Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey wants out of Jacksonville, and according to his agent, has requested a trade. On Sunday, Ramsey and head coach Doug Marrone got into it on the sidelines during the Jaguars’ 13-12 loss to the Texans, which may have led to the trade request. Additionally, Ramsey has been open about wanting a contract extension, which to this point, has not and will probably not happen in Jacksonville.
Now, it’s up to the Jaguars to either work things out with Ramsey or find the right home for the two-time Pro Bowler, and with the Jaguars hosting the Titans on Thursday, it should be interesting to see how Jacksonville handles this situation.
Today, Ramsey addressed the trade rumors. Here is a full transcript below:
Ramsey: “I know it’s a lot going on in the media these past couple days, a lot of speculation and nobody’s really heard from me. On Sunday after the game, I was told I didn’t have to talk, that’s why I didn’t talk, it wasn’t anything against you all. But yeah, I wanted tot talk as soon as I could today just because I really don’t want it to be a distraction for my teammates getting ready for a game on Thursday. And right now, I’m still a part of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and I’m happy about that and I’m getting ready for the game as well. And that’s where my focus is right now. I’ve been in meetings. I’ve been taking my notes. I’ve been getting ready for our walkthroughs and our practices and everything we have to do out there.
“Also, I’ve seen a couple fake things out there in the media right now that I don’t love the city, that I don’t love the fans, just whatever speculation. None of that is true. I love Duval. The city embraced me. The fans have embraced me since I’ve been here. Just last night I was at Ruth Chris’ [steak house] and they were showing [a] hell of love. So, it’s nothing like that. I love the city. I love the fans, man. Ever since I’ve been here in Jacksonville, since I was drafted here, I’ve done nothing but give the city my all. I think everybody knows that. They’ve gotten some really good years out of me and forever long I’m going to be here I’m going to continue to give it my all out there. All I care about is winning, everybody knows that. I want to [expletive] win. Straight up. Excuse my language, but everybody knows that. That’s who I am. That passion, that fire, that heart. That’s what you all love. And I’m going to continue giving that as long as I’m here. I know you all have a lot of questions. I really don’t want to answer too many questions from everybody, there’s a lot of people in here today. I don’t want to answer every single little question that you have about different situations and what came about to lead to this point. I have nothing bad or negative to say at all about anybody in this building. Shit happens. It is what it is. I think everybody for the most part knows what’s up. So, I don’t really too much want to speak on it and give no detail. I’m going to let God do his work and let my agent do his work and everybody’s going to work it out. And I’m going to focus on what I can focus on, and right now, that’s being a good teammate still while I’m here. Get ready for the game, supporting my guys and just being Jalen at the end of the day.”
(On if he is saying that he does not want to be traded)
Ramsey: “I’m focused on this Thursday. Focused on being the best teammate I can be while I’m here in Jacksonville.”
(On why he wants a trade)
Ramsey: “I’m super excited to play this Thursday, truly. I’m excited to go back out there and suit up with my dog Myles [Jack]. I’m so happy that man just got paid, I told you all that last time I came in here. It’s still pay Yan[nick Ngakoue]. I want Yan to get paid. I want all my dogs to go out there and ball. I want to ball with them on Thursday if I’m still here and yeah, I’m in a real good space right now. I’m at peace. Last week I came in here real positive, I’m still on that.”
(On if he thinks he’s causing a distraction to his teammates)
Ramsey: “Let’s be clear about something in regard to that. I didn’t leak that information. Me and my agent, we are not the ones who leaked that information, and I was very strict about that, because I did not want it to get out, and I didn’t want to be a distraction. I didn’t want everybody asking my teammates all types of questions throughout the week. So, let me be real clear about that; I was not the one. Me and my team, we were not the ones that leaked that information because I thought about my teammates. I thought about stuff like that. So, you need to ask the other side or whoever.”
(On what he will do if he cannot be traded)
Ramsey: “I’m excited for this Thursday. I’m going to go out there like I do every single game, and I’m going to give it my all. Regardless of the emotion, regardless of if I’m mad or not. Last week I had a good-ass game. The best receiver in the NFL – held him to what, probably his worst stat line in two years? And nobody’s really talking about that. I’m going out here, I’m playing my ass off. I’m giving it all for my teammates like I always do, and they know that. That’s who I do it for. I do it for God and my teammates, I really don’t care about anybody else [or] what they think.”
