Jaguars v Colts: Game Day

JT: It’s up to Mike Caldwell to set the table today

Two hundred and seventy five pounds of defensive end savior possibility has been activated for today’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Dare I get excited that #91 Dawuane Smoot might be, at the very least, the plug that JAX needs at the OLB position until Trent Baalke comes through for us at the trade deadline with the announcement that he was able to lure J.J. Watt out of retirement to wear the Black and Teal (hey if you can’t dream big what’s the use in dreaming). Maybe, at this point, I’d take anyone with a heartbeat and at least one sack this season (though that describes Travon Walker). Look, what I’m trying to say is that Baalke failed to select Hutch and thus now needs to trade for sacks. The Jaguars are finally built for “now” and our GM has proven not so great at the drafting game. It would therefore make sense to throw a draft pick or two at a proven edge rusher to get the Bold City over the hump and deep into the playoffs. Yes, I realize the complications brought about by the Calvin Ridley trade, but folks this can be figured out. I’m not seeing that as an issue that will keep us from getting the edge we need.

However, until (and IF) Baalke comes through for all of us that don the black and teal, Smoot is back. This is a godsend. We need someone who can compliment Josh Allen. If the opposing offensive line has to worry about two legitimate pass rushers than #41s numbers will climb. Let’s not also forget the other piece of this pass rush puzzle, the push up the middle. Here is where I question whether or not defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell sees the light. My light. The light that I have been shining all season and going back into last year. My man needs me as spiritual guidance. Someone to call upon in times of need, such as right the hell now. Caldwell has the opportunity, in what should be one of our easier games, to apply what I am about to suggest (by easier game I mean a less mobile opposing QB). I know that Smoot is nowhere near as “game ready” as he will be after knocking it around for a couple of weeks, but on some key plays today it might be prudent to put Smoot at edge and move Walker to the inside line. This way we can evaluate two things at once. How severe our need at edge (dependent upon Smoot’s play) and Walkers ability to bullrush a guard/center and get that much needed and completely absent push up the middle. Yes, I realize that D. Ham is a big reason for the lack of a push, but imagine he and Walker on that line. We can all agree that the Travon Walker edge rusher experiment is over. We can also all agree (and if not then that’s on you) that Travon Walker is best suited on the D-Line with his hand in the dirt against anyone but a tackle. All of the proper utensils are there, Mike Caldwell just needs to know how to set the table correctly. You work your way from the outside in, Mike, outside in. Smoot on the outside and Walker on the inside, just like a fine dining experience at Tavern on the Green (if that place even still exists). Don’t be using your salad fork for your main course is what I’m saying. And for Pete’s sake (whomever the hell Pete may be), if offered dessert you always, ALWAYS get the bread pudding.

I have made my points in earlier columns about the outcome of this game against the Colts and why the Jaguars will win running away. You can read my intelligently humorous (modesty is always an important trait) quips on the “home” page of this website of which I am too lazy to link to yet not too lazy to put in quotes. Fine, just click here…JagsTalk. Now you are the lazy one. Either way I will reiterate that while, prior to the season beginning, I picked the Jags to lose this game, I also picked them to be 6-2 at the break. Seeing how the season has played out thus far, I have changed my prediction. The humbling loss to the Houston Texans, at home, in the Bank (humbling is a nice way to say embarrassing), was the wake up call that this Jaguars team needed to bring home two dubs from across the pond. The second of those fish and chips victories (the win over the Buffalo Bills and their constant excuse making fanbase) could quite possibly be the victory that turns the corner for this entire franchise. I feel this is a good point on which to end this column, mostly because it’s time to walk into the stadium. Let me know what you all think in the comment section below.