When Urban Meyer made the jump to the NFL and took over as coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, he knew the blueprint he wanted to follow.
He took a page from another former successful college coach who had found success in the pros — Pete Carroll.
Meyer hired six of Carroll’s former assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen, and has three former Seahawks on the roster: cornerback Shaquill Griffin, tight end Jacob Hollister and running back Carlos Hyde.
“That is not by accident,” Meyer admitted. “It is a sign of respect for an organization and a coach.
“I’ve read about him. I’ve studied his stuff. I’ve talked to him several times. He’s been great to me over the years.”
Jaguars passing game coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, receivers coach Sanjay Lal, offensive assistant Will Harriger and offensive quality control coach Quinton Ganther all previously worked or played for Carroll.
Those coaches and players will return to Seattle on Sunday when the Jaguars (1-5), coming off their bye week, meet the host Seahawks (2-5) at Lumen Field.
“Being back in Seattle and seeing the guys I have not seen for a minute, I am going to love that,” Griffin said. “Playing in front of the 12s is going to be fun either way it plays out. I am excited. I do not think I am going to treat it any differently. I am just preparing for another team I am trying to beat, and we are trying to win. That is my main focus.”
The Jaguars snapped a 20-game losing streak with a 23-20 victory against Miami on Oct. 17 in London as rookie Trevor Lawrence threw for 319 yards and a touchdown and Matthew Wright kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired.
The Jaguars have never won in three trips to Seattle and have been outscored 110-32.
But the Seahawks will be without quarterback Russell Wilson for this game.
Following surgery on the middle finger of his throwing hand, Wilson won’t be eligible to return from injured reserve until after next week’s bye.
The Seahawks are 0-2 with Geno Smith as the starter and have averaged just 15 points per game behind him.
While the Jaguars are coming off a bye, the Seahawks have had a short week after a 13-10 loss to New Orleans on Monday night that dropped them to 0-3 this season at home.
“It’s not a great feeling,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “It’s not a position that we thought we were going to be in, and it’s just back to the drawing board.”
The Seahawks will also be without defensive back Marquise Blair, who suffered a fractured right kneecap Monday. Offensive tackle Brandon Shell (ankle) has missed practice time this week, while running back Alex Collins (groin) has been limited.
For the Jaguars, defensive tackle Jay Tufele (hand) has missed practice, while cornerback Tyson Campbell (toe), defensive tackle Davon Hamilton (shoulder), linebacker Myles Jack (back), offensive lineman Tyler Shatley (groin) and long snapper Ross Matiscik (hamstring) have been limited.
The Seahawks, the defending NFC West champions, desperately need a victory to build some momentum going into the bye week, with Wilson expected to return afterward.
“We’re not giving up on ourselves,” Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks said. “People outside these walls may be pointing the finger and giving up on us, but we’re going to stick together. We’re going to figure it out.”
–Field Level Media