(On if the trade request had been building up to this point)
Ramsey: “I don’t want to keep running around your questions. I’m not trying to be rude or anything, but at the same time I don’t want to answer them either. Because I don’t want to be a distraction. I know you all are going to make the headlines off of one little thing I’m going to say, so I’m trying not to say anything for you all to really get a headline. I know the deal, and I don’t want to give you all a headline because I don’t want it to become a bigger thing around here. That’s pretty much it, so, I’m chilling. I’m trying to be a good teammate. I’m doing what I have to do, carrying on normally. Yesterday seven [Leonard Fournette] was at the crib. We were chilling at the crib getting treatment. Today I come in, talk to my teammates, we’re chilling. MJ [Myles Jack] in the back. J Rob [Josh Robinson] in the back, trying to come see what’s up with me. I’m good. I’m in a good space right now, and I’m trying to put out as much positive energy as I can to flow through my teammates. This is a short week, this is one of the toughest weeks in the NFL for teams. Getting ready for a division game on a short week, I’m not trying to add distractions on to these guys at all. So, I’m sorry I’m giving you all the runaround a little bit, but I know what it is, so I’m not really trying to give you all headlines.”
(On if he’s talked to management about his displeasure)
Ramsey: “I’m not going to talk about private stuff with you all [and] make private stuff public. But like I said, I have nothing bad to say about anybody, nothing negative to say about anybody here. I’ll keep that private.”
(On why he was upset on the sideline during the game)
Ramsey: “I play mad. I play mad all of the time. I play like that. I play with a lot of emotion all the time. That little incident, it was an incident. I don’t know when it happened, first quarter, second quarter, I’m not sure, but it didn’t carry on the whole game. We went out and we had a hell of a game the rest of the game, the defense, we played really well out there. The DBs [defensive backs], we strapped up, we did our thing. So, I didn’t let it affect my play, didn’t let it affect anything out there. What coach said; he said he didn’t recall what happened, right? So, I’ll go off of that.”
(On if he had a chance to talk with Head Coach Doug Marrone following the game)
Ramsey: “No, we didn’t talk to each other.”
(On if not getting a contract is most important factor to him wanting to play elsewhere)
Ramsey: “I don’t care about that. God’s going to work that out.”
(On if the way he is being used on defense is a factor for him wanting to play elsewhere as he is arguably one of the best cornerbacks in the league)
Ramsey: “No argument.”
(On if he is being properly used on defense)
Ramsey: “I have nothing negative to say about any of my teammates of course, none of my coaches. I don’t have anything negative to say. So, you’re not going to get that from me.”
(On if he feels the organization is on the right track in regard to re-signing or paying the correct players)
Ramsey: “I’m just here doing what I can do. I let God handle all of that. And when guys do get paid what they have earned and they’re deserving of, I’m super happy for them like I always [have] been for Myles [Jack]. Like I said, it’s still pay Yan. Yan needs to get paid. He’s an elite player.”
(On what needs to happen to for him to stay a Jaguar)
Ramsey: “I can’t answer that question for you honestly, so I’m not going to give you bullshit.”
(On being happy in training camp)
Ramsey: “I’m still happy. Don’t get it twisted now. I’m happy now. I’m totally at peace.”
(On if there was an instance where things took a turn in terms of his happiness)
Ramsey: “I’m not going to give you all what you all are reaching for right now. I don’t have anything negative to say about anybody. It’s straight positive energy from me, for real. Positive energy. Private conversations are going to stay private. You all can create stories and use headlines as you will, but you’re not going to get it from me. I’m just making you know, you’re not going to get it from me. I don’t have anything negative to say about anybody around here in this building. I have really good relationships with tons of people around this building. I’ve grown over my three years being here, three years [and] two games being here. I’ve built relationships that are going to last forever, whether I’m here or whether I’m gone, with the PR staff, with the community, with the equipment staff, training staff, janitors. Even you all, the media, we’ve grown over these three years. I didn’t really [expletive] with you all, now I do. I’m sorry with my cursing, but you all just got me talking a little bit. But yeah, I don’t have anything negative to say. This has been a great experience. This has been a growing experience. So yeah, I’m trying to keep that positive energy flowing.”
