If yesterday’s Jaguars-Texans game didn’t get your blood pumping, you won’t understand this post. If you didn’t get way too crazy in a local bar, or your living room, to the point you felt like you were at EverBank, you probably won’t understand this optimistic post the day after a Jaguars game. However, if you are like me & scared half your neighborhood due to all the screaming & commotion going on in you house between 1:00- 5:00 pm yesterday, then you will complete identify with the fact the Jaguars made me proud… For the first time, in a long time.

Yesterday’s matchup may have not ended the way Jags fans had hoped, but that’s no reason to be upset. At the end of OT, I couldn’t help but be proud of what the Jaguars had accomplished. Here are the top 5 things I’m most excited about from yesterday… In no particular order:

1. Gabbert Was Replaced:
   Chad Henne… Chad Henne… Chad Henne…He could be half my list. I mean what a phenomenal game from Henne. Anyone remember the last time Gabbert threw 4 TD passes? … I’ll wait. Oh, never? That’s right. Let’s not forget Henne also didn’t throw any interceptions or have any pathetic fumbles, or as I like to call these things “Typ Gabs”… Short for Typical Gabbert’s.
2. First Round Draft Pick Paid Off:
   Justin FREAKING Blackmon ended yesterday’s game with 236 yards, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Where have you been sunshine? Just when critics started calling this first round draft pick a bust, he shows America isn’t not his lack of talent… It’s his lack of a QB. Week 11 was just the beginning of a successful career in Jacksonville. [Gabbert's position on the depth chart pending.] Blackmon proved he is a player maker & can get his job done. 
   
3. We’re A Road Team:
   This team does NOT like to play at home. I don’t know what it is about EverBank that makes them perform terribly. Maybe it’s the lack of fans cheering, step it up DUVAL. Whatever it is, it’s clear the Jaguars would rather be on the road. That’s why they beat the Colts in Indy, just to turn around & be embarrassed at home. Or why they were destroyed in week 2 by the Texans, just to score 37 pts and send the game into OT when in Houston. Who knows why this is happening… But at this rate I’d rather them stay on the road. At least I won’t have to drive 6 hours to watch them lose.
4. Jacksonville Has A Tight End:
   I have a love-hate relationship with Marcedes. Most of the time I’m hating on him, but it’s just because I love him & expect more. Yesterday, that’s what I want out of him EVERY game. 2 TDS, that is what I’m talking about! Now if we could only step up the yardage a little bit, I’d put you on my fantasy team. A girl can dream right?
   
5. Their Level of Ability:
   This team may be 1-9, but that has nothing to do with the level they are able to compete on when they actually get it together. We caught a glimpse of what the Jaguars were capable of in week 1 vs Minnesota. Then in week 3 they managed to pull out a win. However, very bright moment seems  to be overshadowed. In week 8 they held the Packers to a 9 point lead, which gave fans hope. Yesterday’s matchup proved they can compete with a 9-1 team, even if there record does not reflect such.

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Follow me on Twitter for more news from the Jaguars Nation.

As we enter week 2 of pre-season we will continue to work our way through the roster, highlighting the Jaguars you should be following on Twitter.

In case you missed the two previous editions, make sure to check them out here.

This week you will find quite a few newbies to the Twitter world, so make sure to show them some love.

Here’s this week’s edition of Follow Friday!

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#89        Marcedes Lewis – TE                         @Marcedes_Lewis89

With 23,811 followers there’s a good chance you are already following the Jaguars TE. If not, join the rest of us by hitting that follow button.

#25        Dwight Lowery – DB                          @LoweryDLO

With a current total of 145 tweets, it’s apparently this DB isn’t an active Tweeter… However it never hurts to add him to your follow list. You never know when that gem of a tweet will come from his direction. Plus when he does tweet, it usually pertains to the Jaguars.

#53        Brandon Marshall – LB                   @BMarshall53

With over 6K tweets, it’s a surprise this LB does much else. Make sure to follow him to keep up to date with his life as a Jaguar.

» Continue reading “Follow Friday: Top Jaguars To Add To Your Follow List”

Only one more day until the Jaguars 2012 season will FINALLY begin! 

The Jaguars kick off their preseason schedule by hosting the New York Giants. As the beginning of the 2012 season approaches, there is of course tons of news coming out of Jacksonville.

From Maurice Jones-Drew’s holdout to the London Olympics, Jacksonville has seen it’s fair share of headlines this week. Let’s take a look at what news is circulating Duval this week.

