State of the Jaguars going into the bye-week.
Well, we are 3-2 going into the bye-week. Great wins over the Cowboys and Steelers. A huge beatdown on the Jets. But losing a game we should of won against Indy, and then kind of laying an egg against Washington. Overall though we've been very impressive and should have a playoff spot as long as we don't take even more injuries.
Ok, now the break down by positions.
Quarterback
Byron Leftwich is having his best year to date. Spreading the ball around the everyone. He's been very accurate, and has come on big time in the last couple games. I think Jimmy Smith being gone has actually helped him. It makes him scan the field, and see the plays more instead of just tunneling on Jimmy. I hope he keeps it up. The hits he takes from not moving around in the pocket much do concern me though.
Running Back
Fred Taylor is looking the best he's looked in a very long time. Fast, hitting the holes, and giving us a great punch in the run game. Has been productive in every game so far this year. Then rookie Maurice Jones-Drew. He's been the offensive rookie of the year so far in my eyes. Great return man, and been great backing up Freddy. He's going to be a Pro-Bowl back very soon. Reggie Bush gets the hype, this guy gets the TD's and real production. Keep your hype Reggie. I'll take the production.
Wide Receiver
Well, we have found our new #1 WR. But it's suprisingly not Matt Jones. It's Reggie Williams. I honestly has given up on him, but boy was I wrong. This guy really is the big time WR that we drafted for in the first round. He's big(6'4), strong, fast, and has great hands. Some of his catches have been simply amazing, and he's made tons of great runs after the catch. He also leads the NFL in TD catches. Matt Jones has also been very productive but he's acted as more a possesion receiver this year. But I also think that's party because of his hamstring and groin injuries all year. With this past week, and bye week off he should be healthy and ready to play some quality football. Wilford has been queitly productive too as well. Everyone doubted this WR core before the year started. Well, it's been great. I wouldn't trade it for any other teams core except for maybe the Cards, Colts, or Bengals.
Tight End
With Lewis being injured until recently we haven't really used our TE's as playmakers. But seeing as Fred and Maurice are having good seasons they are doing a good job run blocking. But I do expect to see the TE postion used more in passing plays with Lewis now healthy.
Offensive Line
I was worried about our guys up front before this year started but they have done a very good job in pass protection and run blocking. Especially pass protection. As long as Lefty sits in the pocket and as big as his release is he needs a lot of protection and he's getting it.
Defensive Line
Reggie Hayward being gone hurts because that's our main pass rusher. But it's hard to be really worried about your line when you have Stroud and Henderson. Granted Stroud has been battling an ankle injury all year and hasn't played near his level. But he sat the Jets game and has a bye-week upcoming to finally rest. I expect him to be back to being a monster when we play again.
Linebackers
Man, they have been good but have taken a massive hit. Mike Peterson out for the season. Jesus that's a big blow. But, I think we'll be fine and this will be good for the long term. I think we will be moving Daryl Smith back to his natural position of MLB. Smith is already a very good LB playing out of his natural postion. Putting him back in the middle will probably make him even better. Which I hope happens. That way next season we could keep Snith at MLB and move Mike Peterson back to his natural OLB postion. As good as mike's been, I think he's a little too small to handle the MLB beating each week. So a move back to his natural postion wil lbe great for him and finally he should be in a Pro Bowl that he's been terribly skipped on each year. As far as the rest of this year at OLB. I hope the guys like Ingrham, and Griesen really step it up. We need it.
Corners/Safties
Rashean 'The Interception Machine' Mathis leads the league in interceptions and has been an elite shut down corner for us. First of many Pro Bowl's here he comes. Brian Williams has had some down, but more ups so far. I like this him, and think he's a good fit on our team. Granted he does make some mistakes, but he's done alot more good than bad. Terry Cousins has been good in his 3rd CB role. Can't ask for much more. Darius is back this season and laying out people like he use to. He's still the best run stuffing safety around. Deon Grant though. I can see Sensabaugh creeping in on his starting role. Grant has dropped so many picks this years, and has been burned way too many times. Sensabaugh though was a total playmaker in his short playing time. One more screw up from Grant and I think we should start Sensabaugh.
Special Teams
It's had it's good and bad points. Hopefully we can fix our bads though in the bye-week.
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GO PANTHERS! / GO JAGUARS!
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State of the Jaguars going into the bye-week.
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