When watching veteran linebacker Joe Schobert on film, it’s easy to see the preparation he puts into studying the opponent. In pass coverage he clearly has a sense of where the ball is going and that’s going to be huge for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ young defense.
The veteran discussed his mindset when preparing for game days via Jaguars.com and the joy of how it translates on the field when the offense is unable to have success.
“When you’re able to call out plays, or when you’re able to diagnose things really fast because you understand what the other team’s trying to do attack you […] I think that’s just a huge mental part of the game that people overlook. I find it really enjoyable and I like to get that work in during the week, get into film study and put it to work during games.”
Schobert’s comments should comfort fans because they give off vibes of Paul Posluszny, who was the Jags’ field general for many years. When it came to being prepared, the veteran was probably as aware as anyone on the team although the talent wasn’t always around him.
Like Posluszny, Schobert also won’t be one of the loudest guys in the locker room because that’s simply how he’s always been. However, he said he will hold himself and his teammates accountable while also getting everyone on the same page.
“I’ll come in calm, and do my job,” he said. “I’ll be accountable. You can always count on me to do my job and make the plays that are there to be made and get everybody on defense on the same page to the best of my ability and make sure we’re all working together in one unit.
“That’s just kind of how I play the game. I don’t get too hyped up. I don’t get too low. I just try to be a calm, steady force out there and make sure people are doing the right thing so they can be held accountable – and make all the plays that come my way.”
With the Jags’ locker room and defense being so young, that’s exactly what the team will need out of him in 2020. Clearly, the Jags saw these same qualities along with his play on the field and felt he’d be the perfect player to build around just as they did with years ago Posluszny.
