Jacksonville Jaguars

Natron Means Business and Coaching

// June 25th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jaguar History, Player News

There is a saying that I think perfectly defines Natrone Means’ time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. “A light that shines twice as bright, shines half as long.” While most of the memories Jaguars fans have of the 1996 playoff run are of Mark Brunell’s amazing run vs Denver, or Jimmy Smith making an impossible touchdown grab, it was Natrone Means who was the real star of that playoff run.

Means was signed as a free agent from the San Diego Chargers before the 1996 season. Although the Jaguars had drafted James Stewart in the 1st round in 1995, Stewart was not a factor in the offense. Means sat on the bench for the first twelve games of the 96 season, biding his time. However, Coughlin replaced Stewart with Means in Week 14 vs Cincinnati. Mean’s first two games were just as ineffective, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry.

However, Means picked up steam during the final two weeks, rushing for a combined 202 yards on 50 carries. Then, during the playoffs, Means would gain himself a place as one of the Jaguars’ earliest stars.

Heading into the 96 playoff game vs Buffalo, the Jaguars were a 21 point underdog. The Bills had never lost in Ralph Wilson Stadium in the postseason, and still had the key pieces of the teams that won 4 straight AFC Championships. Although the Jaguars had the league’s #2 ranked passing offense, the cold winds of Upstate New York was expected to hold that in check.

Instead, the Jaguars rode Natrone Means to one of the biggest upsets in playoff history (to that time.) Means ran for 175 yards on 31 carries, and helped the team to a 30-27 win.

The next week vs Denver, the Jaguars counted on Means just as much. Means ran for 140 yards and kept the Jaguars in the game before Mark Brunell and Jimmy Smith had their national coming out party.

Means would be with the Jaguars again in 1997, however, he clashed with Head Coach Tom Coughlin during the season. After the 97 season, Means would go back to San Diego to join up with former Jaguars OC and then Chargers head coach Kevin Gilbride. However, he wouldn’t find the same success there as he did when he helped the Chargers to their 1994 Super Bowl run. Following a quick pit stop in Carolina, Means promptly retired.

After Means left the NFL, he went into coaching. In 2005, Means joined the coaching staff at Livingston College. First as the running backs coach, before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2006. Means has since spent several summers in the NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Program, working with the Falcons and Panthers.

The last bit of info I could find on him was this piece by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Means served as a counselour at a camp for student athletes.

The legacy Natrone Means left to the Jaguars is an ironic one. No player was more important to the 96 playoff run, yet he’s barely mentioned in the franchise’s history. As they say, “A light that shines twice as bright, shines half as long”

Season Tickets for the Jacksonville Jaguars Breakdown

// May 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jaguar History, Pocket Hercules, TealGate, Thanks Wayne Weaver, Tickets, Tony Boselli, Uncategorized

Submitted by Gene Frenette on April 19, 2010 – 11:45pm

http://www.hyatt.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400565/gene-frenette/2010-04-19/jaguars-pulling-out-all-stops-sell-tickets

The level of desperation has reached the point where the Jaguars and the business community are begging people — almost a step short of bribing — to purchase season tickets.

Actually, they’re offering gift-certificate incentives called Teal Deals, which represent more than $2,000 worth of discounts (mostly 33 percent off for a minimum purchase price at area restaurants), as well as price reductions on automotive needs, jewelry, golf, men’s clothing, pest control and even a pet hotel. That’s right, the Jaguars are playing the dog-and-cat card to entice fans to buy or renew a season ticket before May 31.

It’s all part of a massive campaign, which includes the popular 30-30 plan (30 payments over a 30-month period, with no interest or deposit), to reinvigorate a stagnant football market. Between Team Teal commissioner Tony Boselli stumping across North Florida like a medicine man hawking miracle elixir and Bono’s owner Joe Adeeb assembling businesses to offer incentives on season-ticket purchases, no NFL franchise has ever done more off the field to earn the fans’ business.

