JACKSONVILLE – This week is in no way normal.
International travel assures that, but Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone on Wednesday said he doesn't expect the unusualness to be a problem.
"I feel very confident from a game-planning standpoint," Marrone said as the Jaguars (2-1) prepared to play the New York Jets (1-2) a MetLife Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Jaguars this past Sunday beat the Baltimore Ravens, 44-7, at Wembley Stadium in London, then arrived in Jacksonville Monday around 2 a.m. It was a similar arrival time to their arrival after their London game last season – with a notable difference:
Whereas the Jaguars the past four seasons had a bye week following their annual game in London, this season they not only have a game the following Sunday, they have a game on the road.
Marrone on Wednesday said the Jaguars planned extensively for how to handle the transition from the London game to a "normal" week of preparation.
"You have so much time ahead when you know you're not going to have that [bye week]," Marrone said. "You start planning on how to use that time. Obviously we were going to use that time wisely where we were able to get a lot of work done on the plane coming back."
Players were off as normal on Tuesday while coaches game planned, then players reported Wednesday to begin practicing and meeting in advance of the Jets game Sunday – also as normal. Marrone said the team also will practice as they would on a normal week.
"We're going to practice," Marrone said.
Also on Wednesday:
*Marrone said he doesn't yet know if Jaguars players plan to demonstrate during the National Anthem Sunday. Players, coaches, staff members and Owner Shad Khan stood with arms linked during the anthem Sunday while more than 10 players knelt. "I don't know that at this point," Marrone said. "Obviously with a lot of individuals and a lot of groups, we have discussions. They're all private, but as of right now, I don't know that answer. I haven't talked to the players yet, but obviously I'd like to be informed. It's just a common courtesy – in any issue that we have. If I have an issue, I want to make sure I inform the team. If the team has an issue, I want to make sure they inform me. Communication is the big thing." …
*Marrone began his NFL coaching career as an offensive line coach with the Jets, working there in that capacity from 2002-2005. He worked during that time with center Kevin Mawae, who will be inducted into the Jets' Ring of Honor Sunday. "Hopefully, I'll get a chance to say hello to him and congratulate him," Marrone said. "It's well deserved." …
*Marrone as he did Monday discussed the need for consistency. The Jaguars earlier this season followed a 29-7 Week 1 victory over Houston with a 37-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans. "Any time people look at a winning team in any sport, I think the one thing you can put into that label is consistency," Marrone said. "Like I said then, 'Last week I wasn't too high. This week I wasn't too low.' We have to try to develop that consistency. What I try to do is harp on the players: 'Listen, consistency in our preparation, relentless in our attention to detail, making sure the preparation is done during the week and the work is done.' What's hard to judge is it's still a results-oriented, performance business, which comes down to Sunday.''
*The following players are not expected to practice for the Jaguars Wednesday: cornerback Jalen Ramsey (ankle), wide receiver Jaelen Strong (hamstring), linebacker Donald Payne (hamstring), linebacker Lerentee McCray (knee) and defensive tackle Malik Jackson (groin). Quarterback Blake Bortles (right wrist), center Brandon Linder (knee) and left tackle Cam Robinson (shoulder) also were listed on the injury report. …
