We’re a little over a week removed from Super Bowl XLVI, and one thing has gotten real repetitive – Jaguars fans saying that the franchise shouldn’t have fired Tom Coughlin almost a decade ago. There are fans saying that the Jaguars should have kept Coughlin around, because the team would have apparently won two Super Bowl titles, just like the Giants have over the course of the past few years. Back when Coughlin was fired, however, these same fans wanted to march down to Alltel Stadium at the time, and pack his bags for him personally. So, just hold on a second.

Wow, it's been forever since I've dropped in here, but here I am. Frankly, today is an oddly depressing day. Football is over, yet there's contradictions in east-central Indiana (*that's where I live*). First of all, the weather is ridiculously good for early February in Indiana. Right now, it's 45 degrees and sunny at a time of the year that normally produces 20 degree highs with snow and ice. Strange.

In Jacksonville, that feeling is especially strange. Once again, the season has closed with no peep from the Jaguars in the post-season. Yeah, that's a depressing thought, but the Jaguars also have a new sense of optimism moving forward.

That sense of optimism has multiple sources. For one, Gene Smith was re-signed before the end of the Weaver era. Many, myself included, think the move came at an odd time, but he's since received the blessing of the Jaguars' new owner, Shahid Khan, so all is good on that front.

Shahid Khan himself has been nothing short of inspiring. In speaking with the media, Khan is very straightforward and to the point. He's not prone to bouncing around topics, and his commitment to Jacksonville seems completely sincere. In fact, you could argue that he's already working for the city of Jacksonville as much as he is for the Jaguars.

Mike Mularkey brings a fresh perspective to the Jaguars' coaching staff. I loved the hire from day one, and I'm loving the coaching staff he's put together.

The retention of Mel Tucker is the final great piece of work the Jaguars have done with their coaching staff. Let's be honest, he's almost universally loved by Jaguars fans. Yeah, it's likely that his time with the Jaguars will be short-lived (I expect him to be an HC somewhere soon), but I'm just thrilled that he gets to spend at least one more season with the Jags.

It's been a long season, but as they say, the night is darkest just before the dawn. Let's hope that's true.

[follow]

The New York Giants beat the Patriots to win another Super Bowl yesterday and a big part of that victory was WR Mario Manningham.  In what could end up being a huge audition for free agency, on the biggest stage in the NFL, Manningham got it done in crunch time.  His 38 yard catch down the sideline wiht 2 defenders draped all over him sparked the giants final drive that ate up the clock & put the Giants in the lead with 57 seconds left in the game.  Manningham had a total of 5 catches for 73 yards in the game, most of which came on the final drive.  Mario showed great control in bringing in that 38 yard pass and getting both feet down before being knocked out of bounds.  The Patriots had Nicks and Cruz bottled up and still got burned by Manningham despite the double coverage. 

The New York Giants beat the Patriots to win another Super Bowl yesterday and a big part of that victory was WR Mario Manningham.  In what could end up being a huge audition for free agency, on the biggest stage in the NFL, Manningham got it done in crunch time.  His 38 yard catch down the sideline with 2 defenders draped all over him sparked the giants final drive that ate up the clock & put the Giants in the lead with 57 seconds left in the game.  Manningham had a total of 5 catches for 73 yards in the game, most of which came on the final drive.  Mario showed great control in bringing in that 38 yard pass and getting both feet down before being knocked out of bounds.  The Patriots had Nicks and Cruz bottled up and still got burned by Manningham despite the double coverage. 

Let the free agent feeding frenzy talk begin.  First and foremost, pay this guy whatever he wants.  DE Mario Williams should be the main target for the Jaguars.  He will instantly transform our defensive front four into a nightmare for opposing QBs & easily double the Jags sack total.  I know he was injured, but he is young and will still be dominate for years. The Texans did fine without him thanks to Watts & Barwin stepping up.  The Texans will not resign him due to having to pay Foster this off season. Their loss will be our gain. If for some reason the Jaguars can't land Super Mario, then they should go after DEs like Cliff Avril of the Lions, Robert Mathis of the Colts and Calais Campbell of the Cardinals.  Any of these players would greatly improve our front four on defense.

Let the free agent feeding frenzy talk begin.  First and foremost, pay this guy whatever he wants.  DE Mario Williams should be the main target for the Jaguars.  He will instantly transform our defensive front four into a nightmare for opposing QBs & easily double the Jags sack total.  I know he was injured, but he is young and will still be dominate for years. The Texans did fine without him thanks to Watts & Barwin stepping up.  The Texans will not resign him due to having to pay Foster this off season. Their loss will be our gain. If for some reason the Jaguars can't land Super Mario, then they should go after DEs like Cliff Avril of the Lions, Robert Mathis of the Colts and Calais Campbell of the Cardinals.  Any of these players would greatly improve our front four on defense.

Former Alabama cornerback and potential top 10 pick in the next NFL draft Dre Kirkpatrick was arrested for marijuana possession in Florida today.  Dre was rumored to be high on the Jaguars list of players to pick with the 7th overall selection in the draft.  Instead, he just got high.  He will undoubtedly NOT be remotely considered by GM Gene with the Jaguars first round pick anymore.  The Manatee county sheriff's office says he was busted with less that 20 grams of mariuana just after midnight.  He was released on $120 bail.  it is thought that he was in the area to train for the upcoming draft at the IGM Performance Institute located in Bradenton, Florida.