 Stroud Back in the Mix for Jags The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to receive a much needed jolt in their charge for the playoffs with the return this week of Pro Bowl defensive linemen Marcus Stroud. The 6-6, 310 pound Stroud returns after serving a four game suspension for violating the league's steroid and related substances policy. In his absence, the Jags' once vaunted pass rush has suffered immensely. Though they went 3-1 in the game's he missed, the defensive-minded Jags (8-4) barely resembled themselves along the the line of scrimmage, particularly last week in their 28-25 defeat at the hands of Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Not only were Manning and company able to convert on 10 of 13 third-downs, they scored touchdowns on three of those plays. It's all been enough to have Jags coach Jack Del Rio salivating at the thought of having his veteran linemen back in the mix. “I didn't think we played smart enough,” said Del Rio. “We had too many penalties and too many breakdowns, in particular in our secondary. We allowed them to have big plays, in some cases touchdowns, and really let them off the hook.” During the team's first eight games, Stroud, who underwent micro-fracture surgery on his right ankle during the off-season, recorded 33 tackles and three sacks. The Jags are expecting him to be even more rejuvenated for their critical stretch run. “He'll be hungry because of the time he missed,” said Del Rio. “His body ought to feel great because he had a little bit of a break. I'm sure he'll be anxious to get back and get back to work.”
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