Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars, Colts, Let’s get it on!

// October 1st, 2010 // No Comments » // David Garrard, Derek Cox, Marcedes Lewis, Maurice Jones Drew, Mike Sims-Walker, Pocket Hercules

You can throw out the record books when the Colts and Jaguars get together, which they will do this Sunday afternoon in Jacksonville. Since the whooping Peyton Manning and the Colts put on the Jaguars on Monday night back in 2007, all 5 games have been within 7 points or less. The Colts are 4-1 in those games, but each one could have easily gone the other way. The Jaguars always seem to play their best games when Indianapolis comes to town.

Last season, the Colts won 2 hard fought games: 14-12 in Week 1, and 35-31 on a Thursday night in Week 15. How close was that Week 15 game? An NFL Record 9 lead changes throughout the game. They also won in Jacksonville a week after beating Denver.

Hmmm…

The Jaguars come off a giant let-down of a game last weekend, getting smacked around by the Eagles 28-3. Stud RB Maurice Jones-Drew was held to 88 yards on 22 carries, and only 1 receiving yard on 2 catches. I’m going to go out on a limb and say he’s going to have more receiving yards this week. David Garrard also struggled mightily, barely getting in positive numbers in ANPY/A, 0.25 / Attempt, worst in the league last week. It was the 2nd week in a row Garrard was pretty bad, as he got yanked, then put back into duty after an injury to Luke McCown, against the Chargers.

So how do the two teams match-up? Let’s take a look…

Some keys from the stats:

I don’t know about you, but every time the Colts play the Jaguars, I’m infuriated at the fact that the Jaguars convert 3rd down after 3rd down by 2 or less yards.  It’s like death by paper cuts.  Despite being pretty poor at Drive Success Rate (DSR), they are pretty good at the other drive-related stats: Time of Possession / Drive, First Downs / Drive, and Plays / Drive.  The quickest way to get Jacksonville out of the game is to get them off the field on 3rd Down.  Oh, and watch for the 6 yard hitch patterns on the outside on 3rd and 5.  I call it the Tim Jennings Special.

Watch the Red Zone Efficiency again this week.  The Jaguars haven’t been too good so far this young season on either side of the ball, while the Colts have been fantastic.

The best stat for the Jaguars this year?  Net Punting Average.  Their special teams look to be pretty good.  Let’s hope that get a lot more practice covering punts.

These numbers don’t take into account schedule played, which according to the Winning Stats, the Jaguars have played the toughest schedule so far this year (Colts are #17).  When you adjust for opponents, the Jaguars become much better statistically (Non-Adj: 27th Overall, Adj: 13th).

Other things to watch:

Injuries on the Offensive Line.  Jeff Linkenbach didn’t play too bad last week, but that might be slightly skewed because of just how bad both Mike Pollak and Jamie Richard played.  It’d be really nice if Charlie Johnson came back this week healthy.  He practiced fully on Wednesday, so that’s a great sign.

I think Jack Del Rio is coaching for his job on Sunday.  Another blow out loss will mean his team has pretty clearly quit on him, and he’ll need to be replaced immediately.  Maybe the Colts will let them hang around just enough to let Del Rio keep his job, at least until they come to Indianapolis in Week 15.

The Jaguars defense is very familiar with Manning, intercepting at least 1 pass in 6 of the last 7 meetings between the teams.  He’s been extremely careful with the ball so far this season, but there always seems to be a bad bounce that gets intercepted against Jacksonville.  I’m betting we’ll see one this week too.

Both Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were bottled up pretty well last Sunday against the Broncos.  I haven’t had an opportunity to re-watch the game yet, so I’m not sure whether the Tackles were just really good, or whether they had lots of help.  More on that Friday.  Getting to Garrard on those 3rd down and mediums will be vital to the Colts success.

Prediction:

On paper, this doesn’t look like much of a game, as the Colts have significantly outperformed the Jaguars so far in 2010.  However, familiarity almost always wins out in this series, so I just can’t see a blowout.  Factor in that I think the Jaguars do care about their coach, so they’ll be playing hard to save his job.  I know most teams like to wait until the Bye week if they are going to fire their coach in-season, but that is still 5 weeks away, way too long in a league where every game matters.  I don’t see Del Rio making it much past next Tuesday, as the Colts will win handily, but certainly not easily.

Maurice Jones Drew at the Sirius XM Celebrity Fantasy Football Draft

// July 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // Fantasy Football, Maurice Jones Drew, Player News, Pocket Hercules

SIRIUS XM 2010 CELEBRITY FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT
Hard Rock Cafe, Times Square NYC

Written by Evan Marx, exclusively for the TheFantasyFix.com

TheFantasyFix.com was privileged this year to be part of the press for the Sirius XM Celebrity Fantasy Football Draft held at Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. Some of the big names drafting were Jacksonville Jaguars’ Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD) , New York Mets Ex-GM/ESPN Baseball Analyst Steve Phillips , and ex-NHL star Jeremy Roenick .