(On how he would respond if he was deactivated for Thursday’s game)
Ramsey: “I’m going to support the hell out of my teammates. As long as I’m a part of this team that’s all you’re going to get from me. I’m going to support the hell out of them. As long as I’m a part of this team, I hope they go out there and beat the hell out of people. I hope they win every game as long as I’m a part of this team. I have nothing but love for every player on this team. They go out there and they play their asses off. We have good vibes. I love that locker room. Those are my guys.”
(On why the organization would trade him)
Ramsey: “You’d have to ask them. We can go through a whole lot, but I don’t want to go through it.”
(On if he expects the team to grant his trade request with all of his accolades)
Ramsey: “Do I expect them? They may, they may not. I’m going to let God figure everything out. God, my agent. When I have conversations with him, we’ll figure some things out and we’ll go like that. But like I said, as long as I’m here you’re going to get everything out of me. I think you all know that, though.”
(On if he expected to be disciplined by the team after Week 2)
Ramsey: “For what?”
(On if he expected to be disciplined by the team after Week 2 for his actions on the sideline)
Ramsey: “I don’t recall.”
(On if the statement he made on the ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ podcast about wanting to play for either Tennessee or Las Vegas is still true)
Ramsey: “Is that what I said? Shout out to ‘Bussin’ With The Boys.’”
(On if he anticipates playing Thursday)
Ramsey: “Yeah, I think so.”
(On if Tennessee and Las Vegas would be ideal landing spots)
Ramsey: “You know I’m not going to answer your question.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a hard time getting into the end zone against the Texans on Sunday, but late in the game with the Jaguars down 13-6, they were able to put together a scoring drive, which ended with Gardner Minshew hitting D.J. Chark in the back of the end zone to cut the lead to one.
However, instead of going for the tie, the Jaguars decided to go for two, which ended up being unsuccessful as Leonard Fournette was denied the end zone on the two-point try, and the Jaguars would lose to Houston on the road 13-12. With the loss, the Jaguars fall to 0-2.
After the game, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone and players gave their thoughts on the decision to go for two.
Jaguars Head coach Doug Marrone:
Q: What went into the decision to go with Leonard Fournette up the middle when Fournette up the middle hadn’t had a lot of success during the game? What was the thinking there on that one?
Marrone: “We had a bunch of different plays called. So in other words, we had a play for Cover 0, we had a play for Red 2. We had a play for single-high man, we had a play for bear man, and really at the end of the day, we were fine with either one. Again, you come up a couple inches short and we lost the game. It was a decision that I made prior to
us getting the last possession. I said that if we returned the punt for touchdown with DD then I was probably going for go for the extra point. They said if we start driving this football and we score with a certain amount of time left, I said I’m going to go for two.”
DE Calais Campbell:
Q: Did every player on the sideline want to go for the two-point conversion?
Campbell: “Yeah, honestly from the angles we saw we were celebrating on the field. We thought that was two points. Obviously, I know it has to be definitive and that’s just the nature of the game. You put it in the referees’ hands, and it could go either way. But we made a lot of mistakes and we didn’t play as good as we could’ve, but we still had a chance to win at the end. So, it’s something we can learn from. We’ll grade the tape, and we’ll try to just keep getting better one game at a time.”
WR D.J. Chark:
Q: Did you like the call to go for two?
Chark: “Yeah. Because that’s the team we want to be. We don’t want to play it safe. We want to go get the win. Even after the call and the way it turned out, I still believe, like Myles (Jack) said, I believe that was a touchdown. I’m going to ride for my team, my coaches and Leonard (Fournette). And I think that we got that.”
RB Leonard Fournette:
Q: Can you talk about the last play, and from your vantage point did you think you got in the end zone?
“Yeah, I thought I got in when I reached the ball. But apparently, they (referees) thought otherwise.”
Q: When you all decided to go for it I assume most of you guys were thinking ‘Let’s go, let’s win it now,’
Fournette: “Yeah, we wanted to win. At the end of the day, that’s all this game is about is winning.”
