Quote:I am happy for Mathis. He is one of my all time favorite Jaguars on and off the field. I don't think he ever got the credit he deserved while he was here.

 

 Rashean Mathis was one of the favorite Jaguars players to watch.    I mentioned the following on the Jaguars section of the previous version of the MB back in March when it became known that the Jaguars and Mathis were going their separate ways but it's worth repeating.   Back in the middle of the 2004 season,   when the Jaguars beat the Lions in OT on a David Garrard to Jimmy Smith TD pass,    Mathis had the best performance at CB that I saw in the NFL that entire season.   Along the lines of what you mentioned,   not only didn't Mathis get the credit he deserved from a significant portion of the Jaguars fan base,  he was one of the most underrated players in the entire NFL for many years.   

 

  When I found out that the Lions signed Rashean Mathis back in August,   I was certainly happy about the news.    Yet,  I thought he would be more of a fill in piece at Nickel Back,  CB,  and Safety.  Bringing good intangibles.    Never did I expect Mathis to become a key piece to the Lions puzzle that is an essential part of the team.   On top of the winning caliber play Mathis has provided,  he's a mentor to both young CB's Darius Slay and Bill Bentley.   He's an ultimate professional.    I can't stress enough that I hope the day comes after Mathis'  playing career that he's inducted into the Jaguars Pride Ring of Honor.   IMO,   Rashean Mathis is easily one of the 5 best Defensive players in the 19 season history of the Jacksonville Jaguars.   

---