[MTK]

Mason fans aren't going to like this:

Which made special teams coordinator Danny Smith's comments on Mason at least slightly worrisome for the (fairly large) contingent of fans rooting for Mason to make the roster this time around. "I love Marcus Mason," Smith said, by way of introduction.

Good start, but Smith continued, "Marcus Mason has never played in an NFL football game, and he's been on three teams. Let's not name him MVP today. Okay? He's never played in an NFL football game. He's been on three teams! It ain't all about does he gotta make a tackle on special teams. And the kid has never played special teams, and he's never played in a real game."

This is not to say that Smith had no compliments for Mason; those came later. "He has improved from when we had him before," Smith explained, "on special teams, he really has. He's done a good job there. Now he's gotta start making plays. He's in position to make plays, and that's the first step. Now he's gotta start making those plays. And when he starts making those plays, we'll consider him for one of those core positions. And I think he has a chance to do that."

So a word to Mason Nation: rushing yards are fantastic, but it sounds like the thing to keep an eye on in Jacksonville is what your guy does on special teams.

Sunday, August 30 - Five Players Released