I’m not sure the Jacksonville Jaguars have an offensive line full of questions as much as they have players to fill positions, but aren’t sure about the left side yet.
In all likelihood, if the season started today, the Jacksonville Jaguars would start Jermey Parnell at right tackle, AJ Cann at right guard, Brandon Linder at center, Patrick Omameh at left guard and rookie Cam Robinson at left tackle. That all could during training camp and whether tackle Braden Albert graces the team with his presence.
As team general manager David Caldwell said following the NFL Draft, this team could start the season right now and they would be satisfied with the five players who walk out onto the field.
A story on upi.com via the Sports Xchange, claims there are too many questions left unanswered by this team as OTAs come to a conclusion tomorrow. The issue I have with such a statement if the writer (who is nameless) judges the success of this year’s line with the lack of success last year. There is no accounting for change in the coaching staff or upgrades with Robinson or the re-signing of veterans to add depth.
“The Jacksonville Jaguars have two problems with their offensive line. First, they must determine which five players will be starting. Second, they must figure out how to keep them healthy
“The Jaguars have struggled in both areas the last several years. In each of the last four seasons, only two of the five starters have started all 16 games. Worst yet, there is no continuity in the offensive line.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying mightily to get away from the Gus Bradley philosophy of thinking. Even with Doug Marrone at the helm, he can look at this unit – which wasn’t the worst in the NFL by a long shot, and see there is plenty of competition. Competition, as Bradley preached for four years, will only make this unit and this roster stronger.
Gone are tackles Kelvin Beachum and Luke Joeckel, the starting left side of the line last year. Now, with a new order to be determined, will this yield better results? The lack of continuity of this unit since Bradley became head coach was evident in the fact Blake Bortles was dropped 85 times in two seasons.
Only one of the regular offensive line starters in 2013 was a starter the following year. Of that 2014 starting group, only one was able to keep his starting position in 2015. And of that 2015 group, only two managed to be considered a normal starter the following year.
All of that should change this season. If the center and the right side is the same as it was last season, and Robinson and Omameh gel quickly, this unit could be better suited to help the running game. It could also be a positive step toward solving some of the issues with offensive production.
The Jacksonville Jaguars still have plenty to do with the starting five up front. Will it be a top 10 unit going into the season? No. But if the players can find commonality and show improvement, this could be the most improved part of the Jacksonville Jaguars offense this season.