The event kicked off with the Howard Stern Wrap Up Show live hosted by John Hein and Gary Dell’Abate (Baba Booey) . Gary known to be an avid Mets fan, was one of the guest celebrities of the draft and had the first pick. A huge baseball fan doesn’t equate to knowing anything about football, but lucky for him he had a whole posse giving him tips.

After the wrap-up show was over, we had a quick interlude from South Side Johnny. Now the fun begins…

All the celebrities were shuffled to the red carpet where we were waiting to pounce with questions out the wazoo.

Our first taste of blood was with “America’s Running Back” Maurice Jones Drew. MJD (@Jones_Drew32 ) immediately recognized TheFantasyFix.com (@thefantasyfix) because we had been tweeting with him all morning.

He was gracious and somewhat soft-spoken and gladly answered every question we had. Drew told us that he had been doing fantasy football ever since he joined the league five years ago and won two championships so far. When we asked what he was planning on doing with the number eight pick, he basically told us he was going to make every effort to trade-up for the three or four pick, that way he could get himself. Seeing as how Jay Thomas had the third pick and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo had the fourth pick, neither being fantasy experts, he seriously had a chance to make that happen.

Maurice had previously just told us he didn’t mind having a pick closer to the turn, but who could blame a man for wanting yourself on your own team. James and I, sadly realized that this would never be the case for us. After all, the chances of two scrawny white boys from the NJ burbs, ever playing more horseshoes or bocce ball was close to nil. But hey, at least we get to write about them and that’s pretty rewarding in itself.

Our last question to Jones was “Now that Lindsay Lohan is behind bars, do you feel safer at night?” This cracked him up, and he said in return “How is that news??”. Nothing better in life than making a pro athlete laugh…

Our next guest was the one and only Chris “Mad Dog” Russo . Chris was a treat to talk to since I listen to him almost daily on Sirius Mad Dog Radio. He always has something to say and his voice is just as charismatic in real life as it is on the radio.

Chris admitted he really didn’t know the first thing about not only fantasy football, but fantasy sports in general. He told us that he was a “sports purist” and took issue to the fact that people were rooting for individual players instead of rooting for the team itself. But regardless of whether “Mad Dog” likes Fantasy Football, he knows his sports. Hell, a good portion of my daily sports knowledge comes from him!

I told him that if he was good with statistics and keeping up to date on all injuries (which he does), then he would do just fine. We may have another addicted fantasy player after this league. I also gave him a link to the The Fantasy Fix “Quick Fix”, in case he ever needed our help on a last minute decision.

Scott Ferrel (host of the Scott Ferrel Show on Howard 101) was again, as nice as peas. You’d think we were at a “nice convention”. Scott told us that he has been playing fantasy football for around 12 years and got hooked while in Vegas. When asked if he would take a QB in the first round, he hands down said “No way”. When asked if he liked Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers, he said Rodgers because of his amazing running capabilities. So not to spoil the draft results below, but Brees was drafted number seven overall and Scott was able to get his boy Rodgers number 16, which was a steal.

Jeremy Roenick gave us a few minutes too and a nice insight into his thoughts for the season. “I think there are a lot of good players who will fall short this year.” Roenick quickly touched on Hockey having a lot to offer for Fantasy Sports but admitted it wasn’t the monster that Football has become.

Talking to Jay Thomas (Emmy award-winning actor & host of the Jay Thomas Show on Sirius XM) was like talking to an old friend. He showed up a little later than the rest of the celebrities but still gave us a good few minutes of sports talk right before the draft started. We spilled the beans about MJD possibly wanting to make a trade and Jay joked “He better have a big bag of money”.

The event was like being in a candy store. The event was catered and there was probably no more than 200 people there. The celebrities we right in front of us at all times and had I been smart I would have stolen MJD’s gum and sold it on ebay. There’s always next year…

Aaron Kampman is the leader the Jaguars need

// June 14th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Aaron Kampman, Maurice Jones Drew, Pocket Hercules

When the Jaguars signed free agent defensive end Aaron Kampman to a four-year, $26 million contract, the price tag included the expectation that the former Green Bay Packer would become a leader in a locker room that needed a veteran presence.

In just three months, and despite Kampman still recovering from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament injury (the Jaguars will likely limit him to once-a-day practices in training camp), he’s making a significant impression on teammates. Veteran defensive ends Reggie Hayward and Attiyah Ellison vouch for Kampman, saying he encourages teammates in a positive way and isn’t afraid to speak up in a civil tone if he sees something isn’t being done right.

