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Jack Del Rio believes in defense. And hard-nosed football.
Del Rio, entering his eighth season as the Jacksonville Jaguars' coach, believes in those things to his core, and because he does, he has made every effort for nearly a decade to shape the team in that fashion.
There's only one catch, as Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union pointed out this week: That's not really the Jaguars anymore.
While the Jaguars, with Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew the focal point of the franchise, have maintained their identity as a hard-edged, running offense, a defense that once was one of the best in the NFL hasn't been that in the last two years.
The Jaguars' defenses, as Frenette noted, were "hideous" the past two seasons and just so-so during 2007, the last year the Jaguars made the postseason.
It's likely no coincidence that the Jaguars' slip from a contending team came when then defense eroded. For three seasons, from 2004-2006, it was the identity of a team that at times was on the cusp of emerging as a legitimate conference contender.
This season, Del Rio is vowing a return to that identity.
"It starts up front," Del Rio said. "I think those guys give us a reason to be optimistic about what we can do on defense. Our linebackers are good. Our front is very good. We're going to have a good defense this year. I really believe that."
The Jaguars toward that ended drafted defensive tackle Tyson Alualu in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, and signed free-agent defensive end Aaron Kampman from the Green Bay Packers. The focus, among others, was to improve a pass rush that registered 14 sacks last season.
"Right now, the word that comes to mind with this defense is potential," veteran safety Sean Considine said. "Everybody knows how potential works. You got to go out there and do it.
"If we're going to take that next step here down in Jacksonville, we need to have players that you might not look at as play-making guys come out this year and be that guy. Having average or middle-of-the-pack starters having career years. That's what's going to take this team to the next level."
Considine, who played on a Top 10 defense in Philadelphia two years ago, may well be right, and in his honesty is the key to the Jaguars' defense. While it's true that the Jaguars may need career seasons from unexpected sources to be a big-time defense, that's not a high percentage way to win.
Still, if they can accomplish the unexpected the team may not only be on its way to regaining an identity. It could have a chance to regain its status as a contender.
Jaguars Coach Jack Del Rio Says Defense Will Be Improved This Season
Sep 2, 2010 – 9:41 AM
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