Beginning of new era for Jaguars and their hopes of prosperity – NFL Special
After having changed hands for ownership and firing of their coach the Jacksonville Jaguars have set hopes to be prosper on the American football scene once again.
A set of changes have been announced in the Jaguars side during past couple of days. This included buying of the franchise by Pakistan-born American business tycoon Shahid Khan in a deal reported to be worth $760 million.
The abrupt reshuffling which included firing of the coach has surprised many but Jaguars themselves. They anticipate for good things happening for them in future as a result of the latest change.
"It's the nature of the beast," tight end Marcedes Lewis said. "Change is good sometimes. Obviously, it's an unfortunate situation. This is the NFL and unfortunate things happen sometimes."
These reassuring words were also poured in by their ex-owner, Weaver, who said that the time of sale of the franchise was right for right reasons.
"It's the right thing at the right time and for the right reasons," he said.
The Jaguars are 3-8 in American Football Conference (AFC) south division. They have lost their last two consecutive games, and will be looking to end this streak this Sunday when they host San Diego chargers.
Their coach Del Rio who had been fired by their previous owner was replaced by their defensive co-ordinator Mel Tucker. The arrangement however is on an interim basis and the new owner will be looking for finding a right person
for the job.
Meanwhile changes are also expected at the starting position with Blaine Gabbert, who has made last eight starts at their quarterback position despite of severe criticism, expected to be replaced by any other player.
Blaine Gabbert’s continuous backing by Del Rio, despite Blaine’s consistent failing, is also said to have cost the coach his job. The player failed seven times in his eight starts while his last performance against Carolina Panthers
was minimal.
One of the bright names for the spot is of Maurice Jones-Drew. He has rushed for 1040 yards. He has gone over the 1000 yards mark for third time in last three seasons. He could possibly be Blaine's replacement.
Blaine however was allowed to continue to start in their game San Diego Chargers on past Sunday, which the Jaguars lost 14-38. It yet remains a question that when the Jaguars going to bring in Gabbert’s replacement. The changes
announced by the Jaguars so far are seen in the longer run.
In the shorter run, for current season atleast, the side is seen as likely to remain the same. Despite that some changes had already been introduced by their outgoing owner Wayne Weaver, more reshuffling might waiting arrival of
a fulltime coach. The Jaguars are with an interim coach arrangement. Also, it might be on the behest of new owner Shahid Khan to bring in more replacements and changes into his franchise.
Shahid Khan is expected to take over the Jaguars after January 4 2012, when the deal is expected to be declared close. The $760 million acquisition has already been approved by National Football League (NFL) commissioner
Roger Goodell.
A meeting of NFL Finance Committee held on December 6 has also recommended it for approval. It now faces last hurdle of voting from 32 NFL franchise team owners. Shahid Khan is expected to take over the Jaguars then.
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