Defending Del Rio

Some people are criticizing Del Rio for the controversy that has been simmering the last couple weeks between him and starting linebacker/team captain Mike Peterson. Del Rio sent Peterson home from practice twice last week for insubordination and has fined the linebacker a total of 10 grand.

Peterson admitted to the media today that he is unsure whether or not he's going to be allowed to take the field at all this week against the unbeaten Titans. Peterson conjectured that Del Rio was trying to "move him out of the way and get ready for next year."

Things haven't been going well for the Jags so far this season. They're trailing the division-leading Titans by five games, and have underachieved, losing games to the Bills, Browns and Bengals. Games the most figured to be easy wins before the season began. All five of their losses have come by seven points or less.

The key to the Jaguars' success over the last few seasons has been discipline, and discipline is exactly what they need to get back on top. Del Rio is a no-nonsense coach. He took an opportunity to ream his team for their many faults following a loss to the previously winless Bungles. He warned his players ahead that he didn't want anyone to speak - he didn't want any excuses. Del Rio ripped into Peterson for celebrating a meaningless sack with the Jags trailing big in a game they should have been winning big. Peterson sassed back. He and Del Rio got into a shouting match which resulted with Peterson getting sent home.

I don't fault Del Rio. I support Del Rio. He's the boss and he's in the right here. Tensions are high in Jacksonville, and frustration is setting in amongst the coaches and players, but everyone needs to know Del Rio is in charge. Peterson was insubordinate and now he's being held accountable.

Peterson's contract is up at the end of the season and he's not going to be back. The real question is whether or not he's going to see the field the rest of this season. If he doesn't humble himself and fall in line he's going to be watching the rest of the season from the sideline.