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Jaguars Notes: Blackmon, Marrone, Olson

February 5th, 2015 at 7:31pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars overhauled the coaching staff underneath head coach Gus Bradley this offseason. Jacksonville added years of high-level NFL experience to the offensive side but, as we know, sometimes too many cooks can spoil the broth. At a press conference earlier today, the Jaguars discussed the breakdown of responsibilities for their coaches heading into 2015 and much more. Here’s a look at the highlights and other news out of Jacksonville..

  • Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon has made some progress towards his reinstatement but still has a ways to go, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter links). Blackmon still has to satisfy criteria within the drug program and then apply for reinstatement.
  • New Jags offensive line coach Doug Marrone told reporters, including Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, that he left the Bills without any guarantees of landing a head coaching gig elsewhere.
  • Marrone has taken heat for his departure from Buffalo but he defended himself from that criticism while emphasizing that he wants to move forward. “At the end of the day, I had two outstanding years in Buffalo,” Marrone said, according to DiRocco. “I think that Terry and Kim Pegula, they’re going to be outstanding. I really can’t say enough for the people within the organization, from the trainers, from the PR department, from the equipment people. They were outstanding. At the end of the day, I had a three-day window on my contract, which was obviously difficult because of the time aspect of it. My family and I made a decision to leave.”
  • The challenge, Bradley says will be ensuring that offensive coordinator Greg Olson, Marrone, and quarterbacks coach Nathaniel Hackett all work together cohesively, DiRocco tweets. All three men are former offensive coordinators. Bradley added that he doesn’t want to run the Raiders offense or the Bills offense – he wants to put together what’s best for his players (via Vito Stellino of The Florida Times-Union on Twitter).
  • Bradley said he didn’t know much about Marrone before he started talking to him, according to John Oehser of Jaguars.com (on Twitter). The head coach did talk extensively before hiring him, however.
  • Bradley said he didn’t talk much to Marrone about how things ended in Buffalo, Stellino tweets. Marrone originally came by just to discuss football philosophy and not to interview, which is why they didn’t get in depth on that (via DiRocco on Twitter).
  • New offensive coordinator Greg Olson said that he had a good experience in Jacksonville in 2012 and is appreciative of the chance to return, according to DiRocco (on Twitter). He was also surprised by the number of different faces that he saw since he was with the Jags in 2012 under Mike Mularkey (link).
  • Adam Gase, Olson, and Marrone all interviewed with the team at the same time, DiRocco tweets.
  • Olson said he talked to the Bears and Rams about offensive coordinator openings, but he didn’t officially interview, Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union tweets.
  • The Jaguars have made a few tweaks to their coaching staff, moving quarterbacks coach Frank Scelfo to senior offensive assistant and adding the title of run-game coordinator to defensive line coach Todd Wash’s job, according to O’Halloran (Twitter links).

Jaguars Owner Talks Coaches, FA, Blackmon

January 30th, 2015 at 1:34pm CST by Luke Adams

With the team in the process of finalizing its coaching staff for the coming season, Jaguars owner Shad Khan spoke to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union today about some of the team’s recent hires, as well as the coming offseason. O’Halloran has highlighted a number of the more noteworthy quotes from Khan, so let’s dive in and round them up….

On new offensive coordinator Greg Olson:

“I know about his history with Drew Brees and quarterback development. I love Blake [Bortles]. I think he’s a key building block moving forward. We have to unlock his potential and we’ve got to have somebody who’s done it before with a great track record and Greg, I think, is about as good as it gets.”

On adding Doug Marrone as an offensive line coach and assistant head coach:

“I’ve seen this in my business and in life, you want to have people for support who are experienced. In this case, Gus [Bradley] and Doug can talk about stuff and the final decision maker is Gus. But a lot of times, discussion drives a decision to a logical conclusion. With Doug, he’s a very good line coach and that was definitely one of our weaknesses – the line. We have talent there, but when it was all said and done, we led the league in sacks [allowed]. That is not a good thing. You’re not going to go anywhere unless you fix that.”

On the team’s plan for free agency:

“We certainly have salary cap room and we plan on being active in free agency. … We have some critical weaknesses and we have to fill them.”

