Cat Fight 09: Jaguars Battle For Playing Time

In past seasons, veterans were entrenched as starters and young players looked to impact the team in other ways. Oh how times have changed for Jaguars veterans as they now face more pressure from rookies and younger players.  

In 2009, coach Jack Del Rio and the offensive staff will watch starters Tra Thomas, Vince Manuwai, Brad Meester, Maurice Williams, and Tony Pashos battle rookies Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton for playing time.

Of the position battles, right guard and right tackle will feature most of the action as Williams and Pashos fend off Monroe and Britton.  The Jags may have hit the daily double with Monroe and Britton who are versatile enough to play inside and outside.

As training camp forges ahead, Monroe will push Thomas at left tackle and Britton will push Williams and Pashos at right guard and right tackle. In the end the offensive line will be the strength of the team based on new additions and influx of young talent.  Yhe Jags offensive line will feature Thomas at left tackle, Monroe at left guard, Meester center, Manuwai at right guard, and Pashos at right tackle.

This of course is subjective as Manuwai is coming off major knee surgery and was limited in OTAs and minicamp, which could lead to Britton playing right guard. This is one group Del Rio, Dirk Koetter and Andy Heck will keep a close eye on as it may turn out to be the group that decides the fate of the team.

In other areas, Tory Holt and Mike Walker will start at wide receiver with rookies Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard pushing Northcutt and Williamson for playing time.

On the defensive side the position battles involve rookie Derek Cox and his ability to step in and play opposite Rashean Mathis thus allowing Brian Williams to move to strong safety and add stability to the secondary.   

In the end, when the chips hit the table the Jaguars could find they have an offensive line that can produce results, a defensive backfield that makes plays, and wide receivers that actually catch the ball.