One Jaguar put it this way: “[Kampman] gets on people’s butts the right way.” This young team desperately craves a forceful leader, especially on defense. Kampman, 30, has the career resume and personality to fill that void. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew summed it up well, saying: “He’s had double-digit sacks every year in a 4-3 [defense]. That’s a reason to listen to him, isn’t it?” …

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 > 3rd Rounders to look out for.

// April 23rd, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Commentary, David Garrard, Gene Smith, Maurice Jones Drew, NFL Draft, Pocket Hercules, Scouting, Senior Bowl

Looking at the players around the Jacksonville Jaguars third round pick, it looks like we can get a quality starter!

Mardy Gilyard is a straight game breaker. I think he will go in the Second Round personally.

As noted many times on this blog, CB Parrish Cox would boslter the worst big play defensive in football last year.

Jacoby Ford rand a 4.28. he would automatically be the second fatest Jaguar behind Maurice Jones Drew.

Brandon Spikes would sell Jerseys and lead the defense for many years.

Tony Pike has a great arm, but chokes away the big game. Could it be any worse than a Garrard fumble in the 4th Quarter. Probably not.

3rd Round Mock Draft

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
The Buccaneers need a receiver and Gilyard is tricky fast who is able to get deep or work underneath out of the slot.

71. Cleveland Browns
Chad Jones, S, LSU
Jones is also a baseball player and has good ball skills. He brings size and range to the position.

72. Buffalo Bills
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
LaFell is a big possession receiver to help replace Terrell Owens. At LSU, LaFell had a productive career, catching 175 passes and getting 26 touchdowns.

73. Miami Dolphins
Cam Thomas, DT, North Carolina
The Dolphins grabbed Sergio Kindle in the first round, did not have a second-round pick and are lucky here to get a wide body to play the nose tackle spot while Jason Ferguson serves an eight-game suspension.

74. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jon Asamoah, G/C, Illinois
The Jaguars had to wait from pick No. 10 to No. 74, and they still get a guy who can help at any inside spot on the offensive line.

75. Chicago Bears
Zane Beadles, OT, Utah
This is the first pick of the draft for the Bears, who need help at right tackle. Some say Beadles is a guard, but as one coach said, “He always blocks his guy.” That’s more than I can say for some of the Bears linemen recently.

76. New York Giants
Joe McKnight, RB, Southern California
The Giants were a much better offense when they had Derrick Ward in a three-man rotation. McKnight would blend in well with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

77. Tennessee Titans
Jason Worilds, LB, Virginia Tech
Whether Keith Bulluck returns or not from injury, the Titans need to get younger at outside linebacker. Worilds is a terrific special teams guy with Elvis Dumervil-type rush skills.

78. Carolina Panthers
Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson
Ford has world-class speed, having run a 4.28 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. He can take advantage of opposing defenses that will focus on stopping the run and roll coverages to Steve Smith.

79. San Francisco 49ers
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
Alex Smith hasn’t locked down the quarterback job long-term, David Carr is not the answer and Pike can really throw the ball. He moves well for a 6-foot-6 guy.

80. Denver Broncos
Anthony McCoy, TE, Southern California
As expected, Tony Scheffler was dealt before the draft even took place. Here, the Broncos can get a complete tight end with blocking skills as well as receiving skills to replace Scheffler.

81. Houston Texans
Al Woods, DT, LSU
At 6-foot-4 and 309 pounds, Woods is a decent “one-technique” tackle to play in a rotation, especially on run downs.

Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft 2010 > CJ Spiller from First Coast News High School Football

// April 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // College Football, Derek Cox, Maurice Jones Drew, NFL Draft, Pocket Hercules, Scouting, Senior Bowl

Local product CJ Spiller would take the pressure off Pocket Hercules

There has been alot of talk about the Jaguars drafting CJ Spiller as some trades further up the draft board have allowed him to “possibly” slip to Jacksonville at #10. My personal feeling is while he would be a wicked addition as a One-Two punch with our beloved Pocket Hercules, The Geek thinks it’s all a smoke screen to garner trade bait to reclaim the second round pick we gave up for Derrick Cox last year.

If the Jacksonville Jaguars did take our hometown boy, i still think it would be a very, very good pick as the last time we had two #1 tailbacks, we got to the Championship game.

After watching some combine tape, I’m a fan of Jason Pierre Paul of USF. We need better coverage and or a better pass rush.

