If you have a question regarding the Jacksonville Jaguars or the NFL Salary Cap, you've come to the right place. As a diehard fan of the Jaguars since their Inaugural Season, and as the "Resident Capologist" of the Jaguars Official Message Board, I'm rather confident in my ability to answer any question you might have about either. Having said that, I don't intend to limit this Q & A column to football questions. Feel free to ask me questions about anything that's on your mind. As a CNC programmer who's been a machinist for over a decade working with both metal and plastic, I can answer many manufacturing questions as well. As a born-again Christian I'll tackle any questions you might have regarding my faith. And as a 30-something year-old man married since 2000, I'm comfortable answering any personal or advice question you might have. Just keep in mind that I'm no computuer guru or x-box fanatic, and while an avid NFL fan I really don't follow any other sports.
To ask me a question, email me at jags02@comcast.net, and use the words "Ask Jags02" in the subject line. Be sure to also include your first name and home city. I had a form set-up for this purpose, but I've since realized that Freewebs glitches prevented most of the submissions from going through to my email. So I'm now asking that you simply email your questions to me directly.
As long as I have an idea of the answer I'll give it my best shot, and as long as I'm fielding enough questions I'll post new columns here on occasion. Keep the questions coming in order to keep this column going.
If you submitted a question on the old form and don't see it, it's because it never got to my email due to a glitch. I'm now accepting emails for questions, and ask that you re-send your questions. The following are the questions that did make it through...
Jeff (a.k.a. deathroar74) from New York: How much longer do you think Matt Jones will be around on this team? My guess would be not too long. He might make a great catch here and there, but overall, still a disappointment, both with his play and also with his attitude.
Jags02: I'm thinking they'll either waive him in February, possibly with a designation as a June 2 cut, or else they'll hang onto for a little while longer with hopes of trading him. There's always the possibility that they'll let him play out his rookie contract as a former first round pick, but my hunch is that he won't be on the opening day roster for 2008. There's also the possibility that they give him one more season to prove himself since his big money incentives don't kick in until the 2009 season, but I'm thinking it'll be hard to find a space for him at WR assuming the team will target a big name receiver early on in free agency.
.Jagman. from Alexandria: If the team cut MJ, what would the cap penalty be? Although cutting MJ is unrealistic at this point in the year, I'm just curious.
Jags02: They have a few options...
Jags&Dawgs from Middleburg, FL: How good will the cap be for next year vs this year?
Jags02: It appears that the Jaguars are flush with cash for next year. They're currently around $16 mil under, and it's likely that most of this will get pushed onto next year's cap. Teams are penalized for finishing a season with money left over under the cap, so Vance utlizes a loophole in the CBA regarding likely incentives to transfer money like this over from one season to the next. The Jaguars were recently projected to be $32 mil under the cap, but after you transfer over the excess money from this year I'm thinking they'll lead the league with the most money available at around $47 mil under. Last year the Jaguars began the offseason at $20-something mil under.
Eric Hunter from San Francisco, CA: any information as to why Bobby McCray has been on the inactive list the past few games? Vic dodged the question in his post today. thanks.
Jags02: McCray was inactive for weeks 11 and 12 which were the home games against the Chargers and Bills. It makes sense when you look at his stats from this year which have been practically non-existent until just recently. McCray nearly held out for more money, but finally came around and signed his $1.85 mil tender for the year after posting 10 sacks in 2006. This year McCray just had his first sack of the season at Pittsburgh. Looking back over the year McCray started out ok. After the first four games he had a handful of tackles and 2 passes defended. But since then he only has a few tackles to show for his effort aside from his lone sack this past week. Considering how much better he was playing last year, and that he's only now seeming to come around, I'm wondering if perhaps he's been fighting through an injury that's too minor to report. In any event, he'll be an unrestricted free agent after the season and the Jaguars will probably just give him a moderate offer before letting him test the open market.