The objective is to refill those 20,000-25,000 empty seats that became a fixture at home games in 2009. The first step is to at least pack the general bowl (50,797) to lift the television blackouts, which became like a giant zit on the Jaguars’ forehead.

“People get that it isn’t going to be good for our city if we lose the Jaguars,” Adeeb said. “That’s what’s driven me to do this. I’ve got five grandkids, and I want them to grow up with an NFL team. This thing isn’t finished until all those [9,703] covers come off [in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium].”

A decade ago, nobody could have imagined the Jaguars or the business community having to resort to these tactics. In addition to flexible payment plans and three consecutive years without raising ticket prices, season-ticket buyers are now eligible for gift certificates that include free ice cream and a case of wine.

“It’s a neat deal,” Jaguars senior vice president Tim Connolly said. “Maybe it’ll work. It better work.”

No joke. The 2009 season was the first real sign of the Jaguars becoming an endangered football species. Though the Jaguars were around .500 all season, attendance ranged from 42,000-49,000 for the first six regular-season home games. It was a sobering disconnect for a city that embraced its NFL team throughout the 1990s.

The Jaguars aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, but owner Wayne Weaver has made it clear that the turnstiles must churn at a much greater number than last year or moving eventually becomes the only option. The Jaguars and a lot of civic-minded folks are pitching in to see that never happens.

But at some point, fans must decide whether they really want an NFL team. Or will they only show up in big numbers if it contends for Super Bowls and meets other certain conditions.

Connolly said more Jacksonville businesses will likely step up next year to offer a wider range of Teal Deals.

Given all the seats the Jaguars have to fill, they seem willing to try almost anything to attract season-ticket buyers. Who knows. Maybe Maurice Jones-Drew will come over and pressure-wash your driveway.

gene.frenette@jacksonville.com,
(904) 359-4540

Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft 2010 >> Tyson Alualu > First Round Pick > DT > California

// April 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // College Football, Gene Smith, Jaguar History, Maurice Jones Drew, NFL Draft, Player News, Senior Bowl, Tebow, Thanks Wayne Weaver, jack del rio

Despite Tebow Nation’s notion that they know better than the Jacksonville Jaguars latest savior Gene Smith, the Jacksonville Jaguars zigged when everyone expected them to zag. Choosing to follow Jacksonville Jaguars ex-coach Tom Coughlin’s recipe for front seven dominance, Jacksonville decided to go Stroud-Henderson 2.0 and pair up Tyson Alualu with second year, one man wrecking crew, Terrance Knighton.

Even though it was apparent that Jacksonville could have traded down with San Diego, as they jumped to the 12 spot to grab Fresno State RB Ryan Matthews, I feel the Jacksonville Jaguars had their man, and they took him. Hearing Jacksonville Jaguars’s Gene Smith talk about him was to hear a man who had just gotten a new BMW M series for Christmas.

The newest Jacksonville Jaguar Tyson Alualu may be the ultimate character guy, relative to our culture here on the mainland. I could get into it, but it will be well documented in the Jacksonville media. Born and bread in Hawaiian culture, he is not subject to the diva-esque trappings that so many “Professional Athletes” suffer from. (See Reggie Nelson.) Another team I follow has added numerous American Samoans, you can see the rest of the team rally around them as they live and die with each passing play. It has lead to a Division Championship and a playoff birth. It is a culture that stresses teamwork and working together for the greater good. Something our government should take a long look at.

I applaud the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pick, as I’m sure if there was a trade to be had, Gene Smith would have pulled the trigger. Mel Kiper isn’t hiding extras brains in all that hair, just look at Jimmy Clausen. How did Did Mel Kiper’s ranking and clairvoyance work out for the “Best Quarterback in the Draft.” He woke up today in the same spot he was yesterday, knowing all 32 teams passed on him.

The only other question I have is did fellow Califonia alum Maurice Jone-Drew have a say in this pick? Pocket Hercules gets a vote if I were Wayne Weaver.

Check out some of the videos and check back here for the Jacksonville Jaguars Round Two and Three picks.

Tyson Alualu Highlights from jack bauer on Vimeo.

