Jaguars Make Adjustments with Coach Firing and Move to Cody Kessler
Hitting a Breaking Point
Have you ever had a day you wish you could just completely erase because it feels like everything that could go wrong did? Well, the Jacksonville Jaguars can completely relate. After a second-straight avoidable loss, the Jaguars decided to make some big changes. There is plenty of blame to go around, but some of what was seen during the game was just inexcusable.
Since Sunday’s loss cannot be erased, something had to give and someone had to go. Offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett may have been the obvious choice to some as fans witnessed another offensive showing that, put simply, just did not work. The team also decided to bench Blake Bortles for Sunday’s upcoming game against the Colts. Instead, they will start backup Cody Kessler. Then, to add to a list of big news for Jaguars, Leonard Fournette is now looking at a one-game suspension from the NFL. Fournette once again portrayed a side of selfishness the Jaguars are familiar with, at a time when they needed him most. It might sound like a lot to take in, but after the seventh-straight loss, the Jaguars have to try something else. There are a lot of layers to look at here, so let’s peel them back one at a time to get a better understanding of where things are in Jacksonville.
Peeling Back the Layers: A Change in the Play Calling
When things go remarkably wrong, offensive and defensive coordinators are usually the ones to take the blame. For the Jaguars, it was no different. With the firing of Nathaniel Hackett this late in the season, the Jaguars think one of two things: Either think they still have a chance to save the season or at least have a shot at significant improvement. Hackett cannot be blamed for many things. For example, Leonard Fournette’s questionable decision to get involved with a fight that led to his ejection. Nonetheless, his inability to make adjustments time and time again has been more than frustrating. For a team with high expectations to start the season, it was only a matter of time before a change such as this took place. It is difficult to understand how things got to this point. The same coach who was able to create plays around Bortles’ weaknesses last season, amidst Fournette’s constant injuries, struggled so much this season to do the same.
Major Struggles this Season
When asked about his firing, Hackett was, of course, shocked and was quoted as saying, “I knew Doug had thought about it. We started off hot, had so many injuries, and were a completely different team” (NFL.com). Injuries plague teams every season, though, and many times the ones with the most success have been able to avoid the most detrimental of injuries. But it is also hard to see how Hackett making any real changes week to week. He seemed determined to make a heavy run game work, without any real play from Bortles. This has been successful to start many of the games this season, but a 3-8 record proves that there has to be more to offer on the offensive side of things.
Hackett has to be given credit for his ability to even coach around a quarterback like Bortles, who is often unpredictable. You never know what kind of day he will have. He also has some huge limitations, which restricts the play calling extensively. Hackett did what he could, but he also has to remember there is a coach right above him who is coaching for a job. Doug Marrone may have shocked Hackett with his decision, but Marrone knows he needs to make major changes. He still needs to prove he is the right one to lead this team.
Bortles Out
Similarly, Marrone has made another change he thought would move things in the right direction. By benching Blake Bortles for Cody Kessler, Marrone has made a big statement. Bortles has not proven himself at all this year. He has not earned the new three-year contract he was given during the off-season. Bortles has to understand the team is trying to win right now, and they need to figure out if he should be a part of that. So far this season, he has absolutely not been the answer behind center. Hard to believe that this is the same player who was seconds away from winning the AFC Championship Game a year ago. But Bortles is back to proving critics right. After almost five full seasons in the league, Bortles has little to brag about. Despite the newly-signed deal a short time ago, he might be seeing the end of a career.
Kessler In
So as the page appears to be turning for Bortles, Cody Kessler faces the pressure of the remaining season. Marrone was quoted as saying he made the decision to give the team the best chance to win and that Kessler would be the starter the rest of the way (First Coast News: Jacksonville, FL). Stats do not help make a case for Kessler who went 0-8 with the Browns in 2016, but then again it was the Browns. Kessler then played four other total games since then. But on Sunday, he will not have the help of Fournette on his side because of his suspension. Based on what the season has shown, there also won’t be any real stars or standouts at receiving. But perhaps the Jags are just looking for someone who will not turn the ball over. Looking for someone who will make better decisions. Someone who will simply manage the game.
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