Q: When you all decided to go for it I assume most of you guys were thinking ‘Let’s go, let’s win it now,’
Fournette: “It’s up to the Coach. He believed we that we could win it. We believed we could win it. It’s not just that play, but a lot of plays before that on both sides that kind of we could have sealed the game. But like I said, it’s football, things happen.”
QB Gardner Minshew:
Q: Did you like the call to go for two?
Minshew: “Yeah. Felt really good about the call. Had the right look. Leonard (Fournette) was close. I thought he got it. That’s how it goes sometimes. I bet ten times out of ten for him right there to get in there.”
Jaguars rookie QB Gardner Minshew was not expected to play much or at all in 2019. However, the unexpected happened. Last week against the Chiefs, in his first game as Jacksonville’s starter, QB Nick Foles suffered a broken left clavicle that will keep him out until at least November. Now, it’s Minshew’s show until Foles comes back or until the Jaguars decide otherwise.
The sixth-round pick out Washington State was impressive against Kansas City last Sunday. Minshew completed 22 of 25 passes for 275 yards, 2 TDs, 1 int. However, this week, Minshew will have to go on the road as the Jaguars(0-1) battle the Houston Texans(0-1) on Sunday.
When asked what his comfort level is with Minshew as the starter, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone has this to say.
“I don’t know,” Marrone said on Friday. “I don’t think I said anything earlier in the week; you know what I mean? Like I said, he’s a unique guy, and I think he’s going to be defined by how he plays on Sunday.”
You wonder what the patience level will be for Minshew. The Jaguars did acquire another young QB in Joshua Dobbs from the Steelers last week, and while the third-year player does not have a lot of experience, he does have more experience than Minshew.
It would be nice if Minshew could have another solid performance, but based on his experience and what we have seen in the preseason, don’t be surprised if he struggles against the Texans on Sunday.
Even in a loss, Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson showed the league that he is special. Against the Saints on Monday night, the third-year quarterback accounted for four touchdowns, including one on the ground, and he put the Texans in position to win before Saints K Wil Lutz made a 58-yard FG at the buzzer as New Orleans defeated the Texans 30-28 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
In his short time in the league, the 23-year-old Watson has proven to be a play-maker, and as he demonstrated on Monday night, has shown the ability to be clutch. In 2018, Watson had five game-winning drives.
According to Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone, whose Jaguars travel to Houston to face Watson and the Texans on Sunday, Watson could win MVP in 2019.
“(Watson)Probably competes for the MVP. I can’t say anything more than that,” Marrone said on Wednesday. “Last week, we saw the 2018 MVP in Patrick Mahomes who played like an MVP. We are going in and playing against another quarterback who has the same amount of skill, the same amount of ability, and I think it’ll be between those two guys who’s going to be the MVP. I’m sure someone else will start playing well down the road, but right now those guys just took it Week 1, but those two guys are playing really well.”
Last season, Watson threw for 4165 yards and 26 touchdowns, and he rushed for 551 yards and scored five touchdowns on the ground, and If Watson continues to play as well as he did on Monday, he would be in the running for MVP. However, Watson does take a lot of hits, and he was sacked six times against the Saints. All that must change if he wants to finish the season healthy, but for now, Watson is definitely off to a great start.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed QB Nick Foles on the team’s reserve/injured list, the club announced today. Foles broke his left clavicle on Sunday in the Jaguars’ 40-26 loss to the Chiefs. The eight-year veteran had surgery on Monday.
Foles, 30, is eligible for reserve/injured – designated for return, and if it were applied, Foles could return to practice after six weeks (the week of Oct. 21), and the earliest he could play in a game would be Week 11 at Indianapolis (Sunday, Nov. 17).
On Monday, the Jaguars acquired QB Josh Dobbs from the Steelers for a 2020 fifth-round pick. Pittsburgh originally drafted Dobbs in the fourth round (135th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. He did not see action during his rookie season and played in five games in 2018.
For Nick Foles and the Jacksonville Jaguars, 2019 did not start the way they expected. Foles, who signed a four-year $88 million contract in the offseason, is out indefinitely after breaking his left clavicle on Sunday, and unfortunately for the Jaguars, they would lose to the Chiefs 40-26.
