The Jaguars ranked dead last in the league in sack differential last season, generating next to no pressure defensively and struggling mightily to protect quarterback David Garrard. According to team website writer Vic Ketchman, Garrard “was hit more often than any quarterback in the league last year.”
Jacksonville took steps to shore up the pass rush by using its first four draft picks on athletic defensive linemen this April. Offensively, the team hopes to improve from within.
Strength coach Luke Richesson led a rigorous offseason conditioning program that, according to Richesson, resulted in the Jaguars’ roster getting stronger “without question; across the board.”
2009 No. 8 overall pick Eugene Monroe has shed a whopping 29 pounds since last year. ”He’s 17 percent body fat and he’s brutally strong,” observed Richesson. Monroe, a rookie holdout, will be the Jaguars’ starting left tackle on Opening Day.
“[Right tackle] Eben Britton was outstanding,” added Richesson. ”He stepped up in a leadership role. He’s 310 pounds and rocked up; he has an edge. He dropped body fat; there’s a measurable shift in muscle.”
Center Brad Meester is also down 15 pounds from last season, while mauling guard Vince Manuwai weighs in the 320s for the first time ever.
The Jaguars crumbled down the stretch of last season. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in the final seven games after posting a 5.1 clip in the first nine. After a 6-4 start Jacksonville dropped five of its last six contests, including a four-game losing streak to finish the year.
The team hopes its makeover on both lines will prevent a repeat.
Channel Finder
They should start selling their homes in Florida. They aren’t going to be there much longer.
I think Florio is trying to make up for all the crap he’s thrown at the Jags recently.
Yeeeeeuh Boooooyyyeeeeee!
Here we go Jaguars!!!!!
Don’t they feed these guys?
When the Jags start the season, the opposing D linemen are going to ask “What happened to those fat guys that were here last year?”
No way was Garrard hit more than Rodgers
If they have another losing season they might as well pack up for London or LA.
The idea of an NFL team in London before L.A. is just plain stupid. Do you think the BPL would put a professional soccer team in the U.S.?
Can’t see that happening.
Los Angeles Jaguars.
Actually has decent ring to it.
I guess they’re toning up from carrying all of their heavy cardboard moving boxes.
bye bye Jags.
HarrisonHits – Great post. Moron.
Who are these “Jaguars” that you speak of?
while mauling guard Vince Manuwai weighs in the 320s for the first time ever.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Ever? WOW! He must’ve been a GIANT FREAKING baby!
@lebowski: David Garrard was hit more than any other QB in the league. Aaron Rodgers has just been sacked the most in the league.
LOL…..OK
Is Del Rio a river in Deleware? Hit the road Jack. Lane Kiffin called, he needs a linebacker coach.
Why don’t all you LA dorks shut the f up, Never going to get a team. They will be no black outs in Jacksonville and they will stay there a very long time.
For cripes sake, lay off the Jags