Jaguars linebacker Dennis Gardeck, a self-described 'big, white dude,' played season-high snap total in Week 3.
As soon as three Houston Texans receivers ran onto the field and Jaguars linebacker Dennis Gardeck wasn’t called to the sideline, he knew Week 3 was going to be his kind of game. More playing time and more opportunities to make plays.
In the first two games, Gardeck was almost always the odd player out when the Jaguars played their sub-package (five or six defensive backs); he played 17 snaps against Carolina and only seven at Cincinnati.
Gardeck played 21 snaps in the win over Houston, including several when the Texans were in three-receiver personnel, and had four tackles.
“It was exciting,” he said. “Our defense is obviously amazing so it was fun to be a part of it and it was fun to contribute. The standard for us so high that, stepping out there, I wanted my teammates to be able to trust me and I wanted to play at a high level and execute.”
Gardeck figured the Texans didn’t “anticipate a big, white dude in the slot,” when he played against “11” personnel, but he didn’t look out of place.
The Jaguars’ “big, white dude,” may be deployed in space Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers because of fullback Kyle Juszczyk, the nine-time Pro Bowler who has played 69 offensive snaps in three games.
“He does so much for that offense so you have to know where he’s at and be able to clear through the clutter in your mind and play football,” Gardeck said.
Gardeck will make his 100th regular season appearance Sunday, a terrific achievement for somebody who was undrafted out of NAIA Sioux Falls (S.D.) in 2018. He played eight years for the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the Jaguars on June 4.
In 12 games against the 49ers, Gardeck has 17 tackles.
“You’ve seen throughout the last three weeks him getting a little bit better and better and more comfortable,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said. “He can rush (the passer) a little bit, but he throws his body in there (playing the run) and then he can go play in space (in coverage). The way Dennis plays is something I’ve always really respected. He’s the right type of pro. The way he does things has put himself in a position to earn more (playing time).”
About the Jaguars
1. 49ers make offenses work. San Francisco’s defense majors in rushing four players, dropping seven into coverage and challenging opposing offenses to chip their way down the field.
The scoring drives by Seattle, New Orleans and Arizona this year against the 49ers have been 10, eight, eight, 12, 10, 13, 12, 15 and four plays in length. The four-play drive was aided by a 33-yard 49ers penalty.
“(Being disciplined is) huge because that’s basically what their scheme is saying out loud, ‘We’re going to play this defense, obviously try and get after you with four and you’re going to get greedy at some point and you’re going to get bored,'" Coen said. “It just makes you as a play-caller and as a quarterback be patient and meticulous and just keep taking what they end up giving you. And then we have to take advantage of the opportunities we do get down the field that we didn’t take advantage of (against Houston).”
2. Patrick gets acclimated. Receiver Tim Patrick, acquired from Detroit on Aug. 27, played 19 snaps in Weeks 1-2 combined, but 22 in Week 3 because of Dyami Brown’s shoulder injury. Patrick had a one catch for 16 yards.
“I played three positions in the game so I feel like I’m in a great spot right now,” Patrick said.
Said offensive coordinator Grant Udinski: “(Patrick has) a ton of value. He can line up inside and outside and physically, he can do a bunch of different things. You see him in the run game finishing blocks. He can get down the field and provides a bunch of versatility for a guy in his position.”
3. Mullens’ memories. Jaguars back-up quarterback Nick Mullens started eight games apiece in 2018 (3-5) and 2020 (2-6) for San Francisco, throwing 25 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.
“A lot of ups, a lot of downs, but four really good years,” Mullens said. “If you’re coming into the NFL, it’s a great place to start player-wise. The coaches are so good. There is a standard and you have to work and perform up to that standard. (Coach Kyle Shanahan) knows what he wants to get out of his quarterbacks. So much respect for him.”
4. Lawrence tracker. Against the Texans, I charted quarterback Trevor Lawrence for five plus plays and six minus plays, giving him season totals of 19 plus and 20 minus plays.
Quick hits
Watching Bryson DeChambeau during the Ryder Cup on Friday morning is a reminder of how unfortunate it is that he plays in purgatory on LIV Golf save for the four majors per year and this competition. What a player and what an entertainer. … The SEC unveiled its football opponents for 2026-29 and whoever is the Florida coach next year will face a favorable schedule of South Carolina, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma at home, Kentucky, Auburn, Missouri and Texas on the road and Georgia in Atlanta. A Gators schedule without Tennessee and LSU doesn’t look right. … UF coach Billy Napier said Wednesday he will remain the play-caller despite a 1-3 record and three touchdowns against three FBS opponents (all losses). The Gators host Texas on Oct. 4. … I look forward to seeing Bruce Pearl on television breaking down college basketball after his retirement from Auburn. … San Francisco quarterback Mac Jones (Jacksonville/Bolles/Jaguars) is 22-29 as a starter following the 49ers’ win over Arizona in Week 3.
Saturday selections
Oregon at Penn State: Never pick Nittany Lions coach James Franklin in a big game (4-20 vs. top 10 teams) and you’ll usually be right. Oregon 34-27.
Alabama at Georgia: Can the Tide answer this road call better than it did at Florida State? Yes, but the Dawgs flex their muscles as the SEC’s best. Georgia 24-17.
Auburn at Texas A&M: Tough back-to-back for Auburn after losing at Oklahoma last week (allowed 10 sacks). Texas A&M 20-14.
Notre Dame at Arkansas: Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman sustained a crippling loss last week at Memphis. It would be a stunner if there isn’t a regime change in Fayetteville. Notre Dame 38-20.
Last week (season): 3-1 (11-7).
Sunday selections
Jaguars at San Francisco: The Jaguars’ ability to decipher San Francisco’s defensive signals won’t be enough for the win. 49ers 27-21.
Top game — Baltimore at Kansas City: The Sunday afternoon marquee game of 1-2 teams. The loser isn’t in deep trouble, but will need to get hot and get some help to win their division. Chiefs 31-27.
Lock — Cleveland at Detroit: Teams like the Browns don’t follow a dramatic upset win with another dramatic upset win, much less on the road. Lions 28-13.
Upset — Tennessee at Houston: The Titans switched play-callers … after only three games. The Titans skipped over their offensive coordinator … and named their quarterbacks coach the new play-caller. But the Texans are a far bigger mess right now. Titans 13-7.
Last week: 2-2 (7-5 season).
Contact Ryan O'Halloran at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars' 'big, white dude,' Dennis Gardeck excited for increased role
Category: General Sports
