Telvin Smith Gives Jacksonville Jaguars Reason For Optimism
By K.J. Momberg
@K_Momberg
Getty Images
There were not too many positives for the Jacksonville Jaguars to take away from Sunday’s 23-3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The offensive play-calling was atrocious, the running game failed to get going and the defensive secondary continued to give up big plays in the passing game. However, one thing the Jaguars can hang their hat on is the encouraging play of rookie linebacker Telvin Smith.
The former Florida State standout finished Sunday’s game with a team-leading 12 tackles and two fumble recoveries. He now has 53 tackles, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble on the season.
As a fifth-round pick, not much was expected out of the athletic linebacker during his rookie season. However, time and time again, Smith has proven to be a cornerstone the Jaguars can build their young team around.
Smith’s emergence could not have come at a better time. In the midst of yet another disappointing season, the 1-10 Jaguars are set to undergo a few changes this offseason, particularly at the linebacker position.
The team must decide whether the 30-year-old Paul Posluszny is worth the $7.45 million in base salary he is due for the 2015 season. Fellow veteran Geno Hayes is set to become a free agent at season’s end, as is the versatile J.T. Thomas. On top of that, second-year player LaRoy Reynolds, once thought to be a steal in undrafted free agency, is nothing more than a special teams player and a poor one at that. The Jaguars will still have fellow rookies Jeremiah George and Khairi Fortt to go along with Smith, but they remain relative unknowns for the most part.
In a season where not a whole lot has gone right for the Jaguars, Smith is proof that there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
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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