Quote:Exponential improvement the first 3 seasons under Del Rio, and a postseason berth to cap the third

 

2003: 5-11

2004: 9-7

2005: 12-4 (Playoffs)

 

By comparison, in the current regime

 

2013: 4-12

2014: 3-13

2015: TBD

 

In essence, Del Rio was also starting over with the drafting of Byron Leftwich, followed by the much discussed failed 1st rounders in Reggie Williams and Matt Jones in 04 and 05 consecutively, with just-guys like Troy Edwards, George Wrightster, JJ Stokes, Mathew Hatchett on offense, along with Mike Pearson and Maurice Williams bookending the Oline.

 

On defense, big free agent signing, Who?, failed epically, with effort guys like Rob Meier, Lionel Barnes and wily ole vet Paul Spicer patching the line, serviceable LBs in Akin Ayodele and Danny Clark (Mike Pete, we'll call good), and so-so contributions from Jason Craft, Marlon McCree, Deke Cooper, Kiwaukee Thomas and co on the back end.  Double D developed game, Fernando Bryant, not so much.

 

I acknowledge that the age and experience of players in the current era are limited, and that JDR started with a dash of elite in Fred and Stroud (Big Hen was just in year 2, Mathis was a rookie in 03, Jimmy and TBrack were approaching twilight).  Yet still, was the overall strength of personnel that much greater in the JDR/Shack beginnings compared to now, or did we underrate their accomplishments back then?

 

Indeed, we have moved on, but I'd appreciate some feedback from those who can truly compare the formative years of both eras.  Arguably, JDR had better players overall to start his Jags career, but is the difference that marked to produce such a disparity in results from then to now?  Plus, we were still reeling from cap jail; prime talent acquisition was an issue.

 

Fast forward to his last year as head coach in 2011 with the debilitating draft of Gabbert, Garrard's disruptively-timed and hex-illiciting release, Luke McCown as impromptu opening day QB, and a D on its last breath, they still conjured 5 Ws.  In JDR's tenure, we went from average/good, which many jeered at, to this; the most futile stretch in franchise history.  But, we craved full consistency.  Let's tear down and build a long term squad. 

 

So for now, we'll hold on to the cushy mantra of heading in the right direction, as the rest of the league pauses to allow us to surpass em.  Yet, as it stands now, who can reasonably say we may even reach 0.5 in year 3 of the latest rebuild?  I am genuinely curious to see what happens in Oakland if Del Rio is given a second chance, especially in familiar territory.  If I had to choose, based on the above, I will try him out again.  Shanahan is rehashed, grumpy and archaic.

 

To fellow posters from the days of Yore, kindly pass on my regards to Jagrams and Skeeter.  It's been ages.  Happy new year to all and may our fortunes take an overdue turn upwards.  Go Jaguars.

 

 

J. Wright