To what extent can Mitch Morse help the Jaguars?
This offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a significant upgrade to their offensive line by signing Mitch Morse, who previously played for the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, to take over the center position from Luke Fortner. Morse brings a wealth of experience, having performed at a high level with successful teams on major football platforms.
What precisely are the Jaguars receiving in Morse, though? Bills Central’s Nathaniel Marrero explains it to us.
What does Mitch Morse do best?
Marrero praised Mitch Morse as a dominant force on the field, highlighting his exceptional run-blocking abilities. According to ESPN, Morse boasted an impressive 74 percent run-block win rate last season, ranking him 10th among interior offensive linemen. This statistic is particularly promising for the Jaguars, whose offense faced challenges in running the ball, averaging only 96.8 rushing yards per game. With Morse’s proficiency, there’s optimism that he can create opportunities for Travis Etienne Jr. by opening up running lanes.
What are some of Mitch Morse’s weaknesses?
Marrero pointed out a potential area for improvement in Morse’s game, particularly in his pass-blocking skills. According to Pro Football Focus data from 2023, Morse allowed 31 pressures and one sack during that season. Marrero noted that some of this could be attributed to quarterback Josh Allen’s tendency to hold onto the ball and scramble, thus putting additional pressure on the offensive line. However, if there’s a weakness in Morse’s performance, it appears to be in pass protection.
Is Morse someone who the Bills will struggle to replace?
Marrero highlighted Morse’s significant contributions beyond his performance on the field, emphasizing his role as one of the leaders in the Bills’ locker room. Replacing a leader of his caliber is always a challenging task. Even if Connor McGovern seamlessly transitions into Morse’s role and the Bills’ offensive line maintains its effectiveness, Morse’s absence will still be deeply felt. His presence and leadership qualities make him one of the most significant losses for Buffalo in free agency.