Foles is expected to have surgery on Monday. The injury happened after Foles’ 35-yard touchdown pass to DJ Chark in the first quarter. After the throw, Foles was walloped by Chiefs DT Chris Jones. The 30-year-old Foles injured the same clavicle in 2014 while he was with the Eagles.
After the game, Foles discussed the injury and what’s next for him.
(On the injury) “Yeah it’s not the way you want to start your time here. It’s unfortunate but at the same time I’m going to stay positive and trust the good Lord in this time. Sometimes things don’t happen like we expect them to but we just have to have faith that it’s for a reason. I’m still grateful I get to be a part of this team. I’ll have surgery tomorrow to get this thing rolling and trust the good Lord for healing and be ready to roll when I am.”
(On how this injury compares to injury suffered in 2014) “This one’s worse than 2014. At the same time, I’m optimistic that it will heal quicker. I look forward to getting back out there with the guys and Gardner [Minshew II] did a great job stepping up. That’s not easy being a rookie against a talented team like the Chiefs. He did a really nice job of moving the chains, throwing a couple of touchdowns and being really efficient so I was really proud of him for stepping up. I’m going to be here to help him in any way possible.”
(On what he was told about the healing time span) “We don’t have a time span. We’re going to take it one day at a time. Ultimately just get the surgery done and also praying for [Head Team Physician Kevin] Kaplan to be ready to roll. I’m going to do everything I can to get back as quickly as I can to where I’m ready to roll.”
(On at what point he realized something was wrong) “I knew right when I hit the ground something was wrong. I felt it. The whole play, they did a nice job covering that route and all I remember is seeing DJ [Chark Jr.]. We’ve never thrown that route, that’s the first time I’ve thrown that route to him. It’s usually the underneath route but they did a nice job with their coverage. They mix it up and my gut told me just to release it. That’s why I play with feel and instincts. All I saw was two red jerseys in my face and I remember hitting the ground on the left side and feeling a crack. Then getting up and going to the sidelines to get checked. I just saw the play right before I walked in here and it’s unfortunate but at the same time, I’m trusting the good Lord.”
(On if he felt that Chris Jones’ tackle was excessive) “I don’t know, everything happened so fast. Chris Jones was my teammate in K.C. and I know he’d never want to do that. It was probably just one of those things, it was just unfortunate it happened. I landed on it wrong and it happens in this sport. We’ll keep moving forward. Chris [Jones] is a tremendous player and I gave him a hug after the game because I was excited to see him. He’s a bright, young player.”
(On if he injured the same collarbone in 2014) “Same side. Different place on the collar bone. The one in 2014 didn’t need surgery. It was a hairline fracture so it was a different situation. This was a complete crack.”
The Kansas City Chiefs offense was off the charts last season. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 5097 yards and 50 touchdowns, and became the second player in league history to throw for 5000 yards and 50 touchdowns, the Chiefs scored 565 points, which is third-most in NFL history.
With those numbers, this offense has to go down as one of better offenses in NFL history, and this week, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone talked about the Chiefs’ offense.
“When you follow the game, especially the history of the game which I love, and you guys know that I think ‘The Greatest Show on Turf”(1999-2001 Rams) always comes up when people think of offense,” Marrone said on Thursday as his Jaguars prepare to battle the Chiefs on Sunday. “I think normally anyone that follows the game thinks of that Rams team and what they have. And I like to think that I was part of something when we were in New Orleans and really rolling, and they’re still rolling with Drew [Brees]. I think you look at what [Rams Head Coach] Sean [McVay] has done at the Rams, and you look at people around the league, there’s a lot of them, really good offenses that have been around.
“And I think what probably separates Kansas City and puts them up there, obviously a great coaching staff and they have such great players and guys that have developed so quickly. You look at someone that’s thrown 50-plus touchdowns, there’s only three quarterbacks that have really done that, and the other two are Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. So, I think that it starts with the quarterback position and their quarterback’s obviously the league MVP and is an outstanding player. He’s done a great job, and they have some great people around him, so it’s going to be a great challenge for us, and we have to put a lot of work in. It’s a lot of guys. You stop one and then you have another. They’ve got a lot of talent on that side of the football.”
