There is no question that David Garrard is now the man in Jacksonville.
By Mike Gill
“The window in the NFL doesn’t stay open to long,” said Jacksonville Times-Union columnist Gene Frenette. That’s pretty much the story in Jacksonville this season, they know now is the time for them to win the Super Bowl. “This the greatest team in Jacksonville, in their history,” said Frenette.
Led by quarterback David Garrard, the Jags were tied with the Patriots at halftime of last year’s division round playoff game. Just getting that far showed the Jags they made the right decision under center, electing to let former first-round pick Byron Leftwich leave the only team he had ever played for. “Last season, David showed he is a starting quarterback in this league,” said Frenette. “His star is rising.”
The Jaguars also possess one of the best one-two punches in the league at running back, with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor has been better with age and has missed only six games in the last four seasons. “Fred Taylor has knocked off the moniker of Fragile Fred in Jacksonville,” said Frenette. A lot of that has to do with the addition of Jones-Drew, he has provided plenty of production when Taylor is on the sideline.
If the running game is going to continue to shine, they are going to have to fix some of the problems on the offensive line. “There are some issues up front,” said Frenette. “Especially with center Brad Meester, it looks like he might miss the first five-or-six weeks with a torn tricep.” Not only are there questions across the offensive line, there are questions about the wide outs. “Since Jimmy Smith has retired, they haven’t filled the void at that spot,” said Frenette. The Jags added Troy Williamson in the off season to try to add a vertical threat. The former first-round pick of the Vikings has been slow to develop so far.
While the team took a step forward with Garrard at the helm on offense, the defense took a step back last season in Frenette’s opinion. “The secondary is much improved and Greg Williams (defensive coordinator) is making this a more aggressive, blitzing team. I think they come back on defense this season.” The secondary will start Drayton Florence opposite Rashean Mathis but will need a better pass rush then they got last season from the front four.
Expectations are high in Jacksonville, “they really think they are ready to challenge the Colts in the south,” explained Frenette. However, even if they knock off the Colts this season, there will be other challengers to the AFC throne. New England will be there, San Diego and of course the Colts. Are the Jags ready to get into those teams category, time will tell, my guess is yes.
Next up : Chicago Bears
This is a series called “2-A-Days” that will preview two teams per day every day this month, where Mike Gill will interview a beat writer or radio personality who covers the team on “The Mike Gill Show” on ESPN Radio 1450 , weekdays from 3-6pm
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