ARE YOU READY FOR SOME MEANINGLESS FOOTBALL!? Ugh. Jags vs. Bills. Ratings galore. Crap on a roll or grease fire on top of a flaming swamp? It is going to be ugly and sad. Anyways, If you guys still care about this season, I decided to do a Q&A with the boys over at The Jagernaut. Enjoy and die.
1) How do you guys feel about Mike Mularkey so far?
Mike Mularkey is an interesting case. On one hand, it's becoming clear with Chad Henne's play that he stuck with Blaine Gabbert entirely too long. The Jaguars are 2-9, and that's not any good by any team's standards in the league. On the other hand, Chad Henne has made this offense look proficient in areas they had been nothing short of awful with Gabbert taking the snaps. It's noteworthy that I've never had the sense that the Jaguars quit, and that's a big issue for losing teams. Personally, I hope Mularkey does enough to get a second year as the head coach, and with a couple more wins, I think he'll be around for at least another year.
2) If you were the opposing defensive and offensive coordinator, how would you attack the Jags?
The Jaguars have had trouble running the ball since Maurice Jones-Drew went down. As an opposing team, I would leave seven in the box so long as the Jaguars didn't run too effectively. The Jaguars have morphed into a pass-reliant team, and if a team can shut down Henne and the Jaguars' receivers, the Jaguars are dead in the water.
3) How would you say Paul Posluzny has done in Jacksonville?
Paul Posluszny is the Jaguars' best defender. It's a cliche to say, but he has a big motor, and he never stops moving. He covers relatively well, but his strength is in pursuit, especially in the running game. He finds gaps in blocking and makes the tackle nearly every time. The Gene Smith era has been rough in terms of draft and free agent busts, but Posluszny is not one of those busts. He was a home run.
4) Do you see a future with Chad Henne and is Blane Gabbert finished?
As a whole, Chad Henne is probably working with his best offensive unit, including his years in Miami. I'm ready to stick a fork in the Blaine Gabbert era. He was given nearly two full years to develop into a mediocre quarterback, and it never happened. Considering the lackluster quarterback crop, I wouldn't be surprised if Henne sticks for a few years in Jacksonville.
5) How impressive have Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon been for you guys?
Since Chad Henne started taking snaps, Justin Blackmon appears to be a very consistent mid-range target. When he gets the ball in his hands, he's very dangerous in the open field. It's too early to label him as a successful/busted pick, but recent returns are positive. Cecil Shorts, a guy who didn't do anything last season, is the Jaguars' best receiver. He has good hands, runs great routes, and he has open field skills that allow him to turn a short completion into a monster gain. He's a playmaker.
6) What have you heard about the Jags future down there? I always here how the Jags/Bills are mentioned as possible LA teams.
The Bills are occasionally mentioned in relocation talks, as are the Jaguars. Recent news seems to point to other teams moving cities such as the Chargers or Raiders. I don't see a move in the imminent future. The Bills have an incredible amount of tradition, and the Jaguars are selling tickets better than many teams. For the foreseeable future, both these franchises are staying put.
7) What would you suggest for Bills and Jags fans on how to watch this game? Drugs, liquor or both?
This matchup between two poor teams provides fans a chance to try a unique drinking game. The goal here should be to stay sober. To play, you watch the game with a full bottle of your liquor of choice sitting beside you. Your goal is to avoid drinking as long as possible. If this game turns out like I think it will, you won't last more than a quarter.
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