Wasting little time since being hired this past Tuesday, new General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars David Caldwell dismissed Mike Mularkey from head coaching duties. While Mularkey only had one year with the Jaguars and given little talent to work with, Jaguars camp has indicated a desire to present a new direction to fans as soon as possible. Both Caldwell and Mularkey were hired from previous positions on the Atlanta Falcons, but Mularkey’s offensive strategy did not translate to the young, directionless Jaguars.
Fans can point to the 2-14 record, juggling of players at the quarterback position, and lack of evolution in play calling on both sides of the ball all as reasons for Mularkey’s dismissal, yet the Jaguars’ players hold equal responsibility for the team’s distress. Countless dropped balls, missed tackles, and lack of stamina towards the end of the game have plagued the team for the past two years. The only functioning aspect of the Jaguars is owner Shad Khan who has been quick to make decisions regarding office and coaching personnel. So, if the team is cleaning house off the field, are any of the players on the field safe?
Although it may be too early to start speculating trade negotiations, I am confident in stating not a single player on the Jacksonville Jaguars is safe. If the team is unwilling to keep a coach after one year, they will certainly not keep an incrementally developing quarterback such as Blaine Gabbert or slightly more experienced Chad Henne, who has been unable to close a game. Long time players such as Marcedes Lewis and Rashean Mathis should already be calling their agents after two years of little production on their respective sides of the ball. Previously disappointing draft picks such as Derek Cox will also be on the chopping block in order to free up more cap space to acquire bigger, better names. Let’s do the league a favor, though, and not scratch after Tim Tebow.
Since the hurried rumors out of the New York Jets camp announced Tim Tebow would be all but thrown out of New York by his belt loops, Jacksonville fans renewed their hopes of Tebow’s homecoming. However, we cannot forget about owner Shad Khan’s push towards a direction, not a leap to a player like Tebow, who can only present his bench burn as recent accomplishments. Sure, Tebow brought the Broncos to the playoffs a couple of years ago, but could not find a rhythm past late game comebacks. If the Jets worked Tebow at all during practice, they did not give him the chance to innovate the NFL offensive mindset like they promised during the 2012 offseason. Fans only need to watch the Jets’ run the play clock to zero in the Wildcat formation to let go of Tebow mania. If the hometown hero had developed in any significant way, he would have seen more playing time. Just look at the San Francisco 49ers quarterback switch this year if you don’t believe me.
Additionally, star running back Maurice Jones-Drew is entering his final year of contract under the Jaguars. Shad Khan likely won’t forget MJD’s one sided contract negotiations during training camp this past season. Yet, MJD still holds the only allure the Jaguars have to offer in offensive production. I would not be surprised if the team cautiously advertises MJD if only to see the likelihood of other players recognizing the small market, fresh start opportunity. Unless the former rushing leader is unable to produce after his foot surgery, fans can rest assured MJD will be around for one more year.
Whomever the new head coach ends up being will ultimately dictate the future of the Jaguars. Since new, untested coaching blood did not earn the team any more W’s, hopefully one of the eight veteran coaches let go this year such as Norv Turner or Lovie Smith will be better suited to start the re-rebuild of our Jaguar cubs.
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