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2005 Team Report: Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterbacks
Starter: Byron Leftwich
Starting QB: In 2004, Leftwich put up 2,941 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 10 INTs. This was an almost exact mirror of his rookie season (2,819 yards, 14 TDs, 16 INTs), while throwing for exactly 6.7 yards per attempt both seasons. Carl Smith, the Jaguars new offensive coordinator, has vowed to "throw the ball downfield" this season. Leftwich has been working for months with Smith on the new system. There is reason to believe that Leftwich will have the opportunity to work down the field, and raise his less-than-stellar average yards per attempt. The Jaguars rotation at WR of Jimmy Smith, Reggie Williams, and perhaps super-talented rookie Matt Jones is solid. Leftwich has the ability, but the system has held him back over the last two seasons. If the Jaguars do indeed open up the vertical attack, expect strong improvement. For fantasy purposes, Leftwich is best suited as a committee QB that you play when the matchup is favorable.
Backup QB: David Garrard is a strong, powerful QB who is almost impossible to wrestle down. He is excellent running in the open field, with balance, body control, a big powerful arm, with natural running ability. He could make it in the NFL as a RB, and certainly has all the tools to be a starter in this league. Garrard started two games for Byron Leftwich in 2004. He performed adequately with 374 passing yards, two TDs, and an INT. Jacksonville secured his services for the next three seasons with a $2 Million contract this offseason. Garrard will spend another year behind Byron Leftwich, working on his skill set. Expect nothing more than a clipboard carrier in 2005, who might get a couple of starts if called upon. He is still young, and Garrard has all the tools needed to become a NFL starter down the road, he's just not ready yet. Keep an eye on him for a few years from now.
Running Backs
Starter: Fred Taylor
Starting RB: Fred Taylor has maintained a career rushing average of 4.6 yards a carry. After carrying the moniker of "Fragile Fred" at the beginning of his career, Taylor played all 16 games in 2002 and 2003 and the first 14 games of 2004. In those 14 games, Taylor put up 1,224 yards with a 4.7 yard average. Taylor only scored a total of three TDs in 2004, with the Jaguars as a team scoring six total on the ground. The almost three-year run of playing in every game came to an end as Taylor missed two games late in the season with a sprained knee. Taylor underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to repair damage to the medial collateral ligament in the offseason, but has looked fast in the early part of training camp participating in non-contact drills. He will see his first preseason action in the third preseason game, on national TV agains the Falcons. Backup RBs: Toefield is a patient runner and an adequate receiver. Similar in style to Fred Taylor, he runs instinctively and finishes most of his runs. Toefield tore his ACL in high school, and has battled with a long list of injuries ever since. He filled in as a kick returner in the past and might return to that role when necessary, increasing his potential of injury. Pearman, an outstanding receiver who caught 63 passes as a junior at Virginia, is an intriguing rookie prospect. He could earn immediate playing time in a third-down role.
Fullback: When Jones was drafted, one of the selling points that the Jaguars used was that he could play a fullback/short-yardage/goal line role similar to Mike Alstott. After "backing up" Fred Taylor with LaBrandon Toefield last season, the Jaguars have moved Jones to the role of FB, opening up possible numerous short scoring opportunities for him. Jones is not a skilled pass receiver, and will miss a number of opportunities, as he cannot replace Fred Taylor in that role if needed. Jones slipped to the latter part of the 2003 second round for a reason, and it was as much due to his lackluster effort at the Senior Bowl as it was to his reconstructed knee. He didn't look particularly sharp this past season compared to his pre-injury days averaging only 2.6 yards a carry in 2004.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Jimmy Smith, Reggie Williams
Starting WRs: Although he is now 36, Jimmy Smith has averaged 85 receptions with 1,220 yards over the last 9 seasons in the NFL. That staying power continued in 2004 with 74 receptions, 1,174 receptions, and 6 TDs. Smith is far and away the #1 receiving option on the Jaguars. New OC Carl Smith has vowed to throw the ball downfield this season. Smith could get a huge boost from this new "air it out" philosophy, improving on his numbers over the past few years. The further development of Reggie Williams and new draft pick Matt Jones should go a long way to taking pressure off of Smith. Reggie Williams had a disturbingly quiet rookie season, but has all the tools to be an outstanding pro. He has worked hard in the offseason to improve, shedding ten pounds and entering training camp with renewed confidence. Early reports from camp have been exceptionally positive. Backup WRs: The Jaguars selected 6'6", 242 pound Matt Jones with the 21st pick of the first round. Jones started at QB at Arkansas, but comes into the league as a WR thanks in part to an outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl. Jones was an All-American at the position of "All Purpose Back." His speed should fit in with OC Carl Smith's intention to spread the field vertically. Jones was promoted to the third WR spot, operating out of the slot with the first unit, before the Jaguars' third preseason game. Chad Owens is another speedy (although undersized) receiver who was impressive in training camp.