While Marrone is a big fan of “The Greatest Show Turf,” he does believe this Chiefs’ offense is in the conversation as one of the greatest offenses of all-time.
“I’d put them up there against anybody,” Marrone said about the Chiefs’ offense. “Yeah, I’d put them up there versus all those teams. I just don’t know which one is the team that you would think. Like I said, for me, I always think of the Rams offense, but in my mind, I love the history of the game, so there’s a lot of other great offenses that are even going on right now in the league and some in the past. But to answer your question, yes, they’re up there in that conversation and can easily be put up there with the best ones. That’s a credit to them and how they’ve performed.”
With the new rules that favor offenses, teams are going to put up a lot of points. This Chiefs’ offense put up a lot of points in 2018, and barring any injuries, will probably do the same in 2019.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have claimed fourth-year TE Seth DeValve (Cleveland), fourth-year RB Tyler Ervin (Baltimore), rookie LS Matt Orzech (Baltimore) and rookie RB Devine Ozigbo (New Orleans) off waivers.
To make room on the roster, the Jaguars released third-year DT Eli Ankou, fourth-year TE Ben Koyack and eighth-year LS Matt Overton. Additionally, the Jaguars placed RB Alfred Blue on their reserve/injured list. Blue is eligible for reserve/injured – designated for return.
DeValve, 6-3, 245, was selected by Cleveland in the fourth round (138th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft and recorded 48 receptions for 596 yards and four TDs in 41 games (10 starts) from 2016-18 with Cleveland.
Ervin, 5-10, 182, participated in Baltimore’s training camp in 2019 after spending the second half of the 2018 season on the Ravens’ practice squad. He was originally selected by Houston in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft and played in 25 games with the Texans from 2016-18.
Orzech, 6-3, 246, spent OTAs and training camp with Baltimore after signing with the Ravens as an undrafted rookie. He appeared in 45 games with eight starts as a tight end and contributed on special teams for Azusa Pacific, where his collegiate career spanned six years.
Ozigbo, 6-2, 225, signed with New Orleans as an undrafted rookie in 2019 and spent OTAs and training camp with the team. The Sachse, Texas native had 21 rushes for 92 yards in four preseason games for the Saints.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have reduced their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players, the club announced today.
The Jaguars waived or released the following players: OL Ka’John Armstrong, WR Tyre Brady, TE Donnie Ernsberger, CB Tae Hayes, WR Quadree Henderson, RB Elijah Hood, DL Mike Hughes, DL Lyndon Johnson, TE Charles Jones, WR Raphael Leonard, WR Tre McBride, QB Alex McGough, CB Quenton Meeks, TE Carson Meier, S Joshua Moon, CB Picasso Nelson, S C.J. Reavis, CB Saivion Smith, OL Bunchy Stallings, LB Connor Strachan, DL Kalani Vakameilalo, WR Michael Walker, CB Brandon Watson, DL Andrew Williams and TE Ethan Wolf.
The Jaguars waived/injured OL Donnell Greene, RB Devante Mays, OL KC McDermott and OL Leonard Wester. If they clear waivers, they will revert to the team’s reserve/injured list.
The Jaguars placed OL Ben Ijalana and WR Terrelle Pryor Sr. on the reserve/injured list
The Jaguars placed LB Jake Ryan on the reserve/non-football injury list. Ryan is eligible to come off the reserve/non-football injury list as early as Monday, Oct. 14 (six games).
The Jaguars now have 53 players on their active roster.
JAGUARS CURRENT 53-MAN ROSTER
OFFENSE (24):
Quarterbacks (2):
- 7 Nick Foles
- 15 Gardner Minshew II
Running Backs (3):
- 23 Alfred Blue
- 27 Leonard Fournette
- 30 Ryquell Armstead
Wide Receivers (6):
- 11 Marqise Lee
- 12 Dede Westbrook
- 16 C.J. Board
- 17 DJ Chark Jr.
- 18 Chris Conley
- 84 Keelan Cole
Tight Ends (4):
- 80 James O’Shaughnessy
- 83 Ben Koyack
- 87 Geoff Swaim
- 89 Josh Oliver
Offensive Linemen (9):
- 60 A.J. Cann
- 65 Brandon Linder
- 68 Andrew Norwell
- 69 Tyler Shatley
- 70 Brandon Thomas
- 74 Cam Robinson
- 75 Jawaan Taylor
- 76 Will Richardson Jr.