Jacksonville Jaguars 15th Anniversary Team

// February 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // General, Jaguar History, Player News, Uncategorized

The votes have been tabulated and the first-ever Jaguars all-time “All-Fans” team has been selected. For once, it would appear the fans and jaguars.com Senior Editor Vic Ketchman agree on something.

Quarterback

Vic : Mark Brunell — Face of the franchise in its best years.
Fans : Mark Brunell (87%)

Running backs

Vic : Fred Taylor—Nothing fragile about 11,271 yards rushing.
Maurice Jones-Drew—The torch has been passed.
Fans : Fred Taylor (92%)
Maurice Jones-Drew (91%)

Wide receivers

Vic : Jimmy Smith—Made the big plays.
Keenan McCardell—Model of consistency.
Fans : Jimmy Smith (93%)
Keenan McCardell (87%)

Tight End

Vic : Kyle Brady—Productive, dependable and popular.
Fans : Kyle Brady (63%)

Offensive tackles

Vic : Tony Boselli—As valuable now as he was then.
Leon Searcy—Protected Brunell’s blind side.
Fans : Tony Boselli (94%)
Leon Searcy (57%)

Offensive guards

Vic : Chris Naeole—One of Tom Coughlin’s best free-agent acquisitions.
Vince Manuwai—Paved the way for strong running game.
Fans : Vince Manuwai (78%)
Chris Naeole (63%)

Center

Vic : Brad Meester—The longevity you seek at the position.
Fans : Brad Meester (78%)

Kicker

Vic : Mike Hollis—At one point, most accurate kicker in NFL history.
Fans : Mike Hollis (53%)

Punter

Vic : Bryan Barker—Led the NFL in net average in 1995.
Fans : Bryan Barker (49%)

Defensive ends

Vic : Tony Brackens—Jags’ all-time defensive playmaker.
Paul Spicer—Underrated nine-year career.
Fans : Tony Brackens (75%)
Jeff Lageman (34%)

Defensive tackles

Vic : Marcus Stroud—One half of defensive cornerstone.
John Henderson—The other half.
Fans : John Henderson (89%)
Marcus Stroud (85%)

Linebackers

Vic : Mike Peterson—Best free-agent signing of the Del Rio era.
Kevin Hardy—Developing career cut short by knee injury.
Daryl Smith—Has a chance to be the best.
Fans : Mike Peterson (82%)
Kevin Hardy (66%)
Daryl Smith (54%)

Defensive backs

Vic : Rashean Mathis—Game-changing cornerback.
Aaron Beasley—Big-play magnet in 1999.
Donovin Darius—Thumper in the middle.
Fernando Bryant—Drafted for need and filled it.
Fans : Rashean Mathis (92%)
Donovin Darius (86%)
Aaron Beasley (58%)
Fernando Bryant (35%))

Jack got a Contract. Are Wayne Weavers fingers Crossed?

// January 12th, 2010 // No Comments » // BuhBye Jack Del Rio, College Football, Jaguar History

http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/usc/la-sp-usc-coach12-2010jan12,0,4689894.story

By Gary Klein
January 12, 2010

By the time Pete Carroll officially said goodbye Monday, USC was in its third day of trying to find his successor.

Athletic Director Mike Garrett is considering a list of coaches thought to include Boise State’s Chris Petersen, the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars‘ Jack Del Rio and Oregon Athletic Director Mike Bellotti.

Not that Garrett was sharing any information.

“I don’t talk about my search,” Garrett said after Carroll’s emotional afternoon news conference at Heritage Hall.

Garrett did not speak at the gathering. Earlier, he issued a statement pertaining to Carroll’s departure to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, who will pay him nearly $33 million in a five-year contract.

“While he leaves behind an impressive legacy, I am confident that we will find a new head coach who will continue the success to which we are accustomed at USC,” Garrett said.

Said USC President Steven Sample: “I had hoped this day would not come; this is a big loss to all of us. . . . Every Trojan everywhere owes Pete a big debt of gratitude for what he did for USC and USC football.”