On whether he and the club would welcome back Justin Blackmon if he’s reinstated:

“Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I’m very optimistic. I think he’s paid his dues. I think he’s got his life together. I think he can be a role model for people who have gone through hard times. We’re waiting for him.”

Fallout From Josh Gordon Suspension

January 25th, 2015 at 9:46pm CST by Rob DiRe

Earlier today we heard that Browns superstar wide receiver Josh Gordon has been suspended for the 2015 season after testing positive for alcohol.

Here are a few additional notes surrounding the story:

  • It has been widely reported, but the Browns have not yet been notified of the suspension for Gordon, writes Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk. The team has released a statement. “At this point, due to the confidential nature of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, we have not been made aware by the league of a failed test,” the Browns wrote in the statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will provide further comment at the appropriate time.”
  • It may seem unusual for Gordon to be suspended or even tested for alcohol, but because of his DUI he has restrictions on alcohol as well as drugs, writes Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport writes that the drug policy is strict and clearly spelled out, and it is unlikely Gordon would be able to get around this suspension.
  • Albert Breer of NFL.com notes that the positive test did not occur during the season, meaning the test must have happened after the team’s final game on December 28th (via Twitter).
  • Ironically, Dan Mori of Bleacher Report recently wrote a column urging 49ers general manager Trent Baalke to make a move to acquire Gordon this offseason. The team famously had a deal in place to trade for Gordon last offseason, only to have the the Browns ownership back out at the last minute.
  • Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the team has screwed up with Gordon at every step. Florio notes the warning signs before taking him in the supplemental draft, and the subsequent suspensions confirmed the concerns. Florio notes that the team had the chance to trade Gordon, and also had chances to draft other receivers since they became more aware of Gordon’s troubles.
  • Another troubled receiver that has dealt with suspensions currently has a better future, as former Jaguars’ first-round pick Justin Blackmon should be back on the field next season. NFL people are optimistic about Blackmon’s progress, and believe he will back in 2015, writes Alex Marvez of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter).

AFC South Notes: Texans, Johnson, Shorts

December 26th, 2014 at 3:55pm CST by Zachary Links

The Texans have reportedly been pushing for superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson to take a pay cut. Johnson, who is set to make $21.5MM over the next two seasons, was supposedly open to the idea, according to his uncle, Andre Melton.

However, Johnson refuted the idea that he would be willing to take a pay cut to stay with the team, reports Tania Ganguli of ESPN (via Twitter).

“I don’t know where that story came from,” said Johnson. “I didn’t make that statement.”

The receiver said he and his uncle never discussed his willingness to accept a pay cut, according to Ganguli (via Twitter).

Today’s look at the AFC South..

  • Legend has it that before Peyton Manning signed with the Broncos in March 2012, he told Johnson that he wanted to be a member of the Texans. Johnson wouldn’t confirm the story to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle, but he did imply that it had some merit. “I’ve heard that he wanted to come play here,” Johnson said. “But I never really got the (full story), cause I’ve heard so many different things from different people. So the truth never really came out.” He added: “It wasn’t directly from him. It was from someone close to him.”
  • If Johnson is willing to take a pay cut, the Texans star should wait for a resolution with Larry Fitzgerald‘s situation before doing anything, opines Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).
  • Cecil Shorts is hopeful he’ll be with the Jaguars in 2015 but realizes this weekend’s season finale could be his last game with the franchise, writes Hays Carlyon of The Florida-Times Union. “It’s been hard for me this season,” Shorts said. “For me, I had to really get into my faith. I couldn’t lean on my own understanding. I didn’t know why things were happening. I didn’t know why I kept getting hurt. So, I had to really get into my Bible, really pray and relax. I had to have peace, so I wouldn’t keep stressing about certain things. I had to stop pressing, relax and play.” The wide receiver has been a leader in the Jacksonville locker room, but injuries have held him back in recent years.
  • Suspended Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon sold his Jacksonville area house, as Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union writes, which could be a sign that he’s not planning on a future with the team. It’s not known when Blackmon might be eligible for reinstatement but he remains under contract with the Jaguars.

Jaguars Links: Blackmon, Rookies, Shorts

December 25th, 2014 at 4:12pm CST by Ben Levine

The Jaguars will be scoreboard watching this weekend, but not because of the playoffs. Instead, the team will be hoping that fellow 3-12 teams, the Jets and the Raiders, win their respective games. If those two teams win their contests and the Jags lose, Jacksonville will clinch the third pick in this year’s draft.