Goofy from Disneyland, CA: Well Garsh!!! Hehehe.....hey 02, are the Jags a real contender for the AFC South? I mean, like can they knock off the Colts?
Jags02: I think it's possible. It's funny how several fans got on my case a couple weeks ago when I predicted a loss at the Colts. The thought was that the Colts were struggling so the time was right, but my feeling at the time was that the Jaguars were struggling even more given their current injury situation. I believe the Jaguars can pull off a close upset over the Colts provided they don't have too many players out with injury. The last game had Durant coming in for what was practically his first real action of the season, and as I expected Peyton feasted on the situation. He now has some game experience behind him, and Mike Peterson should be back for a potential re-match in the Playoffs. They'll have to play a flawless game to pull off such an upset, but it's within the realm of reason. That's far more than most teams can claim when it comes to playing at the Colts.
Hopefully as this column continues the amount of questions that I get will grow. For now I have just enough for my first Q & A session. Don't be shy when it comes to asking me more questions. Just scroll to the bottom and click on the link. Without further ado...
Lisa from Portland, OR: How far do you think the Jags will get this year? Playoffs? Championship Game? Super Bowl?
Jags02: In the offseason I felt like their chances of going the distance were good. When Leftwich was released, I began doubting their chances of even making the Playoffs, but Garrard's play throughout the first quarter of the season has re-instilled confidence in me. It's hard to say at this point in time that the Jaguars have what it takes to defeat a team of the Patriots caliber in order to make the Super Bowl, however, I currently like their chances of making the Championship game for the third time. At this point I predict the Jaguars will win a Wildcard Game but will lose a close game in the Divisional Round. I know it seems like we've been there and done that, but it usually takes repeat trips to the Playoffs in consecutive seasons to finally win the trophy. With a trip back to the Playoffs they're on the right track.
NwestJagsFan from George, WA: As it stands right now, only 4 games in, if the Jags were to make the Bowl, which team in the NFC would be able to even make it a game?? The Packers?
Jags02: The Packers might have what it takes. I know they recently lost in an upset to their longtime rival in Chicago, but they've dominated most of the teams they've played, and in the Preseason they looked crisper and more physical that the Jaguars when the two teams met. The NFC East is one conference I'd watch closely as all four teams have a shot at going the distance. The 1-3 Eagles are off to a rough start, but they can still turn things around and certainly have the talent to be a contender. The other three teams in that division, however, look even better. The Cowboys remain undefeated after pulling off an incredible comeback win over the Bills. The Redskins are 3-1 after absolutely pulverizing the Lions. And the 3-2 Giants are 2-1 in their division, and their two losses came against the Packers and Cowboys. Don't count out any of these teams. Other NFC teams you might keep an eye on are the Seahawks, Cards, and Bucs. I can only imagine the excitement in Florida should the Jaguars and Bucs make this year's Super Bowl.
Vin from Tallahassee, FL: Which player/position do you think the Jags will take in the first round of the draft?
Jags02: It's a little early for me to know which players will be in next year's draft, but I can get a sense for what positions they might be looking for. For starters they're likely in the market for a third QB on their roster. Unless a franchise-caliber QB lands in their laps, they should be able to find a unique project with the skills they're looking for in the second day. They appear rather set at RB and TE, but they might want even more competition at WR. Just keep in mind that Mike Walker will be ready to join the team next year, which lessons the need here. On the OL, the Jaguars might even target an early OT. The big guys always go early, and the Jaguars need some security at the position for their future. Barnes should be set at OLT for the next several years, but I don't know that Pashos will last as long. Inside they have some impressive depth, but they might want to start looking for someone to eventually supplant Naeole at RG. Defensively the Jaguars might still be looking for an ideal fit at DE and at nickel CB, but they'll primarily look to field depth. The Jaguars might also be on the lookout for a return specialist in the event Northcutt fails to step it up several notches.
