Dante Fowler: What’s the Worst Case Scenario for Jags?
By Joe Wedra
By now, you’ve seen the news cycle’s coverage of Dante Fowler’s injury. By all means, it looks ugly for the Jaguars, but who are we to speculate?
If you haven’t heard, here’s more from ESPN’s Michael DiRocco:
Fowler was matched up against former Georgia OL Watts Dantzler when he was hurt. Looked to fall awkwardly on left knee.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) May 8, 2015
It’d be inappropriate to speculate what could have happened, but you’re an educated fan. We all can take a stab at the “worst case scenario”; and while we wish Fowler nothing but the best, it’s our job to look ahead to explore what could be next for Jacksonville.
Should the worst case arise, the 4-3 front won’t look too much different that it did in 2014.
The rotation of Chris Clemons, Tyson Alualu and Andre Branch will round out those at the DE spot — the team also drafted Chris Smith from Arkansas in the 2014 Draft.
One guy that will go overlooked but has produced for Jacksonville is youngster Ryan Davis, the former Bethune-Cookman defender. Many within and around the Jaguars organization have high hopes for the 6’2″ end, and they might have to turn into reality if the Fowler situation goes south.
On the inside, it’s hard not to like what the Jaguars are establishing. With Sen’Derrick Marks and Jared Odrick starting in the middle, there’s also several viable options that include Ziggy Hood and a rising Abry Jones. In the same rotation, expect to see Roy Miller — a fan favorite — and Michael Bennett from Ohio State in the mix, ready for action starting immediately. Granted, they’re bodies in the middle of the defense, but their play can take the load off the DEs, freeing up the 4-3 front.
If you spotlight on the DEs in the rotation, it’s hard not to see potential even sans Fowler. While the likes of Alualu and Davis may not bring Pro Bowl caliber play, it’d be hard to deny the potential impact they can have if forced into larger roles. Those in Jacksonville know that these young stars are ready to emerge. And while Fowler going down (presumably) isn’t exactly the scenario they had hoped for, it may be the jumpstart needed for the youth on the edges to emerge.
There’s no need for complete panic in Jacksonville.
Gus Bradley and Bob Babich will have the front ready for Opening Week — with or without Dante Fowler.