Quote:Donovin Darius is on with Dempsey and Garrard on the Jags show on 1010XL, and he's talking about the fact that he's been mentoring for the Jaguars for the past couple of seasons, and specifically working with Cyprien and now Josh Evans.

 

He was asked about what he thought was the reason for the struggles this defense is having right now, particularly in pass coverage.  He talked about the fact that it's not the coaching or the play calling that's really hurting these players.  He said it's the fact that you've got so much youth on the team, particularly in the secondary, that these players need to develop a routine where they're working overtime on technique, and understanding the fundamentals of their positions.  Right now, he said that the younger players are struggling to understand things like the difference between cover 2 and cover 3, contain, etc.  He said that it's a matter of the young guys buckling down and putting the time in, and he's doing his part to mentor these guys to help them to develop a work ethic that will allow them to succeed.

 

Anyone who knows where Darius is coming from knows that this guy was the king of routine, and nobody was going to outwork him when it came to developing his skills as a player.  To hear that he is in there working with the youngsters to help them develop is a great move by Gus.  Darius was saying that Cyprien has developed, and it's showing on the field in how he's recognizing things more quickly.

 

 

I've been saying this. It's lack of discipline. Just because you get the job doesn't mean you don't have to put in the time and work. These guys have talent and have been told most of their lives that talent will get them where they want to be. And in high school and college that can be true. What no one seems to tell them is when they get to this level everyone (for the most part) is talented. Now they actually have to WORK.

 

I'm so glad Donovin is working with them. They need this work ethic instilled into their pysche. I think it would make a world of difference.

---