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Big Cat Country: Giants Vs. Jaguars Injury Report: New York To Sit 11 Players

Bleacher Report: Giants vs. Jaguars

Yahoo! Sports: Jaguars’ Ross set to cap wild week vs. former team

NFL.com: Sanya Richards-Ross, wife of Jaguar, fails to medal in 200 meters

Bettor.com: WR JUSTIN BLACKMON JOINS CAMP, OUT OF PRESEASON OPENER

Washington Post: Blackmon practices after signing 4-year, $18.5 million deal with Jaguars

Bleacher Report: Which Rookies Will Make Immediate Impacts

Gather.com: Should the Jacksonville Jaguars Take Miles Austin from Dallas Cowboys?

ESPN AFC South: Camp Confidential – Jacksonville Jaguars

Bleacher Report: Finding the Unknown Talent on Roster

CBS Sports: Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis on MJD: ‘We need Maurice’

Forbes: Why The Jaguars Would Be Foolish To Give In To Maurice Jones-Drew’s Demands

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For more News From The Jungle, make sure to follow me on Twitter.

One day left until the 2012 season kicks off, starting with the Jaguars first day of training camp.

FINALLY. There’s excitement in the air for NFL fans, as they know it’s only a matter of time before they can stop the pain & suffering they’ve felt since February. At this point I’m just excited that football season has finally returned.

With that being said, here are the Top 10 Things I’m Most Excited about for the 2012 season. (Please note these are in no particular order.)

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1. Blaine Gabbert

Oh poor Blaine Gabbert. It’s no secret at this point, to ANYONE, that Gabbert’s rookie season wasn’t ideal. When drafted he was under the assumption that he would have a year to learn & grow as a backup to David Garrard. However, he should know that in life nothing goes according to plan & the NFL will be no different.

The franchise made a bold decision to go with Gabbert as the starter for the 2011 season. In his debut season he threw for 2,214 yards with 12 TDs & … wait for it 11 INTs. Ouch. That left him with a 50.8% passer rating & the 32nd QB in the league.

Alright, that’s a rough way to start out your NFL career. Luckily for Gabbert, he has a year under his belt & is ready for round 2.

One of the most important factors that critics forget about Gabbert is that it wasn’t ENTIRELY his fault the first season went poorly. What do you expect? He is a ROOKIE.

That’s the point in the argument that someone jumps in & points out how well other rookie QBs did last season. Cue: “What about Cam Newton & Andy Dalton?”

What about them? So they had a successful & unbelievable rookie season. Not to mention I don’t remember seeing Steve Smith or AJ Greene running down the field in a teal uniform. There was not a single WR on the field that even compared to the WR support that Newton & Dalton had on their turf.

Let’s remember that Gabbert was dealing with Mike Sims-Walker & Jason Hill as his WRs. Which brings me to point #2.

» Continue reading “Roaring Black & Teal’s Top 10 For The 2012 Season”

Is it me or is July just flying by? Just yesterday it was June & here we are almost half way through July. By no means is this me complaining. I NEED July to fly by! August is quickly approaching & that only means one thing…. The best time of the year will finally be here!

Oh how I long for mornings to be filled with SportsCenter containing NFL highlights, Sundays consisting of football & day drinking, and my Monday nights will suddenly be longed for rather than dreaded.

If you are feeling like I am, don’t worry. The worst part of the year is coming to an end & there a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Just hang in there!

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Bleacher Report: Training Camp Dreams: The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Ideal Camp Scenario

With training camp just days away, it’s time to look at exactly would make the Jaguars training camp the most successful yet. First on the list, full participation from all players… Yes, I’m talking about you MJD!

NFL.com: Maurice Jones-Drew right to want more from Jaguars

This is a no brainer in my book. He’s the only player putting points on the board, filling up the seats in the stadium & selling Jaguars jerseys. If the man wants more money, give him more money! The top NFL rusher of 2011 should be one of the highest paid, except MJD has 15 other RBs making more money than him!

Bleacher Report: 5 Biggest Media Misconceptions About the Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s no surprise to Jacksonville fans when their beloved team is in the “negative” headlines again. Think back to a time when the Jaguars were portrayed in a positive light… That was a LONG trip down memory lane, huh? Next time a fellow co-worker is trashing your team, make sure to send them this link.

LA Times: Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis buys condo

While Marcedes will spend a majority of the next few months in sunny Florida, he will still remain a resident of California. With the price tag on this condo I don’t foresee him having an issue with obtaining a housesitter for the upcoming NFL season.

CBS Sports: Jaguars radio analyst: Gabbert is clearly better passer than Henne

Wait a second here, did I read that headline correctly? Is there really a headline that has something positive to say about the Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert?! [Insert dropped jaw here].

Big Cat Country: Jaguars Black Uniform?

THEY’RE BACK! Back by popular demand, the Jaguars will be sporting black uniforms as an alternative jersey this season. Order yours now on NFL.com, to sport at EverBank this season.