Bill (a.k.a. Real Deal) from Maumelle, AR: OK 02, a co-worker has asked me a couple of times exactly what is Matt Jones' contract is worth. I honestly don't remember, but I think it was 5 years for a total of about 20 million if all incentives were met. He thinks it was a 3-year contract, and no guess on a dollar amount. He is a 'casual' Jags fan, like most of the people I know. Any time a team question comes up, I am the one they ask. Usually I have the answer, but not this time. I'm not as gifted as you when it comes to understanding the salary cap info, so in laymen terms: The day he signed the contract, what was it's length and worth? What was his signing bonus and stipulations regarding it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Jags02: In 2005, Matt Jones signed a 5-year contract with a base worth of $8.45 mil including $6.145 mil in bonus money. The bonus money was split up as a $1.03 mil roster bonus in '05 followed by a $5.04 mil option bonus in '06 and a $25,000 workout bonus in '07, '08 and '09. There are also escalators involved for the 2009 season which will increase his base salary for the year up to an additional $2.7 mil depending on what he's done in his career up until that point. Should he qualify for every escalator, his total base contract will have topped out at $11.15 mil.
TFG from San Diego, CA: How would you assess the offseason investment in Tony Pashos?
Jags02: I can see how Shack was enamored with Pashos' size, but beyond that I don't quite understand what he saw in Tony to make him worth his $24 mil contract that included $10 mil in bonus money. Starting OTs often command this kind of money, but at the same time starting OTs are typically far more reliable than what we've seen so far in Pashos. In pass protection the man is whiffing on a rather constant basis, and in the running game he's getting no real push despite his size. At least he's strong enough to fight off attempted bull rushes, but he gets stood up when he's supposed to drive defenders backwards, and he's almost useless against speedy blitzing LBs.
At least Garrard with his mobility was able to compensate for Pashos' resemblance to a subway turnstile, although I'm sure he's glad that Khalif is back starting on the opposite side of the line because it was getting rather intense in the pocket with Pashos at ORT and Mo Williams forced to play OLT. The two of them have been taking turns whiffing along with Naeole so far this season. Come to think of it, I'm half convinced that the Jaguars realization that Pashos isn't playing up to their expectations--on top of the injury to Meester--weighed into the decision to release Leftwich. After all, anyone who knows anything about the NFL knows that Byron needs exceptional pass protection, and it was evident early on that Pashos wasn't providing as much. With that said, it takes an entire season to evaluate a player with so much money involved. Pashos has an opportunity to redeem himself should he improve while the Jaguars continue to win games.
TFG from San Diego, CA: No matter who is out there, the Jags D under DUH seems to play well. Describe why you think DUH's D just works. Is it scheme? Is it DUH and the 'tude he installs? Both?
Jags02: For those of you who don't know "The Football Genius," he's long referred to Jack Del Rio as "DUH." This dates back to some of the first few comments Del Rio made as head coach, some of which were almost comical. This is a tough question. If it were easy, then more offensive coordinators would have their defense figured out. Indeed, their system seems to work no matter who is out there, and I have to think this is primarily the result of a solid scheme that the players are able to quickly grasp and buy into. It's also not like every player grasps it well, but those who don't typically find themselves waived soon after their inability to flourish in their schemes is evident. The waiver wire over the past few years is rather full of former Jaguars defenders who couldn't quite keep up with expectations.
Their attitude certainly helps, and I'd have to attribute this to the leadership on their defense. With Peterson, Mathis, Henderson, Stroud and Hayward, the defense is packed with leaders who match Del Rio's aggressiveness. You see this paying off in other defensive players like Spicer, McCray, Daryl Smith, Sensabaugh, Cousin and Brian Williams who all carry this same nastiness to the field. But at the same time their aggressive attitude appears to feed on their success, and their success is the result of hard work and solid schemes. It's not just their one-gap philosophy or their cover-two tendencies. It's also in the way they constantly switch up their defense with different looks including a variety of 3-4 or 3-3-5 packages to defend the pass. Their ability to blitz an array of different players from virtually any position also helps to keep QBs in check.
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