Here is the breakdown of CJ Spiller …

C.J. Spiller Scouting Report by Matt Horkman

Pros: Explosive player that is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Versatile. Will contribute as a runner, receiver and return man.
Cons: Can he run between the tackles? Probably not a true workhorse back. Doesn’t have great size.
Overall: Playmaker with a ton of talent. The true definition of an all-purpose player. Just as big as a threat as a receiver/return man as he is in the backfield. However, he isn’t Chris Johnson 2.0, but will still be very enticing to teams picking in the top half of round one.

Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew rubs elows with Michelle Obama

// March 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jacksonvill Jaguars in the Community, Maurice Jones Drew, Player News, Pocket Hercules

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http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2010/03/15/daily17.html
by Kimberly Morrison Staff Writer
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Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is representing the NFL today at the National Press Club, where he will discuss the league’s initiative to combat childhood obesity.

“Challenges and Ways to Promote Health and Wellness in America’s Communities” will be broadcast on CSPAN from noon until 2 p.m.

Newsweek Magazine selected Jones-Drew, who has been actively involved with the NFL’s Fuel Up to Play 60 program, for its executive forum.

The Fuel Up to Play 60 program emphasizes daily activity, fitness and nutrition for better health among children.

“I’m honored and excited to be asked to go to our nation’s capital to represent the NFL at this forum,” Jones-Drew said. “Tackling youth obesity is very important, and is an issue that both the First Lady and the NFL have been vocal about. We need to get the word out and I’m pleased to be asked to participate.”

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http://www.jaguars.com/news/article.aspx?id=8806
From Jaguars.com
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Newsweek Magazine selected Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew to speak at the publication’s Executive Forum: Childhood Obesity, “Challenges and Ways to Promote Health and Wellness in America’s Communities” on Tuesday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event will be held from noon to 2:00 p.m. and is scheduled for broadcast on CSPAN.

Jones-Drew has been actively involved with the NFL’s Fuel Up to Play 60 program, a league-wide initiative to combat youth obesity. The emphasis is on daily activity, fitness, and nutrition for better health. More information about the program can be found at http://www.fueluptoplay60.com.

“I’m honored and excited to be asked to go to our nation’s capitol to represent the NFL at this forum,” Jones-Drew said. “Tackling youth obesity is very important, and is an issue that both the First Lady and the NFL have been vocal about. We need to get the word out and I’m pleased to be asked to participate.”

The luncheon, presented in partnership with the National Dairy Council and its affiliates, is designed to increase awareness about this national health issue and policy priority.

Jones-Drew will also attend a luncheon at the Newseum on Wednesday, March 17 where First Lady Michelle Obama will participate in the magazine’s Executive Forum on childhood obesity entitled, “Challenges and Ways to Promote Health and Wellness in America’s Communities.” Obama started a nationwide campaign, Let’s Move, to tackle the problem of childhood obesity in a generation.

Team Teal visits Queens Harbour

// February 18th, 2010 // No Comments » // Maurice Jones Drew, Pocket Hercules, TealGate, Tickets

Check it out!

http://www.jaguars.com/Multimedia/?id=3541

February 17,2010 — Team Teal alon g with Pocket Hercules and Josh Scobee visited Queens Harbour Yacht & Country Club on Tuesday.

The Jaguars go 51 and 21 when we win the rushing battle.

// February 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Maurice Jones Drew, NFL Draft, Pocket Hercules

Over the last 7 seasons the Jaguars have out rushed their opponents by over 3000 yards. The Jaguars are also 51 and 21 when we win the rushing battle. Considering that the quarterback situation isn’t going to change, and as much as the Jacksonville Jaguars need that elusive number one downfield threat, I’d love to see the Jaguars get a complimentary back for Pocket Hercules.

Daytona International Speedway will have a decidedly First Coast flavor with former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew

// February 10th, 2010 // No Comments » // Maurice Jones Drew, Player News, Pocket Hercules, Tebow, Uncategorized

DAYTONA BEACH — Thursday’s Gatorade Duels at the Daytona International Speedway will have a decidedly First Coast flavor with former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew serving as grand marshals.

The two 150-mile qualifying races will set the starting lineup for Sunday’s Daytona 500.

Tebow, a Jacksonville native, was part of Florida’s national championship teams in 2006 and 2008, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2007. He will give the command to start engines for the first qualifying race, with Mark Martin starting on the pole.

Drew has averaged 127.7 all-purpose yards a game during his first three seasons with the Jaguars. He rushed for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season and added 53 catches for another 374 yards, making his first Pro Bowl. He will give the starting command for the second race, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the pole.

“We’re excited to welcome two of the state’s most popular football figures to the Gatorade Duel at Daytona,” Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig said. “Tim Tebow is a football hero to so many Floridians, and Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the NFL’s most versatile players.”