If Rashean Mathis Doesn't Step Up, Jaguars Will Struggle

In this decade, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been very successful finding quality players after the first round of the NFL Draft.

Perhaps no player exemplifies this trend more than Rashean Mathis.

A second-round pick in the 2003 draft, the Bethune-Cookman alumnus has been a lock-down corner for essentially his entire career in Jacksonville. But in recent years, his productivity has slipped somewhat.

From 2004-06, Mathis' production was up there with any corner in the league. In the three-year span, he recorded 39 pass deflections and 13 interceptions.

In 2006, he pulled down eight interceptions and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Since that year, Mathis hasn't looked like the same guy.

In 2007, he only had one interception and six pass breakups. He did have a great game in the playoff game against Pittsburgh, snagging two interceptions and returning one for a touchdown.

Last year, his numbers were better (nine pass deflections, four interceptions, one for a TD), but he just hasn't seemed as dominant.

There could be a number of reasons for this. Jacksonville's pass rush has basically been non-existent for the past two years, which puts a great deal of pressure on the defensive backfield.

Maybe the fact that he went to a Pro Bowl in 2006 convinced offensive coordinators and quarterbacks that they should shy away from No. 27.

He's also had some minor injury issues that may have contributed to the decline. After playing in all 16 games his first four seasons in the league, he has missed six games in the last two seasons.

Whatever the reason is, the fact remains that Mathis is the most talented player in Jacksonville's secondary. His presence will be more important than ever this season, as Reggie Nelson tries to find his way and Sean Considine adjusts to his new teammates.

The defensive line is still unproven, especially when it comes to putting pressure on the quarterback. If the guys up front can't make things uncomfortable for the opposing QB, then the secondary will be put in a difficult position.

At the end of the day, Mathis will either key the defense's resurgence, or be a key reason for another lackluster season.