Tag: JacksonvilleJaguars

Doug Pederson hoping to retain DJ Chark Jr. as a key contributor for Jags offense

While Doug Pederson hasn’t been the Jags’ coach a full month yet, he likes DJ Chark’s skill set and would love to work with him in 2022.

Doug Pederson has been the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coach for nearly a full month, and with the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine now here, the process of acquiring talent is about to ramp up. After making their evaluations in Indianapolis, they will then look forward to free agency, where most feel the Jags need to make many splash signings.

That will also include retaining some of their pending free agents. Receiver DJ Chark Jr. is one of the most notable names of the group that many fans have been vocal about keeping, and it appears Pederson agrees.

In a radio appearance on 1010XL’s “Jaguars Today,” Pederson said he viewed Chark as one of the team’s offensive standouts and wanted to work with him in the future.

“On offense, we mentioned Trevor [Lawrence], but when you take him away, you think about James Robinson, you think about Travis Etienne, you think about even, you know, hopefully, we get DJ Chark back,” Pederson said when speaking on players who stood out to him. “You think about some of these younger receivers that we do have and there is some skill and ability there that we are excited as a staff to get going with. 

“We have some work to do, obviously. It’s not there yet and that is why we are here. We are evaluating, and we are going to add some talent, add some depth through free agency and the draft and, you know, that is the process and that is what helps you win.”

They currently have around $56.8 million available in cap space, so the money is there for them to pay Chark. However, the tricky part about retaining him is figuring out the type of deal to give Chark.

Chark’s contract year didn’t go that well, as he only played in four games due to a season-ending ankle injury that occurred against the Cincinnati Bengals. As a result, he added 13 missed games to his career total in addition to the nine he already had (bringing his total to 22).

However, the argument could be made that he’s the most talented receiver on the roster and does give them speed on the perimeter, something they missed greatly last season. His 2019 season was his best (went to the Pro Bowl after garnering 1,008 receiving yards), and if the new staff can get him back to that level of play, it would be huge.

If the Jags can get him back on a short-term deal that would be the best move for the team at the moment. But even if the team comes to a deal with the fifth-year player, they still would need to find a No. 1 receiver to play alongside him.

Brandon Linder lands at No. 6 spot of PFF’s center rankings for 2021

One of the luxuries Trevor Lawrence will have this season is having one of the best centers in football in front of him.

Despite the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 1-15 record in 2020, there are several pieces from last year’s offense who will be a crucial part of getting things right in 2021. Center Brandon Linder is one of them, and as one of the best centers in the NFL, he’ll need to continue his success as Trevor Lawrence is now in town.

Heading into the 2021 season it appears Linder still has the respect he’s worked hard to garner over the last seven years as Pro Football Focus ranked him sixth on their evaluations of the league’s top-32 centers. While he only played in nine games last season, PFF analyst Ben Linsey not only acknowledged him as one of the best centers in the league since his selection but also as the Jags’ top offensive lineman. 

6. Brandon Linder, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville’s roster didn’t have a lot going for it in 2020. That tends to be the case for a 1-15 team. Linder, the Jaguars’ top offensive lineman, playing in just nine games was one thing that went wrong. It flew under the radar because he doesn’t have the same Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition as some other names atop this list, but he has been one of the best centers in the league over the past seven years. The only three centers with a higher PFF grade than Linder (87.4) since he entered the league in 2014 are Travis Frederick, Jason Kelce and Alex Mack.

Of course, as we mentioned above, the key for Linder in 2021 is staying healthy as he’ll have the No. 1 overall pick behind him. He’s missed 34 games since being drafted while starting in 79. Still, even with the injuries, there clearly aren’t many centers fans should want in front of Lawrence aside from Linder. Not to mention he was also the leader of a line that aided James Robinson to a phenomenal rookie season as a rusher.

Despite just playing in nine games, Linder registered a PFF figure of 80 last season. If he can do that in 2021 and play in the range of 13 games or more, it would be huge for Lawrence and the offense who will likely have to lead the team when considering the number of new faces on defense.

Jags Week 13 inactives: Starting CB Sidney Jones to miss his third game

The Jags will be without their best cornerback as they take on the Vikings Sunday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars listed six players to their inactives list for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The group included three of the five players who were ruled out Friday in cornerback Sidney Jones IV (Achilles), and linebackers Dakota Allen (hamstring) and Kamalei Correa (hamstring).

As for the others, quarterback Jake Luton, tight end Tyler Davis, and defensive end Reggie Gilbert were also listed

Of the names on the list, Jones is the biggest as he’s their best cornerback. Sunday’s game will be the third he’s missed for the Jags and his presence has clearly been missed when looking at the Jags’ struggles to stop their opponents top receivers. It’s also hurt them as far as turnovers goes because he leads the team in picks with two and has also caused a forced fumble.

Taking his place in the lineup will likely be rookie Luq Barcoo, who flashed last week against Cleveland. It was his second game as an active player and he finished it with four tackles, one of which was for a loss.

As for the Vikings, tight end Irv Smith Jr. was amongst their notables to be listed on the inactives list.

Rashad Jennings And Ice Cream: Favorite Flavors And Store

Former Jacksonville Jaguars, New York York Giants and Oakland Raiders RB and “Dancing With The Stars” champion Rashad Jennings is also an ice cream buff. He and Michelin star chef Aliya LeeKong discuss the taste and places they love the best.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars, New York York Giants and Oakland Raiders RB and “Dancing With The Stars” champion Rashad Jennings is also an ice cream buff. He and Michelin star chef Aliya LeeKong discuss the taste and places they love the best.