The Jacksonville Jaguars were fresh off one of the darkest years in franchise history, and that’s a lot to say, considering all they’ve been through. But after just one season with Urban Meyer, it became evident that the roster and even the organization needed a major shakeup.
Hiring former Super Bowl-winning HC Doug Pederson was sure a step in the right direction. He’s a proven winner, a player’s coach, and a guy who could bring their offense back from the dead in no time.
The team trusted second-year QB Trevor Lawrence to take a big leap forward. So, they started spending money left and right, making some questionable and head-scratching moves but proving that they were real about contending this time.
However, one minor move may have gone under the radar during the Jaguars’ major spending spree, and that was signing veteran OL Randon Scherff to a three-year deal worth a whopping $49,500,000. The Iowan born is not playing for one of the top 5 most popular NFL teams in Iowa according to ClutchBet, but he is still a sports icon for the Hawkeye state.
Scherff Is A Leader and a mentor
Scherff ranked among the league’s finest in terms of protecting the quarterback, and the Jaguars made it a priority to give Lawrence more time to operate in the pocket. But more than that, they also needed hardnosed, respected veterans who could help them turn their losing culture around once and for all.
That’s why the former Washington Commanders’ All-Pro, took it on himself to embrace a leadership role and help these young players go through the motions and become better professionals:
“I’m just trying to do what — I know I’ve said this before — like Trent Williams, Kory Lichtensteiger, Shawn Lauvao, Morgan Moses, all those guys did for me”, Scherff said, per FanSided.
“If I had a question as a rookie coming in, you think you’re gonna get not hazed but you have little room to talk, so I just told you, if you have a question, ask it. Don’t be afraid to ask. There are no stupid questions because we all have to be on the same page in order for us to collectively do our job for everybody behind us.”
He Trusts Pederson
Besides the money, which was obviously a no-brainer, Scherff claims he joined the Jaguars because he trusts Doug Pederson as a leader. Now, he’s trying to be an extension of him on the gridiron, helping his teammates get better one day at a time.
“He’s a great head coach,” Scherff told USA Today. “He’s played in the league, so he knows what players go through, so whether you need a taper or a practice down, he’s going to put you in shells, but it’s all fundamentals then, and speed. He knows how to take care of a player. He leads by example, and we all love him as a head coach. He’s a heck of a leader for us.”
Winning Takes Time
The Jaguars haven’t had the season they expected, but Brandon Scherff isn’t to blame for that. They allow the sixth-fewest sacks per game (1.6) this season, and OL play hasn’t been one of the reasons why they’ve failed to close out games.
They’ve fought hard in nearly every game, but miscues and Lawrence’s lack of development have hurt them more often than not. Their offense has looked explosive at times, but they need consistency to win in the NFL, and questions now rise over the Clemson product’s head.
You cannot develop a winning culture overnight. It took the Cincinnati Bengals a couple of years before becoming the Super Bowl contender they are right now, and the Los Angeles Rams are another example of that.
So, all things considered, Brandon Scherff hasn’t been disappointing for the ever-struggling Jaguars. He, like Pederson and Lawrence, just need more time to reap what they’re sowing right now.
