The Jaguars have several ties to the Seattle Seahawks, with head coach Gus Bradley serving as that team's defensive coordinator for four years prior to joining Jacksonville. The team also signed a couple of starting defenders from Seattle in the offseason. New running back Toby Gerhart is looking to emulate a Seahawk as well.
"Hopefully, I'll be the 'Beast Mode' down here for the Jaguars," Gerhart told USA Today. "I want to be a guy who helps turn this program around with a physical, punishing offense."
Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell said he's had an eye on Gerhart since way back when he was working in scouting for the Falcons. He also got favorable reports from the team's current defensive coordinator, Bob Babich, who used to work for the Chicago Bears. It all seems to line up well for a team that wants a workhorse running back and a player who wants to be that player.
It may be a little optimistic to view Gerhart as the next Marshawn Lynch. But in terms of workload and volume of carries for a team that wants (and needs) to emphasize the run, there's plenty of potential there.
Gerhart is also a capable receiver and in pass protection, so it's not a given he'll leave the field very often. The team's other running backs are an unproven and inexperienced lot that won't necessarily have major roles.
Another tidbit from the article, though, is that maybe Denard Robinson -- the "Offensive Weapon" -- will be a factor as a third-down back. He struggled last season, but was apparently dealing with a hand injury.
Still, Gerhart seems like a better bet to handle those duties, as well, until Robinson shows something of note in the preseason.
--Andy Richardson