In an interview early Monday morning, Carroll said he had come to believe the opportunity to coach again in the NFL, in a situation that offered the control over personnel he desired, was not a possibility.

“I had given up on it,” he said, “but it came out of nowhere.”

Carroll said his decision to leave was not influenced by the specter of possible NCAA sanctions that could result from an investigation of allegations that Reggie Bush and his family accepted improper benefits while the Heisman Trophy winner was playing for the Trojans in 2004 and 2005.

“Not in any way,” Carroll said. “Because I know where we stand. It’s just a process we have to go through. We know we’ve fought hard to do right.”

USC will reportedly answer to the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions on Feb. 19-21 in Tempe, Ariz., though USC spokesmen declined to confirm it. An NCAA spokeswoman had no comment.

Carroll also rebutted reports that his departure was hastened by a strained relationship with Garrett.

“There’s no sour grapes, no slinging of mud,” he said. “I don’t have any issue with Mike Garrett.”

Carroll reiterated those points during his news conference, during which he emotionally recounted his nine-season tenure that included two national titles, three Heisman Trophy winners and seven consecutive Pacific 10 Conference titles.

Standing in the same room where last year he scolded quarterback Mark Sanchez for leaving for the NFL with a year of eligibility remaining, Carroll joked, “I want Mark to know that I did graduate.”

Carroll, 58, called the Seattle opportunity a “challenge of a lifetime,” and said of leaving, “There’s nothing easy about it. My body’s in shock. My emotional side is in shock and I haven’t slept in days.”

Carroll will take along at least two USC assistant coaches to the Seahawks.

Quarterback Matt Barkley said play caller Jeremy Bates would join Carroll and linebackers coach Ken Norton confirmed he was also going to Seattle.

Their exit comes at a sensitive time for USC. National signing day for high school seniors is less than three weeks away, and uncertainty regarding Carroll’s successor puts the Trojans in danger of losing what had the makings of another top-five recruiting class.

Carroll said he did not know which assistant would oversee the staff and the recruiting effort as players and coaches await word on a new head coach. He said his son Brennan had offered to maintain his responsibility coordinating recruiting.

Meantime, Garrett will continue his search for a coach who must follow Carroll, one of the most successful coaches in USC history

Oregon State Coach Mike Riley said he was never approached by USC and was pleased to get a three-year contract extension through the 2019 season.

“I love what I’m doing and I love where I’m at,” Riley said at the American Football Coaches Assn. convention in Orlando, Fla.

Texas Christian Coach Gary Patterson said he had not been contacted about the USC opening. Asked whether he would be interested, Patterson said, “I don’t know. It’s one of the top five or six programs in the nation, but I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve been in Texas going on 13 years now. Southern Cal is a long way from Dallas.”

Barkley said he hoped that Garrett would hire a coach who would install an offense “kind of similar to what we’ve always done here at USC — a pro-style offense,” adding “It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m staying here.”

gary.klein@latimes.com

twitter.com/latimesklein

Orlando Sentinel reporter Andrea Adelson contributed to this report.

ESPN South Blog: Unknows produce for Jags

// December 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // AFC South, ESPN, Gameday Highlights, Jaguar History

Jacksonville Jaguars

Defense and no names keyed a big win for Jacksonville, writes Michael C. Wright.

Killing the clock was crucial for Jones-Drew, says Wright.

The NFL can’t ignore the Jaguars any longer, says Gene Frenette.

Nate Hughes and Zach Miller chipped in with big plays, says Vito Stellino.

Quentin Groves learned something in film study that helped create the play that knocked Matt Schaub out of the game, says Stellino.

The Texans chose the wrong option, says Jeff Elliott.

The report card from Frenette.

Fate is favoring the Jaguars, says Vic Ketchman.

Unknowns made plays for the Jaguars, says Cole Pepper.

Houston Texans

Gary Kubiak’s pink slip should come as a result of “over and over, through his nearly four years as their head coach, the Texans have made game-losing mistakes and failed to make game-winning plays,” says Jerome Solomon.