Tight Ends
Starters: Kyle Brady
On the eve of the opening of free agency for 2005, the Jaguars decided to keep Brady, who is due to make a $1.9 million base salary this year, by paying him a $400,000 roster bonus. Without the bonus, Brady would have become a free agent. He is a blocking weapon, but is not featured in the passing attack. Brady missed the first part of the 2004 season over complications from an infected finger. By season's end, Brady played in 11 games, catching 14 passes for 103 yards and a TD while placing 51st in TE points in a league where there are only 32 teams. Brady is a much better blocker than receiver, but that won't help your fantasy team. Wrighster could develop into a capable receiver, but probably won't get enough playing time to be of any fantasy value as long as Brady is around. Place Kicker Josh Scobee : The rookie draftee won the epic battle over Seth Marler, Jeff Chandler, and Steve Christie in preseason last year. He went on to have a fair inaugural season: 24 of 31 FGs (77.4%) and 21 of 21 PATs. He actually performed better on the road - hitting 13 of 14 FGs (92.9%). His strong leg on kickoffs led to 11 touchbacks. Seth Marler "lost" last year and was placed on IR. The team saw enough promise in his development that they kept him. 8/26/05 Update: the team is apparently confident in Scobee. They traded Marler to Dallas, however he failed the physical and the deal fell through. Marler was released several days later. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Derrick Wimbush, Chad Owens, LaBrandon Toefield, Alvin Pearman Undrafted rookie RB Derrick Wimbush secured a roster spot with stellar preseason, and he opens the season as the top KR. RB David Allen was the primary KR in 2003 (41 returns, 20.3 avg) and shared the role in 2004 (11 returns, 19.1 avg) with WR Troy Edwards (15 returns, 22.3 avg) and WR Jermaine Lewis (waived in December). Allen was released in the final round of roster cuts. RB LaBrandon Toefield (14 returns, 19.4 avg in 2003) has been used on occasion. Fourth round draft pick RB Alvin Pearman will probably also factor into the competition. Punt Returners: Chad Owens, Alvin Pearman Sixth round draft pick WR Chad Owens returned punts (14.8 avg) for Hawaii last year and won the top PR spot by the end of preseason. His 531 yards was second in the nation, and he scored five times. Incumbents Edwards (3 returns, 8.7 avg) shared time last year with the departed Lewis. Pearman had an 11.2 yard average and one TD for Virginia last year. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Maurice Williams, RG Chris Naeole, C Brad Meester, LG Vince Manuwai, LT Mike Pearson
The Jaguars offensive line is one of the strongest in the NFL already, and it has the youth necessary to continue growing and improving over the next couple of seasons. Center Brad Meester, guard Vince Manuwai, and tackle Maurice Williams all have Pro Bowl talent, and tackle Mike Pearson has the potential to play much better than he has in the past. Williams has developed into an elite tackle with his tremendous power and aggressive attitude. Manuwai has become a top guard after only two NFL seasons. His blend of strength, quickness and balance allows him to dominate defenders. Meester doesn't do anything great but is very solid in every aspect of the game. Even when it comes to the depth department, the Jaguars are set with three strong players capable of coming off of the bench to start. The sky is the limit in 2005 and beyond. Team Defense The Jacksonville Jaguars were 11th in the NFL in total defense, 11th in rushing defense and 7th in points allowed. Overall, Jacksonville fans should be pleased with those results, especially considering the team had to play the Colts twice. Head Coach Jack Del Rio, an ex-NFL star linebacker who had a reputation as a tough guy, has molded the team in his image. Once a finesse-type defense, the Jaguars are now a power defense. Joining Del Rio in the coaching ranks once again will be Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith. Where the Jaguars were once built around the offense, it's now a team that revolves around the defense. The Jaguars employ a 4-3 defense and in the offseason the defensive line was revamped with an emphasis on getting to the passer. The team moved quickly to acquire seasoned veteran Marcellus Wiley and up-and-coming Reggie Hayward to play on the ends. Meanwhile, the nucleus of linebackers and secondary remains intact. With a nice combination of veterans and youngsters, this should again be a solid unit. Defensive Line
Starters: DE Reggie Hayward, DE Paul Spicer, DT Marcus Stroud, DT John Henderson
