On Tuesday the Jaguars announced the hiring of veteran coach Dom Capers. Capers, who has been a coach in the NFL for 31 seasons, will serve as a senior defensive assistant under Todd Wash and Doug Marrone. Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone is undoubtedly excited about the hire. "His defenses have long been among the most effective and productive in the NFL," Marrone said. "He has career experiences and accomplishments that will benefit our coaches and our players. He adds a unique perspective and veteran presence that will be valuable assets to immediately help us. I look forward to working with Dom and having him on our staff." At this point, Capers' role with the team isn't crystal clear, but I do have some theories on just how he'll be used.
I think the task immediately assigned to Capers will be trying to help Todd Wash and company make the Jaguars defense less predictable. Under Todd Wash, it's been easy for opponents to predict what plays the Jaguars are running in a given situation. Capers, who has extensive experience as a defensive play-caller, should be able to increase the deceptiveness of the Jaguars defense. He's well known for his readiness to send the blitz, something the Jaguars haven't done often or effectively under Wash. I also believe that Capers is an insurance plan. In 2018, when injuries and poor play turned the Jaguars offense into a living, breathing dumpster fire, the Jaguars didn't have a solid option in replacing offensive coordinator Nate Hackett mid-season. The hiring of Dom Capers ensures that, if the defense doesn't improve and the team is forced to move on from Todd Wash, there will be a coach in the building that can quickly take over the playcalling duties. At the very least Capers will be a sounding board with a vast knowledge of how to coach defenses at the highest level. This is Capers' second stint in Jacksonville. He served as the Jags defensive coordinator in 1999 and 2000 under then head coach, Tom Coughlin. |
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