NFL Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars Must Establish Continuity At LB

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By @K_Momberg

Geno Hayes Jaguars

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Another week, another new face at Otto linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Veteran Geno Hayes appears to be next in line to start at the Otto, or pass-rushing linebacker position.

The Jaguars situation at linebacker has been less than ideal throughout most of the season. Injuries to Paul Posluszny and Jeremiah George, plus the release of Dekoda Watson during the bye week, have left the team rather thin at the position.

The Jaguars could be forced to roll with Hayes at the Otto, J.T. Thomas in the middle and rookie Telvin Smith at the weakside spot this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. It would be the fifth different starting combination the Jaguars have used at linebacker in their past five games. It’s not exactly a recipe for success. In a perfect world, the Jaguars would have Hayes on the weakside, George in the middle and Thomas at the Otto, with Smith playing exclusively in the nickel package.

A positive of Hayes potentially moving to Otto is that it would open the door for the rookie Smith. With his rare mix of speed and athleticism, Smith is viewed as a cornerstone for a young Jaguars’ defense. At 218 pounds, the former Florida State star is still vastly undersized, but should benefit from the potential increase in playing time.

Regardless of how it plays out, the linebackers will be a group to keep an eye on this Sunday when the Jaguars play the Colts. In the first meeting between these teams, with Posluszny starting in the middle, the Colts’ tight ends torched Jacksonville for eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns. How the Jaguars’ new group of starters fare in that area is certainly something worth watching.

While the Jaguars’ linebacker situation has been far from ideal, perhaps the team, with the latest change to the lineup, will finally establish some continuity as they look to get things moving in the right direction heading into the offseason.

K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.

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