VIDEO – The Jacksonville Jaguars have started off the 2011 season with a disappointing 2-5 record with only memories of times reaching the playoffs. CB Rashean Mathis has never forgotten those experiences, being a 9 year veteran for the Jaguars. One of the most memorable games for him was in 2008 when they played the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC Wildcard Championship Game.
Rashean Mathis was able to rise to the occasion that game intercepting “Big Ben” twice with one of them being returned for a 64 yard touchdown. The Jaguars ended up winning on the frozen tundra of Heinz Field, in spite of giving up an 18 point lead towards the end of the game.
Mathis has been a quality pick up for the Jaguars setting an example for incoming players on how to behave on and off the field. In this new era with the league just coming out of a lockout it’s tough to find a player who is content with the money he is earning, while staying on a team that doesn’t consistently make the playoffs.
Viewing Mathis under the microscope, you will find that he was going to be “that guy.” During his years of high school football at Englewood in Jacksonville he was awarded second team All-State, All-Conference, and was an All-City honoree. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to receive any scholarships from elite colleges because he broke his leg, leading to him being picked up by Bethune Cookman, out of Daytona Beach, FL. He was a standout there setting the record for most interceptions in a single season and in a career in collegiate football history. Mathis was drafted in 2003 to the Jaguars with the 39th pick in the second round. His biggest year for the Jags was in 2006 receiving a Pro Bowl and All Pro team selection.
Looking ahead to this Sunday’s matchup against the reborn 4-3 Texans, the Jaguars will need all the help they can get from Rashean Mathis, and the rest of the defense despite Andre Johnson being out for the game. With the Jaguars ranked 6th in opposing passing yards, holding teams to just under 200 yards a game, could help them have a slight advantage on the defensive side. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t just involve defense, and with the Jaguars struggling on the offensive side of the ball only having RB Maurice Jones-Drew being a true threat. I feel as though the Texans will have the upper hand in this matchup. With their passing ranked 10th in the league and rushing 5th, it could be hard for the Jags if the Texans have long possessions with the ball, wearing down their defense, leading to missed assignments. This may not be the Jaguars year, but instead a time for Mathis to prove himself as a top CB in the league.
