by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Determination and optimism.
Those were the themes delivered by Jacksonville Jaguars Senior Vice President and General Manager Gene Smith at Monday’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville.
One of the members of the Jaguars’ original front office staff, Smith was promoted to general manager in January 2009. He and the team’s scouting staff are responsible for evaluating hundreds of college players and NFL free agents each year to select the best combination of talent for the franchise.
“There’s a different feel to the team this year,” said Smith. “Players understand its a privilege to play in the NFL. I feel very good about where we’re headed and I’m confident we’ll take a step from where we were last year.”
He’s looking forward to the first home preseason game Saturday vs. the Miami Dolphins.
“It will be a very physical game and a true test for us. There’s a pride factor because it’s the Dolphins,” said Smith.
He also said the regular season home opener Sept. 12 when the Denver Broncos bring their No. 1 draft pick, former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, to Jacksonville will be a “good test.”
“I hope Tebow does well. He’s the right kind of person,” he said.
The Oakland Raiders’ visit to EverBank Field Dec. 12 will be another big game, said Smith. It’s also this season’s Rotary Game Day.
“We should have an outstanding crowd for that game and hopefully by that time of the season, we’ll be in the playoff hunt,” he said.
Smith was asked how well he thinks the offensive line will be able to protect the quarterback. “Last year we did not block well inside. Now we have some young players who have really stepped up. I believe by the end of the year, if we aren’t hurt by injuries, the offensive line will be one of our strongest groups.”
Smith also commented on this season’s keys to success.
“My goal is for us to make the playoffs. Get there hot and healthy and you can ascend.” To do that, he said, “we have to create more pressure on defense and run the ball better.”
Smith also predicted the Jaguars’ special teams will make some headlines and highlight reels this year.
“We have an accurate place-kicker and a directional punter and explosive playmaking ability. Our core group of players gives us the opportunity to be one of the best special teams in the league,” said Smith.
He also addressed the question that won’t seem to go away, the question of whether the Jaguars might leave Jacksonville.
“If we put a good product on the field, the people will follow the team. If people support the team, the team will never move. The NFL won’t do that,” said Smith.
Carl Cannon, club past president and leader of Touchdown Jacksonville’s Revive the Pride initiative, said the program’s Team Teal ticket sales goal was to replace the 17,000 season tickets holders who chose not to renew their contracts last season.
With 14,000 new season tickets sold this year, Cannon said the trend was reversed.
“There’s no doubt the first game will be sold out,” he said.
Cannon also predicted the Jaguars will avoid most of the potential local television blackouts this season. “We’re a poster child for how to sell tickets.”
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