Let’s take a look at some more notes out of Jacksonville…

AFC Notes: Raiders, Colts, Ryan, Blackmon

October 2nd, 2014 at 2:38pm CST by Luke Adams

After taking a look at a few Thursday headlines out of the NFC this morning, we’ll shift our attention to the league’s other conference and check in on the latest from around the AFC….

  • Earlier this week, Albert Breer of the NFL Network reported that Jon Gruden is a big fan of quarterback Derek Carr and that his presence could help lure Chucky back to Oakland. Now, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk hears that Raiders owner Mark Davis actually drafted Carr in the second round of this year’s draft as a part of his plan to bring Gruden back.
  • As Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star explains, the extra non-guaranteed year tacked onto the end of Robert Mathis‘ current contract isn’t the reason the Colts extended his deal. The extension included a reworking of his 2015 salary that makes it much more palatable for the team to move on from the veteran pass rusher after this season, if he’s viewed as too expensive or if he isn’t recovering well from his torn Achilles.
  • Asked earlier today about head coach Rex Ryan‘s job security, Jets owner Woody Johnson said that’s something the team would evaluate at season’s end. For his part, Ryan told reporters today, “I think we’ll win this year. … I believe in my heart that I’ll be a part of [the Jets’] long-term future” (Twitter link via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News).
  • News that Justin Blackmon has voluntarily entered a treatment facility is a good sign that the troubled receiver may finally be turning his life around, writes Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. In fact, that should make the Jaguars cautiously optimistic that the wideout may return to the field one day. Blackmon is currently serving an indefinite suspension for his third violation of the NFL’s substance abuse program.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Peterson, Blackmon, Redskins

October 1st, 2014 at 9:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The NFL announced today that they have inked a new multi-year deal with DirectTV. Terms weren’t disclosed, but a source with knowledge of the deal told ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell that the pact is for eight years. The right fee was worth an average of $1.5 billion a year, up 50% from the $1 billion a year average DirecTV will pay through this season. Here’s more from around the league..

  • One of the topics on the agenda for the NFL owners meetings next week will be to discuss how teams should be financially responsible for players who are banned while being paid full salaries, sources told Ed Werder of ESPN.com. The Vikings are paying Adrian Peterson his full salary and the Panthers are doing the same with Greg Hardy per the conditions of the commissioner’s exempt list. One model that could be discussed is whether all teams should share the financial burden in such extreme situations.
  • Suspended Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon has voluntarily checked into a treatment facility and coach Gus Bradley says he’s “doing very well,” writes Mark Long of The Associated Press. Of course, given his litany of off-the-field problems and status with the league office, we shouldn’t expect to see the former first-round pick back on the gridiron anytime soon.
  • Former Dolphins quarterback Pat Devlin worked out for the Redskins on Monday, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
  • In addition to safety Jamarca Sanford, who they signed earlier this week, the Redskins also worked out defensive backs Robert Steeples, Charles Mitchell, and Thomas Wolfe, guard William Campbell, wide receivers Chris Harper and Vidal Hazelton, and tackle Richard Muldrow. according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter links).
  • Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is glad that his team picked up center A.Q. Shipley just before the season started, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. “A.Q. has done a great job of coming in, being a pro,” quarterback Andrew Luck said. “Came in the Monday before we played our opener, and starts that opener. Heck of a job, and I’m glad that we had history beforehand from my rookie year where we played a bunch of games together…He’s a consummate professional and the type of teammate, the type of guy you want in a locker room.” Shipley faces his former team, the Ravens, this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

AFC Notes: Blackmon, Chiefs, Ross, Dalton

July 24th, 2014 at 11:00am CST by Luke Adams

Wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who was already serving an indefinite suspension for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy, was arrested in Oklahoma on Wednesday night for possession of marijuana, as Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union details. The Jaguars say they haven’t considered cutting Blackmon, but there’s no indication that he’ll be reinstated and return to the field anytime soon.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