Starting DL: Partially because of injuries that decimated the defensive line last year, and partially because of the lack of true pass rushers from the end spots, the Jaguars spent a large share of its free agent cash on signing Reggie Hayward, who had 10.5 sacks for Denver in 2004. Some questioned the move and believed it was too much to spend on a player with limited skills, but there's little doubt Hayward will provide more pass rush than the ends provided last year. Paul Spicer will begin the year as the starter opposite Hayward. He has played for the Jaguars for 5 years and started the first two games of 2004 before hurting his knee. Spicer is a hard worker and solid defender against the run who could be replaced on passing downs. The guys in the middle are the main cog for the Jaguars defense. The team has two legitimate superstars in DTs John Henderson and Marcus Stroud. Henderson is 26 years old and is a 6'7", 328-pound run-stuffing powerhouse. He really emerged as an elite DT last year and was rewarded with his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Stroud is 27 years old and has over 150 total tackles and 15 sacks in the last three seasons (including 2 trips to the Pro Bowl). Stroud and Henderson are the best young DT tandem in the league. Backup DL: While Hayward should provide a big upgrade to the pass rush this year, the Jaguars also signed free agent Marcellus Wiley. The 30-year old Wiley has failed to top six sacks in a season since 2001, but he believes the Cowboys did not use him properly and is hoping for a rebound season. Another DE is Bobby McCray, who is only 23 years old and showed a little spark in his rookie year last year. McCray has excellent speed and had 3.5 sacks last year, starting a handful of games. He's one to keep an eye on.
Linebackers
Starters: MLB Mike Peterson, WLB Daryl Smith, SLB Akin Ayodele
Starting LBs: This is a very solid group and is led by Pro Bowler Mike Peterson. After a slight adjustment to the new defense after being traded to Jacksonville from the Colts in 2003, Peterson jumped back into form last year with almost 100 solo tackles and five sacks. Peterson continues to prove he is one of the best LBs in the game today. On the weakside look for second-year man Daryl Smith to enjoy a breakout season. Smith was a second round draft pick in 2004 and provides the kind of consistent play not often seen from such a young player. Smith has good strength and speed and should be a mainstay for the Jaguars for a long time. He had 52 total tackles, two sacks and an interception in 2004. The last outside spot belongs to Akin Ayodele. Ayodele is only 25 years old and has started the last 32 games for the Jaguars. 2004 was not quite as productive for him as 2003, but he still managed over 90 total tackles. Backup LBs: Tony Gilbert will begin the year listed as the backup at MLB, but if Peterson goes down to injury it is likely that Daryl Smith would move inside and Tracy White or rookie Pat Thomas would take over outside. The Jaguars claimed Tracy White off waivers from Seattle. White is a former undrafted free agent who got a chance to start two games for the Seahawks last year. Pat Thomas was a 6th round pick out of NC State who earned a prominent backup role with a strong preseason.
Defensive Backs
Starters: SS Donovin Darius, FS Deon Grant, CB Rashean Mathis, CB Kenny Wright
Starting DBs: Unhappy after being designated the team's franchise player for the third year in a row, Donovin Darius requested, and was granted, permission to seek a trade. Some trades appeared close to happening, but the team eventually signed him to a contract extension. The soon-to-be 30 year old hard-hitting Darius provides consistent production year in and year out. FS Deon Grant came to the Jaguars last year and did not disappoint. Grant has excellent size and athleticism and has a solid overall game. He had 50 solo tackles, a sack and a pair of interceptions in 2004. CB Rashean Mathis has proven to be a more than capable corner and is locked in at one spot. In two NFL seasons, Mathis has almost 150 total tackles and seven interceptions. Last year's starting CB Dewayne Washington is no longer with the team, and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Kenny Wright. Wright is a 7-year veteran who spent the last 3 years playing mostly as a backup for the Texans. Backup DBs: Deke Cooper has looked very good in limited action. At one point, it looked like Cooper had the first crack at the SS spot with Darius possibly leaving, but it appears now Cooper will have to be content with a backup role for the time being. Nick Sorenson played in all 16 games last year but his contribution will mainly come on special teams. Gerald Sensabaugh is a player with great physical tools who the Jaguars drafted in the 5th round and may consider using at cornerback if necessary. Along with Wright, Terry Cousin was signed to provide some much needed depth in the secondary. Cousin, an eight-year NFL veteran, played for Del Rio while with Carolina and has had some good years. The team also drafted Scott Starks out of Wisconsin with their 3rd round pick. Starks is a smaller CB at only 5'8" who is probably better suited to line up as a nickel back.
Last modified: 2005-09-06 09:48:04
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