Jaguars

Talking Points: Jaguars vs. Browns

@ October 24, 2008 7:40 AM Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Sunday, the Jaguars get back on the field for the first time in two weeks as they host the Browns. At 3-3, Jacksonville faces teams with a combined 2-17 record the next three weeks, so they have a chance to make a move in the AFC standings. Here are this week's topics that I'll be talking about before the game, following during the game and analyzing after the game:

Brad Meester and Chris Naeole. The Jaguars should get both Meester and Naeole back in the lineup--at least part time this week. Will that improve the Jaguars running game? You would think so. Will endurance be a factor for them? How does the offensive line mesh with new bodies in there? All questions that will be answered on Sunday.
Identity Crisis. Fred Taylor said earlier this week that the Jaguars need to re-capture their identity. That means that Fred wants another big running game from the Jags. So far this year, the Jaguars two best rushing game have come against poor run defenses (Indy and Denver) and the Browns are ranked 26th in the league against the run.
Matt's Last Stand? Matt Jones will play on Sunday, but we expect that he'll hear from the league next week on the impending suspension. Will Jones be distracted? He's the Jaguars leading receiver this year.
Soft middle? Both Jaguars starting defensive tackles, John Henderson and Rob Meier are both less than 100%. The ends, Reggie Hayward, Paul Spicer, Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves have been anything but dominant this year. Jamal Lewis is a physical runner, if not a big play threat. The pressure could be put on the Jaguars linebackers to stop the run.
On any given Sunday...The Jaguars should beat the Browns. But the Giants should have beaten the Browns a couple of weeks ago, and Cleveland spanked the defending Super Bowl Champs. The Jaguars can't overlook Cleveland. Winning might not do a lot for the Jaguars, bug losing could be a potentially season changing turn.