Jaguars LB Telvin Smith disappointed in defense’s progress – Florida Times-Union

Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith stepped behind a podium inside EverBank Field, used a towel to wipe his forehead, signed and said, Im a little heated today.

But it had nothing to do with the temperatures outside, which were cranked up several notches compared to the first week of OTAs.

Not because of the sun and the weather [because] of where were at as a team, Smith said.

With that, Smith delivered an honest and critical assessment of the Jaguars defense four OTAs into the final phase of their off-season program.

Some highlights:

*Asked what a player in his spot wants to get out of the next month, Smith said: The biggest thing Im trying to get out of [this time] is mostly [what we can get] out of this team. Right now is when were making the team. Its not when we go into training camp and we say, OK, now we can turn it on. Were going to decide the mentality of this team right now.

Smith added: I just think as a team, we should be further than we are.

*Smith said he spoke to the defense after todays workout.

The message? As players, we have to do our part. Its not the scheme. Its, what do we want? What is our mentality going to be?

*Smith wouldnt get too specific about what irks him about the defenses progress so far.

Just our mentality, he said. The mindset of our team. Things that we should be using to beat our opponents are still beating us. Ill just leave it right there.

*Smith said the honesty of coach Doug Marrone is something that is definitely appreciated and most definitely needed.

Added Smith: Anytime you have a group of so many guys under one roof, youre going to have [players who dont respond]. But you have to know what the bigger plan is and where were trying to go.

*Smith on if a standard can be established before the pads go on in training camp: It definitely can, in the way you run and the little things and the way you listen to all of the little rules like keeping your helmet on and things like that.

*Smith was asked what is going well for the Jaguars defense.

As a team, we are wanting to play well thats something every team is doing so thats nothing, he said. Guys are accepting the system and wanting to be a part of it and wanting to grow in it. But again, all of the teams are doing that, at least the great teams are. So thats not enough. Were still working on the execution part.

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Jaguars LB Telvin Smith disappointed in defense's progress - Florida Times-Union