- 77 Cedric Ogbuehi
DEFENSE (26):
Defensive Linemen (10):
- 41 Josh Allen
- 54 Eli Ankou
- 55 Lerentee McCray
- 90 Taven Bryan
- 91 Yannick Ngakoue
- 93 Calais Campbell
- 94 Dawuane Smoot
- 95 Abry Jones
- 98 Dontavius Russell
- 99 Marcell Dareus
Linebackers (6):
- 44 Myles Jack
- 48 Leon Jacobs
- 52 Najee Goode
- 56 Quincy Williams
- 57 Joe Giles-Harris
- 59 D.J. Alexander
Defensive Backs (10):
- 20 Jalen Ramsey
- 21 A.J. Bouye
- 22 Cody Davis
- 25 D.J. Hayden
- 26 Jarrod Wilson
- 29 Josh Robinson
- 31 Breon Borders
- 36 Ronnie Harrison
- 37 Tre Herndon
- 42 Andrew Wingard
SPECIAL TEAMS (3):
Kicker (1):
Punter (1):
Long Snapper (1):
Thursday night marked the end of the NFL preseason, and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, it is time to focus on a season that could be full of promise, and while things are settled at the starting quarterback position, the backup QB position is not.
At this point, rookie QB Gardner Minshew, who was selected in the sixth round in this year’s draft, is the backup to Nick Foles but based on what we saw on Thursday night and throughout the preseason, the Jaguars can’t feel very comfortable.
Minshew, who started the game and played three quarters, completed only 11 of 26 passes for 79 yards, as the Jaguars fell to the Falcons 31-12 at TIAA Bank Field. In four preseason games, Minshew was unable to lead Jacksonville on a touchdown scoring drive.
After the game, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone gave his assessment on Minshew.
“You want to see him do better,” Marrone said. “It’s always in the back of your mind ‘Well, what if he was with this guy or that guy?’ But you want to see that production. It’s tough. There are times where I felt really good and times where I want to see more. It’s not from his lack of work ethic or lack of his effort or practice; he’s been pretty consistent in practices. A lot of the fans and people out there don’t see the practices every day, and the media doesn’t see him every day. All they’re able to look at is what goes out there on the field, and obviously, you’re going to want more, and Gardner wants more from himself, too, and you’re going to see that.
“A lot of times, quarterbacks and a lot of positions, most of the time, offensively, when you get better guys around you, you’re going to do better. It’s easier to evaluate if you had better guys around you and he doesn’t do well, then it’s easy, and you shouldn’t be around. I wish he was better; I don’t want to say more comfortable with it, but I wish there was more evidence to make it easier for him because he’s worked so hard and deserves it, but it’s what you do on the field.”
When asked if he was comfortable with Minshew as the backup, Marrone had this to say.
“If that’s what is elected to do, then I will be fine with it,” he said. “I learned a long time ago that it’s easy to go in there as a coach and demand, ‘I want better here, I want better here, I want better here,’ and you can go down the list and say that but I’ve always taken a lot of responsibility to make sure I develop players. The number one thing I learned when I came into the NFL and when I took over for the New York Jets, they were hounding me, telling me what it takes to coach in this league. I have to develop players. I understand that aspect of it, but at the same time, we as coaches have to realize we’re not going to have the perfect team. Not going to have the best players at each position and I think what makes the difference in coaches is being able to take these players and make them, as a whole, an unbelievable unit.
“It takes a lot of work from assistant coaches and coordinators to do that, but those are the things that you have to do. I don’t think anyone sits up there and is totally happy, there is always going to be better players and you have to love the ones you have and make them great because they want to be great.”
Not a very glowing endorsement for Minshew and you wonder if Jacksonville should and would be in the market for a backup quarterback. Obviously, no team is signing Colin Kaepernick, so you can take his name out of the mix. Would Jacksonville have any interest in Sam Bradford? Brock Osweiler? Matt Cassel? Who knows, but the team may have to do something before the start of the season because Mishew is not the answer right now.