Matt Schaub showed toughness in returning to action after a shoulder injury, says John McClain.

Jacoby Jones will be fined for being late and then being told not to make the trip to Jacksonville, say Dale Robertson and McClain.

Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jaguars ate up the clock when they needed to, says McClain.

A gadget play featuring Chris Brown short-circuited at a key moment, says Dale Robertson. What a horrific call.

McClain’s report card.

The Texans are playing out the string again, says Richard Justice.

No miracles for these Texans, writes Alan Burge.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts tied the record for regular season winning streaks with their 21st, says Mike Chappell.

Indy made some big stops at the goal line, says Phillip B. Wilson.

Joseph Addai made big plays and scored twice, says Curt Cavin.

Pierre Garcon’s became an alternate go-to guy, says Chappell and Wilson.

Bob Kravitz’ report card.

Whether they win the Super Bowl or not, what the Colts are doing is extraordinary, says John Oehser.

“The Colts are a more mature, more complete, more talented team than the Titans,” says 18to88.com.

A fast start was key for the Colts, says Mark Maske.

The Colts won’t be looking ahead, says Greg Doyel.

The Colts win like clockwork, says Kevin Baxter.

A look at fourth-down defense from Larry Hawley.

Tennessee Titans

So much for that improbable 10-game winning streak to close out the season, says Jim Wyatt.

Vince Young wasn’t able to keep the streak alive, says Gary Estwick.

Four observations from David Climer.

He topped 100, but the Colts still contained Chris Johnson, say Wyatt and Climer.

Wyatt’s report card.

An early field goal was the wrong call, says Climer.

Peyton Manning is still in a different league, says Joe Biddle.

Nate Washington’s drop was a killer, writes Wyatt.

Tony Brown’s personal foul penalty hurt, says Terry McCormick.

A look at the long-shot playoff chances from Music City Miracles.

Touchdown Jacksonville! 16 years ago today!

// November 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // General, Jaguar History

It was 16 years ago today that Jacksonville was awarded an NFL Franchise. Here is an excerpt of the article by Jacksonville radio personality Pete Prisco published in 1993. You can catch he article in it;s entirety here… http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_n24_v216/ai_14705191/

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After pulling off the |upset of the century,’ shoe magnate J. Wayne Weaver is sizing up the options to lead his organization

J. Wayne Weaver, the owner of the NFL’s new Jacksonville franchise, knows shoes, that’s for sure. After all, he went from an Al Bundy-like shoe salesman to the builder of Shoe Carnival, Inc., one of the leading retailers of women’s shoes in the country. He became a multimillionaire in the process.

Football, though, is another story.

Although Weaver is a lifelong fan of the NFL — he once was a season-ticket holder of the old St. Louis Cardinals when he resided in that city — he makes it known that by no means does he profess to be what he calls “a football mind.”

It’s no wonder, then, that his first priority in building the NFL’s 30th franchise will be to find a general manager with a strong football background.

“Nobody in our organization has football expertise,” Weaver says. “We need a person who can come in here and know the league right away. A person who will build this team from a football standpoint. We know it’s a tough job, but we also know there are plenty of capable candidates out there to do it. We want to get that person in here as soon as possible.”

Since the NFL awarded Weaver a franchise last week, in what he calls the “upset of the century,” the phones haven’t stopped ringing at the laguars’ temporary offices. Not only are tickets being sold by the bushel — a sellout of season tickets almost is certain — but also job seekers have been filling the phone lines.

“It’s been crazy,” Jaguars President David Seldin says. “We’ve been getting hundreds of calls a day from people inquiring about jobs. I never thought it would be this wild.”

Weaver, who intends to move his home from Connecticut to Jacksonville sometime soon, has said he wants his general manager in place by early 1994. That person will be responsible for putting together the organization and will have major input on the hiring of a coach. Weaver makes it clear that coach and general manager will not be a combined job.

“We feel a coach has enough to handle in the NFL these days without having to worry about being a general manager, too,” Weaver says. “That’s why we feel it so important to get the G.M. in here as soon as possible.