Hi kids and welcome to my second week of pre-season coverage for my hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Tonight’s game was played at home against the Carolina Panthers.  Unfortunately the Big Cats do not have a positive record against the Panthers, and tonight the curse was proven to still be effective.

The one question I have on my mind is this:  who exactly showed up to play this football game?  Every time I turned around David Garrard was being sacked, throwing interceptions and being stripped.  Was I watching the same guy who outperformed Byron Leftwich last week?  This in itself was a huge letdown.

Then our promising running back Maurice Jones-Drew showed the home crowd exactly why he should be seriously considered for the first string.  This young man made the fans sit up and take notice last week against Miami, then against all odds managed to shine in this contest.  What also helped the young star was having the likes of Matt Jones and Jamaal Fudge not playing this week.  It was truly his night to prove he deserves to wear the Jaguar colors.

I also told everyone last week to watch the new kicker Seth Marler.  We should continue to pay attention to this young man, along with some other second and third string players.  Among those that deserve our attention is Right Guard Vince Manuwai from Hawaii.  Considered a steal from the 2003 draft, this massive guard is really showing the coaching staff why they chose him to be a Big Cat. 

Isn’t it amazing all the players I’ve mentioned in a positive light have been on the offensive line?  Well, in my opinion, that’s because the Jaguar defense chose to take the night off.  It was revolting how the Panthers could easily run over our alleged defensive line.  OK I have a question for Del Rio…you used to be a defensive linebacker, why would you strip your defense like that?  I realize it’s only pre-season, but this is not looking good.  First you play games with the two quarterbacks teasing the fans about a possible change in lineup (which would be a wise decision), but now you ignore your defense?

Needless to say, the Jaguars ended up losing to Carolina in our own house.  Of course we Jags fans should be used to this, but nevertheless one can always hope for a different outcome.  The lesson here is never expect miracles overnight.

Until next time, be kind to each other…

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