Gus is a defensive minded head coach. The current trend on the boards is that the Jags will use their 3rd overall pick on a defensive player. We've acquired a number of very good defensive free agents that fit Gus's defensive scheme...This is all well and good... if you're a coach who wants to highlight your defensive coaching skill. It isn't necessarily a recipe for a winning team however.

 

At the moment, the Jaguars appear lopsided; the emphasis is definitely on the defense. The seahawks had a great defense too... it also had a very good offense that helped make that defense look good. Balance. It is very much about balance, and the Jags aren't. 

 

Here's the thing; a defense is by definition reactionary...it responds to what an opposing offense is doing. A team that is defensive minded and has an inept offence may put up great defensive numbers. How could it not? It's defense will be on the field most of the time since it has no real offensive threat. For an offense to be a threat in the modern NFL, it has to have at least a respectable passing threat. To date, the most touchdowns passes thrown by a Jaguar quarterback was by David Garrard. Nearly half of the other NFL teams equaled or bettered his record last season. To repeat, to be an offensive threat, you need what your opponents would regard as at least a credible passing threat.

 

We have capable receivers; world ending superstar receivers are like world ending superstar punters; not required. All that is required is receivers that run accurate routes, reasonable speed, and who can catch and hold on to the ball more often than not if the pass is catch-able. You need an offensive line that can allow a quarterback enough time to drop and give him 3 seconds to look and pass or tuck and run. We didn't have that during the Gabbert era. But the real key, the biggest factor is the quarterback himself; a good quarterback elevates everyone's play around him. A mediocre quarterback will sometimes make a big play; but mostly he'll just be a game manager...nothing special. What's more, he won't inspire effort from those around him. Mediocrity is infectious; all you have to do is look at the teams from last season with losing records and you'll see teams with mediocre quarterbacks. The quarterback is the leader; as he goes, usually so goes the team. There have been exceptions of course; The Ravens when Ray Lewis was there for example. That is the exception however, not the norm.

 

The jags need a franchise quarterback more than any other position. Until we get one, we'll continue to be losers. Period.

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