Now that he’s back from his ACL tear from 2019, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end James O’Shaughnessy is excited to see what 2020 holds on the gridiron. A key reason for that is his eagerness to play in Jay Gruden’s new scheme, which has already implemented some things that the well-traveled veteran hasn’t seen yet.
In a digital presser with the media on Tuesday, O’Shaughnessy discussed his outlook on playing for Gruden and also discussed what he’s done to learn the new system.
"I've been with some pretty good OCs and offenses with the Chiefs and Patriots, so I've seen a lot. I saw concepts I've never seen before."@JOShaughnessy80 is impressed by Coach Gruden's offense. pic.twitter.com/azAhzANFJz
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) August 18, 2020
“Well, [the] offense is amazing. It has a West Coast background, but it has new wrinkles that I haven’t seen before and I’ve been with some pretty good OC’s offenses before with the [Kansas City] Chiefs and the [New England] Patriots. So, I’ve seen a lot and I saw concepts I’ve never seen before and that was cool to see,” O’Shaughnessy said.
“From the tight end standpoint, watching the film, studying what they’ve done with other tight ends, like [San Francisco 49ers TE] Jordan Reed, [San Francisco 49ers TE] Vernon Davis, Eifert back in Cincinnati. I mean, there’s a lot of optimism for everybody in the room.”
The veteran playing under Bill Belichick’s and Andy Reid’s schemes is certainly nothing for fans to overlook, as both have coached some great offenses and have had great success at tight end. That said, O’Shaughnessy’s words should excite fans heading forward, especially when considering how he flourished with Gardner Minshew under center early in 2019,
With the Jags entering this offseason with concerns at tight end, the recent foot injury to Josh Oliver and Tyler Eifert’s history with injuries, fans are probably feeling nervous about the tight end position heading forward. However, if O’Shaughnessy can begin to re-establish the connection he once had with Minshew, that would help tremendously as the two linked up during a lot of crucial moments in the season.