  • Via Joel Corry of CBSSports.com, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap passes along the details on Jamaal Charles’ new deal with the Chiefs, which includes a roster bonus and reporting bonus for 2014, but no prorated signing bonus.
  • Even after signing his extension, Charles also earned the honor of having the best contract on the Chiefs, in Fitzgerald’s view. On the other end of the spectrum, Dwayne Bowe’s deal is the least team-friendly pact on the team’s books, says Fitzgerald.
  • Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters, including Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), that cornerback Aaron Ross tore his Achilles tendon during the team’s conditioning test, and will be out for the season. The injury is an unfortunate one for the veteran defensive back, who was hoping to earn a regular-season roster spot.
  • Speaking to the media today, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton said he’s not worried about his contract situation, adding that the backing of owner Mike Smith makes him confident the two sides will work something out (Twitter links via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com).

Sunday Roundup: Jags, Colts, Graham

June 22nd, 2014 at 12:51pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s round up some of today’s links from around the league:

  • As our Luke Adams noted earlier this month, the Jaguars do not know when Justin Blackmon will be reinstated by the league. The team does not expect Blackmon to contribute in 2014, and they are distancing themselves from even talking about the troubled wideout, writes Gene Frenette of The Florida Times-Union. Even friends, teammates, and ex-coaches are finding it difficult to get a read on where Blackmon is and how his recovery is progressing.
  • Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida-Times Union writes that the ulnar nerve damage that Jaguars‘ jack-of-all-trades Denard Robinson suffered through last season is behind him, so he hopes to put his full skill-set on display in 2014.
  • In the same piece, O’Halloran adds that the Jaguars are likely to keep three tight ends on their roster, and with Marcedes Lewis and Clay Harbor as locks to make the team, the competition between Brandon Barden, Marcel Jensen, Reggie Jordan and D.J. Tialavea will be a fascinating one to watch.
  • John Keim of ESPN.com explains why he is impressed with Redskins‘ outside linebackers coach Brian Baker.
  • Bo Smolka of CSNBaltimore.com wonders if Ravens‘ wide receiver Jeremy Butler can become this year’s Marlon Brown: an undrafted gem that unexpectedly turns into a legitimate threat in the passing game.
  • Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com gives a list of five Ravens that will be “feeling the heat” this summer.
  • In a photo gallery, The Detroit Free Press projects the Lions‘ starters on both sides of the ball.
  • Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer believes the Browns will try to add another receiver or two, and she writes that if quarterback Connor Shaw impresses in training camp as he did in OTAs and minicamp, the team may have to keep him on the 53-man roster rather than put him on the practice squad and risk his being signed by another club.
  • George Thomas of The Akron Beacon-Journal describes the battle for playing time that Browns‘ cornerback Leon McFadden–who was projected to be a starter in his rookie season in 2013–now faces after the influx of talent in the team’s secondary.
  • In a two-part mailbag, Mike Wells of ESPN.com looks at a number of Colts-related items. He writes that, although the team will not hand a starting job to Mike Adams, he would not be surprised to see Adams starting alongside LaRon Landry at safety. Wells also notes that GM Ryan Grigson does not plan on using all of the team’s $13.7MM in salary cap space because he wants to have room to pay Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton down the road.
  • Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the league wants the Saints to settle Jimmy Graham‘s grievance case, and Florio believes the team would be wise to do so.

AFC South Notes: Blackmon, Jackson, Texans

June 3rd, 2014 at 1:44pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s round up the latest items out of the AFC South….

  • The Jaguars don’t know when – or even if – wide receiver Justin Blackmon will be reinstated from his indefinite suspension for multiple violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but the club doesn’t intend to cut him, says Ed Werder of ESPN.com. Although Jacksonville doesn’t anticipate having Blackmon at all during the 2014 season, it sounds like there’s still a chance he could play for the team down the road.
  • Speaking to reporters today, Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson said his reps haven’t had any contact with the team about a new contract, tweets James Palmer of CSNHouston.com. Jackson, a 2010 first-round pick, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in March if he doesn’t have a new deal in place.
  • Running back Andre Brown, who signed with the Texans this offseason, has struggled with injury problems so far in his career, but is determined to stay healthy and prove his worth to his new team this season, writes Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
  • After weeks of engaging in mock negotiations on a contract extension for J.J. Watt and the Texans, former agent Joel Corry and former Jets executive Ari Nissim provide their concluding thoughts on the series at the National Football Post.
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