Hello boys and girls and welcome to my first offering of the 2006-2007 NFL Season!  For those of you who don’t recognize my name, I am the Associate Editor in Chief of this site.  Yes it is true I have not written a single article for your reading pleasure since September of 2005 (due to catastrophic health issues) but here I am rested and ready to report on the specific happenings of the NFL season specifically concentrating on my hometown Jacksonville Jaguars. 

For three weeks the citizens of Jacksonville, Florida have followed the happenings of training camp with great interest.  We have lost Jimmy Smith to retirement and wish him the best, but who will be able to step up and fill his spot?  So far three names have surfaced:  Greg Jones, Matt Jones and Ernest Wilford.  Each player has something special to contribute to the team, but it will take at least a few more days on the practice field to determine who has what it takes.  I think the fans have realized they can’t expect any of these guys to be the next Jimmy Smith, but are rather waiting to see if Coach Jack Del Rio can make the necessary changes to the roster to ensure a winning team.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, right, is sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Dario Romero. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Speaking of roster changes, there is one that I would like to suggest:  give the starting quarterback position to David Garrard!  Last night against Miami current starter Byron Leftwich has once again proven himself to be an ineffective leader.  In this writer’s humble opinion Byron seems to be more of a set-back quarterback (meaning he does not have the gumption to make the gutsy decisions to throw the ball when necessary to keep the game alive). 

During the second half of the game Garrard showed the hometown fans he has the maturity and experience to make the decisions that truly count.  You could even hear the fans in the stands shouting, “We want Garrard!” supporting the need for a change of leadership.  It’s now up to Coach Del Rio to realize the truth about his chosen Golden Boy and have the courage to make the necessary change.

Don’t get me wrong:  Leftwich is a talented player, but he honestly would be more of an asset as a receiver.  With Garrard at quarterback and other players shifted to key positions, the Jaguars could easily be looking at a chance of making the playoffs this season.  I also want to encourage everyone to watch the recent acquisition of Seth Marler from Tulane University as a possible replacement for injured kicker Josh Scobee.

Until next time, keep watching!

Comments and questions may be emailed to malone_marlene@clearwire.net