Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is known for his usually funny, thoughtful disposition in addition to his versatile skills on the football field.
That’s why it’s so surprising to hear him rip into his offense, criticizing the direction of the team Wednesday.
Jones-Drew pointedly questioned the team’s play-calling, saying that he was the second-highest paid “decoy” in the league, behind Reggie Bush. (Ouch.)
“It just seems like now if we don’t get 30 yards [rushing], we just go away from it,” said Jones-Drew. “I’ve never been a part of a team like that.”
We wanted to hear Jones-Drew’s tone to see if he said some things in jest, but the Associated Press made it pretty clear how frustrated MJD is. These are the types of things that happen after 41-0 losses.
The team has used three different starting lineups on the offensive line in the last three weeks, often rotating first-round tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in and out of the lineup.
“That’s a big issue,” Jones-Drew said. “How can you get continuity, how can you get chemistry going on when guys are rotating in and out? That doesn’t happen.”
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio knows the outburst comes from one of Jones-Drew’s best qualities.
“He’s a supreme competitor, and we really love that about him,” Del Rio said.
Jones-Drew says the team is fighting for respect now.
“Right now, no one respects us. We just got blown out. We didn’t put up no points . . . Who respects that? What do you think St. Louis is going to come in here and do?”
Most people would think that the Rams will come in and lose; they are ten-point underdogs. The Jaguars play three straight winless teams, so Jones-Drew has an excellent opportunity to turn his frustration into victories.