Jacksonville Jaguars see upped intensity with new coaching staff

There is a new head coach, new head boss and hopefully a new kind of attitude for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags finished last season 3-13, on the very bottom of the AFC South. But coming into this season, the intensity is palpable in Jacksonville.

“Definitely a lot tighter,” laughed defensive linemen Malik Jackson.  “I think the ship is run a lot tighter but based on our record the last few years, I think that is what we need.”

Linebacker Paul Posluszny agreed, “I think because of the situation we have been in the guys are very willing to say if this helps us to win, lets do it.

Newly appointed executive Vice President Tom Coughlin is notorious for his disciplined style of leadership. As head coach Doug Marrone is built the same way, there is no wonder things are more disciplined now.

“It starts up top and works its way down. When you see the intensity in the head guys eyes, then as a general or soldier, you have to have that same kind of intensity. So it definitely starts with Coughlin and then Coach Marrone,” said newly signed defensive linemen and UM grad Calais Campbell.

The first week of voluntary workouts already brought a locker room shakeup in seating assignments, and the loss of the rooms’ ping-pong table. They are little things that have Coughlin’s style of old school written all over it, especially compared to players coach Gus Bradley.

“We are going to build a team and we are going to build this thing to win championships and win games,” said linebacker Telvin Smith. “And not saying that Gus didn’t do that, but it’s that emphasis. We know what we got to get to, and we know there is a big gap between that. But everyday we are going to come into work, and he is putting that pressure on guys.”

We are a long way away from seeing what the upped intensity will look like on the field, but the Jags are getting to work in hopes of a head start.

“It’ll be a very important time for us to get things going,” said Posluszny. “You know how it is though; the more we get on the field, OTAs, mini camp, that’s when we’ll make great strides.”