Michael DiRocco, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Ryan Davis ready to windmill for Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- If defensive end Ryan Davis is able to take down Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill on Sunday, Jacksonville Jaguars fans might see a familiar celebration.

"I might just windmill," Davis said. "If it happens, look out for it. I thought about it but haven’t given it too much thought. I’ve got to get to the quarterback first."

Davis’ windmill celebration would be a tribute to defensive end Andre Branch, who will miss at least six weeks with a groin injury. Whenever Branch gets a sack, he celebrates by leaning back and windmilling his arms.

Davis is going to get a lot more playing time while Branch is out. The second-year player from Bethune-Cookman College has been productive in his limited playing time through the first seven games, recording seven tackles, two sacks and two pass breakups. Now he’ll be the top backup to starter Chris Clemons.

Davis said he’s not concerned with getting sacks or making big plays as much as he is maintaining the level of play along the defensive front when Branch was in the game. That’s a pretty high level because Branch is tied for the team lead in sacks (3.0), has 13 tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

"The main thing is just going in and make sure nothing is going to drop off," Davis said. "Obviously Andre’s production has been high this season and I just want to go in there and do my part and make sure we don’t drop off or miss any steps.

"I just want to go in there and make sure I’m not half-stepping or let anything happen that Andre wouldn’t let happen."

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Davis originally signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in May 2012. Since then, he has shuttled between the practice squad and active roster. He played in seven games last season and had one sack, an interception and a pass breakup.

"Ryan has been very productive," defensive coordinator Bob Babich said. "He’s rushed inside, he’s rushed outside. Last week they doubleteamed him in a two-minute situation when he was inside playing defensive tackle. He came off the double team and made the tackle for a loss, so he’s shown that he can do a lot of different things."

With the addition of Clemons in free agency, the Jaguars have used a package that puts four pass-rushers on the field at the same time. Because of his size, Davis lined up inside, and that’s where he has had success. With Branch out, though, Davis is going to get more reps outside.

He’s also going to get some additional reps in his hotel room on Saturday night. He has to practice the windmill a couple of times, he joked, because he knows Branch will be on the sideline on Sunday.

"If I mess it up he’ll let me know," he said.

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