Gridiron Legends Debate: Boselli Weighs In on Jaguars’ Offensive Playcalling for 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars have entered the 2024 NFL offseason with a significant subplot surrounding their offensive strategy: who will be responsible for calling plays? This question has garnered considerable attention, largely because it involves high-profile figures in the team’s management and coaching structure. Last season, Press Taylor handled the playcalling duties, but there is speculation that Doug Pederson, the team’s head coach, might reclaim that responsibility for the upcoming season. This situation has become a focal point of discussion, but former Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli recently provided a perspective that shifts the narrative back to a more fundamental issue: the performance of the offensive line.

Boselli, a Hall-of-Fame offensive tackle who has been an ardent advocate for the importance of the offensive line, made his thoughts known during an appearance on 1010 XL’s The Drill. He emphasized that, while the debate over who should call plays—Taylor or Pederson—has its merits, the more pressing concern should be the performance of the Jaguars’ offensive line. According to Boselli, the success of the offense hinges significantly on how well the line can control the line of scrimmage, regardless of who is dialing up the plays from the sideline.

Boselli’s comments bring to light an essential truth about football: the effectiveness of a playcaller is inherently linked to the effectiveness of the players executing those plays. In his interview with host Jeff Prosser, Boselli made a compelling argument that, regardless of whether it is Taylor or Pederson calling the plays, the Jaguars’ offensive line must perform at a high level to support the overall success of the offense. “It’s hard to win when you can’t run the ball, when you can’t get third-and-1,” Boselli said. “When you struggle in that area, it makes it hard to call plays. I don’t care who you are.”

This sentiment reflects a broader issue that plagued the Jaguars in the previous season. The offensive line was a point of contention as the team struggled to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence and establish a consistent running game. These issues were compounded by injuries that prevented the line from achieving cohesion, making it a central factor in the team’s offensive difficulties. As Boselli points out, if the offensive line cannot hold up its end of the bargain, even the most innovative or experienced playcaller will face significant challenges.

In addressing the situation, the Jaguars have made efforts to improve their offensive line this offseason. The acquisition of center Mitch Morse from free agency is a noteworthy move, as he is expected to replace Luke Fortner, who struggled in the previous season. Morse’s addition is anticipated to bolster the interior of the line, providing better protection for Lawrence and enhancing the team’s ability to run the ball effectively. Furthermore, the Jaguars drafted rookie Javon Foster in the fourth round, adding depth to the tackle position. These moves reflect an understanding of the need to strengthen the line, but whether they will be sufficient to address the issues remains to be seen.

Injuries also played a significant role in the offensive line’s struggles last season. The expectation is that the return of Ezra Cleveland, who was hindered by injuries in 2023, will provide a boost. Cleveland’s health could be a critical factor in the line’s performance, potentially allowing the unit to gel and operate more effectively as a cohesive unit.

Boselli’s comments also highlight an often-overlooked aspect of the playcalling debate: the role of general manager Trent Baalke. Baalke had multiple opportunities to upgrade the offensive line throughout the offseason but opted not to make additional moves. Had he prioritized the offensive line’s improvement more aggressively, the playcalling situation might not have become such a prominent issue. The failure to address the line’s shortcomings could be seen as a misstep, potentially influencing the team’s offensive performance and the effectiveness of the playcaller.

The debate over whether Press Taylor or Doug Pederson should handle playcalling in 2024 is more than just a coaching question; it is intertwined with the broader context of the team’s performance. Pederson, known for his offensive acumen, is considering whether to reclaim playcalling duties after Taylor’s first season in that role. Pederson’s confidence in Taylor is evident from his decision to retain Taylor despite some struggles and his belief that Taylor can excel with time. However, Pederson’s own strengths in playcalling cannot be dismissed, and his potential return to that role could be a strategic move to enhance the team’s offensive output.

Shad Khan, the Jaguars’ owner, has also weighed in on the situation, expressing a preference for Pederson to handle playcalling. This preference adds another layer to the discussion, as it reflects the expectations and priorities at the highest level of the organization. However, the ultimate success of the offense will likely hinge more on the performance of the players, particularly the offensive line, than on who is calling the plays.

The effectiveness of any offensive strategy is heavily dependent on how well it can be executed on the field. The Jaguars’ performance in 2024 will be closely watched to see if the improvements made to the offensive line translate into better results. If the line can provide solid protection and create running lanes, the playcaller—whether it is Taylor or Pederson—will have a better opportunity to implement a successful game plan.

Boselli’s perspective serves as a reminder that while coaching decisions and playcalling are crucial components of a team’s success, they are not the sole factors. The performance of the players, particularly those in key positions like the offensive line, plays a fundamental role in determining the outcome of games. For the Jaguars, addressing the issues on the offensive line is essential for creating a foundation upon which effective playcalling can thrive.

The discussion surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars’ playcalling responsibilities for the 2024 season highlights an important aspect of football: the impact of the offensive line on the overall success of the team. Tony Boselli’s insights underscore the need for a strong, effective line to support the offense, regardless of who is calling the plays. The Jaguars have made moves to improve their line, but the results of these changes will be crucial in determining whether the team’s offensive struggles can be overcome. As the season progresses, the effectiveness of the offensive line will be a key factor in evaluating the success of both the playcalling strategy and the team’s overall performance.