SO SAD: Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson explained why he will no longer continue with the team…
Many Jacksonville Jaguars supporters were calling for a change on the offensive line heading into the summer.
After what was already a disappointing 2022 for the unit, the line had drastically underperformed and even started to decrease. The line was largely effective in blocking passes, but it was unable to provide any opportunities for Travis Etienne Jr., which hurt the Jaguars’ rush assault.
In fact, the Jaguars were stuffed for no gain or less on 24% of rushes, which is the lowest percentage in the NFL, according to FTN Fantasy. To make matters worse, according to Fantasy Points, only 30% of the team’s runs were completed for five yards or more, ranking them 31st in the league. Change was needed, and it was brought about by Mitch, the recently signed center for the Jaguars.
Fortner’s second season had been extremely difficult. The former Kentucky Wildcat had done a respectable job blocking passes, but his inability to succeed in the run game had affected the offense as a whole.
Luke Fortner’s Blown Run-Block rate of 4.9% placed him 29th out of 32 eligible centers, according to Sports Info Solutions. On the other hand, Morse ranked 20th out of 32 centers with a rate of 2.8%, nearly half that of Fortner.
Pro Football Focus concurs, ranking Fortner 39th out of 40 centers with a run-blocking grade of 40.4. Despite being far superior that Fortner, Morse only received a 62.0, ranking 26th out of the 40 players. Nevertheless, Morse ranked sixth among pass-protectors in his position.
Although many believe
Yes, all I’m attempting to do in this offensive line room is to be a nice teammate. I’ve spoken with Luke [Fortner], and I’m excited to work and develop alongside him. It seems to me that’s the main goal of football. No matter where you are in your job, it’s about developing, being a better professional, and discovering ways to step up your game, according to Morse.
He went on, “So, we’ll see how that plays out. I’m trying to be a resource for him, and he’s going to be a resource for me, no matter what happens.” Ideally, establish a positive rapport in the offensive line room before anything else. Polarizing people is the last thing you want to do.