needs on this team, but this is a starting point. The need for a team to start what they finish, get the best quarterback in the games and have a dependable defense. As easy as this sounds, this has been the Achilles heel for the Jaguars over the last three years. They have gone 0-3 on these simple tasks for three years straight. Hence the new quarterback, Del Rio no longer calls defensive plays, and Jags owner Wayne Weaver has come out and said, “playoffs or bust”.

 Keep your fingers crossed Jag fans, or this could be just another typical year, coming up just short, once again.

By James Critch Story Updated May 4, 2011

In the recent NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to acquire quarterback Blaine Gabbert from Missouri.  This decision has been described as a move for the future. But one outspoken Jaguar player is not ready for the future just yet. Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew was recently quoted as saying, “David (Garrard) is our guy and he’s always going to be our guy. I know he will fight through it. It’s going to be tough at first. He’ll be able to go out there, fight through it and we’ll win games.”  He went on to add, “A quarterback is only as good as the players around him.” Jones-Drew is not the only Jaguar that had something to say concerning the team moving forward. Coach Jack Del Rio’s opinion about the new quarterback and the future of the team is, “I think Wayne Weaver asks me to make decisions that are in the best interest of the team…, I ask our players all the time to be unselfish and do what’s best for the team.  That’s what I am doing myself.”

With the Jaguars missing the playoffs the last three years, it has been made loud and clear by management that it is time for a change at quarterback. Whether all Jaguar players are ready for this to take place or not, owner Wayne Weaver seems to be. His commitment to trust both Del Rio and GM Gene Smith proves he is personally tired of not being a playoff contending team, and this is his business decision to make. 

By James Critch   Story Updated April 29, 2011

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio and GM Gene Smith should be arrested for grand theft. The reason; they stole a possible number one draft pick at the number 10 draft spot. To make this happen they had to swap first round picks with the Washington Redskins as well as give up their second round pick to the Redskins. This is minuscule in comparison to what they may have gained.  QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri) was projected by some NFL publications to be the best quarterback and possibly the number one draft pick. This statement should be loud and clear that the Jaguars front office and coaching staff are sending to David Garrard; your time here is coming to end.

Training camp should be very competitive this offseason. If Garrard wins the starting job, but struggles, it’s guaranteed that Gabbert’s reign will begin sooner than later. Garrard has been a serviceable quarterback over the years, but has never blossomed into an elite playmaker. He earned one playoff win versus Pittsburgh during the wild card round, followed by a loss to New England.  The team, coaching staff, and owner Wayne Weaver have stood by David over the years waiting for him to become a better player and it appears they feel this is not going to happen.

Del Rio has been a part of rebuilding and drafting a franchise quarterback in the past when previous GM Shack Harris pulled the trigger drafting Byron Leftwich. After four years Leftwich was released.  Gabbert has more potential and upside than both Garrard and Leftwich. This pick should help the new GM Gene Smith and Jack Del Rio rebuild the Jaguars franchise quicker than anyone would have foreseen before the draft started Thursday night.

I’m not a weatherman, but the conditions outside Thursday (4/28) were less than stellar. It was just a little too hot and overcast. But if you walked outside anytime today, Friday (4/29), it was beautiful. The sun was shining, but not overly blinding, there was a light breeze, not a cloud in the sky, and the birds were perched on tree branches chirping. If you listened close enough to the birds, it sounded as if they were saying: “Good morning Jacksonville! You have got yourself a franchise quarterback.”

By James Critch        Story Updated March 6, 2011

The 2011 NFL season is currently in limbo and the question being asked is: Will the billionaires settle their labor talks with the millionaires or will there be a lock out? This being such a serious time in the NFL, there has got to be a bright spot out there for true NFL fans, and low and behold, here it comes... It's Draft time!

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been labeled, nationally, as a bad drafting franchise. But, if previous drafts are examined with an attitude of "the cup's half full instead of the cup's half empty", the past may surprise some. 

Looking back over the last 16 seasons of first round draft picks, the successes are not outweighed by the failures as many different media outlets would have you believe. There have been more positive first rounder’s over the years than previously portrayed.

Back in 1995, the Jags first draft pick was Tony Boselli. Not only was Boselli selected to the Pro Bowl 5 times, he was also selected to be part of the NFL 90's All Decade Team. Over the next seven drafts, the Jags hit on players such as: Pro Bowlers Kevin Hardy, Fred Taylor, Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. During this time they also drafted arguably the best safety in Jaguar’s history with the pickup of Donovan Darius.

There were a few misses during this same time period with players such as Renaldo Wynn, Fernando Bryant and R. Jay Soward.

In comparison to the early years of first rounder’s, since 2003 the Jaguars have not been as lucky as the following list of names will show. First and foremost: QB Byron Leftwich, WR Reggie Williams, WR (?)/QB Matt Jones, S Reggie nelson, and finally, DE Derrick Harvey. However, there are a few players that have not actually been handed their final grade yet. Eugene Monroe and Tyson Alualu. Monroe is an offensive tackle, and unless your name is Boselli or Munoz, he may not become an impact player until his third year. 2011 should determine whether he is a bust or hit. Now, in the case of defensive tackle Alualu, so far he has been an impact player. He finished his rookie year with 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks, with his first sack coming in his first game during a win versus the Denver Broncos. Alualu was also selected to the All-Rookie Team by the National Football Post. Overall, the Jaguars have had both good and bad years with first round draft picks, but there are few teams in the NFL that have not done the same.

There is a chance that there will be a lockout this year, but fans can do nothing about that. They can however get excited for this year’s draft and the possibilities of a new player and the immediate impact they can have on their team. That is, if and when they are able to get on the field. But yet the draft is getting closer and closer, and I for one am ready. But then again, my glass is full.        

Hot Seat for Del Rio?

By James Critch  Story Updated April 20, 2011

With the draft only nine days away, could this be the final draft for Coach Jack Del Rio?  With only two playoff appearances and one playoff win along with an overall record of 57-54, over an 8 year span, it’s time for coach Del Rio to make a difference here in Jacksonville.  Fans have been calling for his dismissal the last few years, citing his inability to improve the Jaguars as a whole. Luckily for Del Rio, owner Wayne Weaver has come out in support of his head coach saying, “the team may need one or two more years”.

Over the last few years Del Rio has cleared out his coaching staff more than most people clear out their refrigerator. He has consistently passed the buck on reasons why the team has not been successful. Fans stood by him for a few years as he made the coaching changes, but it has become obvious one piece of his puzzle remains; Del Rio.  It is time for him to step up, get this team on track for the playoffs or take his playbook and walk off into the Florida sunset.  This year there should be no more excuses. If anything, Del Rio should shoulder all responsibilities from here on out.

This year a few draft experts have the Jaguars slotted to take player DE Aldon Smith (Missouri). This makes sense. With Aaron Kampman coming back from his second consecutive knee injury, Jeremy Mincey and Derrick Harvey not living up to expectations, Smith may become an impact player this year. That would be good news for DT Tyson Alualu who had a productive rookie season.  The defense was a disaster last year finishing in the bottom in all four major categories: Pts allowed (27th), Yds per game (28th), Passing yards allowed (28th), and Rushing yards allowed (22nd).

Maybe this year Del Rio should go out on a limb and listen to the draft “experts”. They seem to know how to evaluate talented players. Maybe that is why they are called experts and Del Rio is called a dead man walking.