Jack sets goals in new role
LB’s move to middle brings added tasks
JACKSONVILLE — In his transition from strong-side linebacker to middle linebacker, Myles Jack has strived to set a high standard. He has been pushing to make the big plays, the right reads and the right calls to set the defense.
He’s got the job that requires being a dominant force and the leader of the defense.
And Jack admits he indeed has some big shoes to fill as a second-year player because veteran Paul Posluszny, who held the position since 2011 before the Jaguars decided in April to switch him to strong-side linebacker, led the team with 133 tackles after playing 92 percent of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps last season.
Yet for better or worse, the Jaguars handed the job to Jack, and he is set on proving they made the right choice.
“Just doing enough isn’t enough in my opinion,” Jack said. “That’s why I’m continuing to learn every day. Last year, I was getting moved around a lot and I ended up playing Sam [strong-side linebacker], now I have to be a [defensive] quarterback.
“I’m trying to maintain poise because when we get into the game that’s when the bullets will be flying. That’s when I have to be that rock.”
The Jaguars have had only three padded practices, but Jack has been tested repeatedly. During drills on Tuesday morning, Jack pursued running back Leonard Fournette coming off tackle only to be met by a crushing block from offensive Josh Wells.
During red zone work, Jack got caught out of position on pass coverage that led to tight end Ben Koyack’s touchdown catch in the back of the end zone. And this past Saturday during the first practices in full pads, Fournette won the battle against Jack twice during pass protection drills.
Still, Jaguars coach Doug Marrone has liked what he has seen so far from not only Jack but also from rest of the linebackers, especially Saturday when Telvin Smith and Hayes Pullard each had interceptions.
“For a lot of these players, they haven’t been with us on the field in pads with these coaches,” lineman Marrone said. “[Linebackers coach] Mark Collins, you know is doing a nice job with them. They are doing a nice job, really staying on point with the reads.”
The challenges continue to be non-stop for Jack and more are ahead. The Jaguars will have joint practices against the defending champion New England Patriots, starting this Monday and Tuesday before they face each other in their preseason opener on Aug. 10 at Gillette Stadium.
“Obviously [Patriots quarterback] Tom Brady, that name holds weight just by itself,,” Jack said. “To line up and see him probably look me in the eye and make a check is going to be a surreal moment. That will definitely be cool. But I’ve got to get out of the starstruck moment for the first play, and let that go.”
Before the preseason games start, Jack plans to continue working to gain the respect of his teammates. For now, he said putting forth consistent training camp performances is necessary.
During team organized workouts and minicamp last month, Jack said he was able to lean on Posluszny for help in making some of the defensive calls. After putting in extended work over the past month to know all the calls, Jack said he doesn’t have to rely on Posluszny for help as much as he did during the offseason program.