National Football League

JAGUARS NOTEBOOK;QB's wife runs audible

Published Oct. 19, 2010 10:12 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mary Garrard isn't shy about giving advice to the Jaguars' coaches in a joking manner.

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and quarterback coach Mike Shula were at a recent birthday party for the Jaguars quarterback's son, Justin, when David Garrard suggested his wife give them her views.

"I said, 'Here's a great time to tell the coaches what you've been trying to tell me.' She was laughing with them and joking with them, and they know Mary. They know how she is and the competitor she is. It was more joking than anything," David Garrard said. "She knows I like to move around and run around a little bit more. She was just saying we've got to see that some more and see you running around a little bit. Not that she was coaching up our coaches or anything."

Garrard said his wife has been watching him play since he was a sophomore in college at East Carolina.

"My wife is very into the game. She understands the game," Garrard said.

Against the Indianapolis Colts, Garrard ran five times for 44 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown run, but he had just three runs for nine yards against the Buffalo Bills.

Garrard still makes his living more with his arm than with his feet, and he was nominated as the FedEx Air player of the week for completing 16-of-20 passes against the Bills for three touchdowns. He is competing with Shaun Hill of the Detroit Lions and Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans for the award.

If Garrard wins, Safe Kids Northeast Florida will win $2,000 in support of pedestrian safety initiatives. Fans have until noon today to vote at NFL.com/FedEx.

JAGS VOTE TO DECERTIFY UNION

The Jaguars became the 15th team Thursday to vote to decertify the NFL Players Association as a union if the owners lock out the players when the collective bargaining agreement expires next March.

The union would then go to court to file suit for an injunction against the lockout on the grounds the players are independent contractors, not part of a union.

"We want to work, basically. We didn't ask to not have a job," said offensive lineman Jordan Black, one of the team's three player representatives.

The NFLPA hopes an injunction would force the owners to keep making offseason payments, such as bonuses and insurance, for the players.

Black said the two major issues are 18 and 18. He said the owners want the players to take 18 percent less and play 18 games. Black said there was no opposition in the meeting to the players' strategy.

JONES-DREW MISSES PRACTICE

Running back Maurice Jones-Drew had his right hand wrapped Thursday and said, "It's a swollen hand. We're just trying to get the swelling down. That's pretty much it. Nothing serious. There is no structural damage."

Jones-Drew did not practice Thursday and wasn't on the field during the media viewing time, but the Jaguars often rest him.

DEREK COX TO START

Del Rio made it official that Derek Cox will return to the starting lineup against the Titans, but the secondary might not be as big a target Monday night. The Titans rank 28th in the NFL in passing yardage.

Young also doesn't have a history of playing well against the Jaguars. He has four touchdown passes, eight interceptions and a 58.7 passer rating.

MATHIS HAS BEEN 'OK'

Cornerback Rashean Mathis, who gave up two touchdown passes against the Bills, doesn't have an interception this season.

"I think he's been OK. I think as a football team, and him included, I think our best football is in front of us. I think he can play better. I think he will play better as the year goes on," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said.

OLD PALS

Receiver Mike Sims-Walker of the Jaguars and running back Chris Johnson of the Titans grew up in Orlando and have been friends since they were playing youth football.

So it's not surprising that Johnson backed his buddy Thursday.

"They're not using him right. I feel like they can use him better. He needs the ball more, but, hey, I'm not the coach," Johnson said.

Sims-Walker said last week he wants to be more involved in the offense, but he said he's not upset.

Del Rio said he likes the way Sims-Walker is working and said there are no issues between them. Sims-Walker has 16 catches in five games.

When the coach was asked if they're happy with each other, Del Rio said, "I'm not sure if he's happy with me or not. I'm not worried about guys necessarily being happy with me."

TICKET UPDATE

The Jaguars have 2,165 non-premium tickets to sell by 8:30 p.m. today to avoid a television blackout, but the game is expected to air on local TV for the fourth consecutive home game (and six, counting the preseason).

Even if the Jaguars fall short of selling all the seats, owner Wayne Weaver can write a check to the league for the 34 percent visitors' share of the unsold tickets.

INJURY REPORT

Besides Jones-Drew, the other players who didn't practice Thursday were S Sean Considine (hamstring), LB Jacob Cutrera (calf) and Justin Smiley (foot). RB Brock Bolen (groin), CB Derek Cox (hamstring), LB Justin Durant (ankle), RB Rashad Jennings (shoulder) and DE Aaron Kampman (ankle) were limited.

vito.stellino@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4279