Typically, when a new head coach is brought in, the first thing he does is get acquainted -- both personally and professionally -- with the players.
In Jacksonville, Mike Mularkey has done just that, save for one very notable exception.
According to Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com, Mularkey and running backs coach Sylvester Croom have yet to meet disgruntled back Maurice Jones-Drew.
"I don't know him at all," Mularkey said.
Jones-Drew is mired in a nasty holdout, failing to report to training camp in an attempt to land a lucrative contract. The dispute has the potential to become uglier with time, but the first-year coach isn't sweating it.
"I don't drive home or sit in my office worrying about it," Mularkey said. "I don't waste the energy."
As such, Mularkey has given backup Rashad Jennings all of the first-team reps, and is pleased with what he sees from the 228 pound bruiser.
"I like big backs like that," Mularkey said. "He's going to be tough to tackle."
MJD's absence has also allowed quarterback Blaine Gabbert to further hone his skills. After a dismal rookie campaign, Gabbert, the projected starter, needs all the work he can get this summer.
It would be foolish to say Jones-Drew's holdout is a good thing for the club because it's most certainly not. The offense is shaped around the three-time Pro Bowler, who often times single-handily keeps them afloat.
However, both parties are firmly entrenched in their stances and a resolution doesn't appear to be in sight. One side will cave eventually, but, in the meantime, Mularkey and Co. can only work with what they've got.
