The Jaguars Could Make Some Noise This Season

Two years ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars were a team on the rise. Their quarterback, David Garrard (pictured, right), was developing into a one of the most accurate passers in the league and was proving to be more than capable of leading the team. Byron Leftwich had been released prior to the season, re-affirming the team’s faifth in Garrard. As a thank you, Garrard rewarded the team with a playoff run. Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor were forming one of the best running back tandems in the league. Everything was going right for the Jaguars, but the fun ride stopped after the team’s loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round.

In 2008, big results were expected from the Jaguars. The team signed Garrard to a seven-year, $60 million contract. Garrard, who threw just three interceptions in ’07, was going to be counted on to perform even better in ’08. But before the season began, the Jaguars streak of terrible luck began. Offensive lineman Richard Collier, who figured to be an important role player, was shot 14 times outside of an apartment building on September 2nd, paralyzing him from the waste down. The shooting was the first of many injuries for the offensive lineman. The Jaguars couldn’t put together a formidable line, and as a result the team struggled mightily. Garrard threw 13 interceptions, the receiving corps was weak and the defense was mediocre at best. It all added up to a 5-11 season for the Jags, and the team was in need of a revamping heading into this season.

Coach Jack Del Rio knew changes needed to be made, and it started by getting rid of the team’s top three wide receivers in Matt Jones, Dennis Northcutt and Reggie Williams. The team also released Javon Walker, possibly one of the biggest free agent busts in franchise history. Long-time St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt was signed, and he still has some games left in his system. But the biggest move made was the toughest to actually do. Fred Taylor, who had been with the Jaguars his entire career was released. Taylor has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but he was a leader for Jones-Drew and still a solid player. The team felt it was time to move on.

Defensively, former Philadelphia Eagles safety Sean Considine was signed, and defensive back Tyron Brackenride was claimed off waivers.

With a rebuilt roster, the Jaguars now have a chance to be much better than 5-11 in 2009, but lots will have to go right, and little can go wrong.

How the offensive line performs is likely to tell a good part of the team’s story in 2009. Monroe, who is currently holding out of training camp, needs to get into training camp quickly. Rookie offensive lineman have a lot to learn, and the longer he holds out, the less likely his is to contribute right away. Britton, who is under contract, is expected to immediately make an impact. Being a quick understudy will be important, because the team can’t survive with both rookie tackles failing to make an impact this season. Signing Thomas, who will likely begin the season as the starting left tackle, was a great move, because his 12 years of NFL experience will be extremely valuable to this team. Not only will he be important on the field, he’ll also contribute off it. Thomas can show Britton and Monroe the ropes and give them constant instruction on how to play tackle in the NFL. That’s the kind of instruction that rookies should always have the luxury of receiving from veterans. The key for this unit will be staying healthy. If it suffers an unfortunate amount of injuries like it did last season, the Jaguars will not be able to succeed. Garrard needs time to throw the football, and he’ll only be able to do that should the line protect him.

Of course, the offensive line will also be key for the running game, which should be a big part of Jacksonville’s offense this year. With the release of Taylor, the Jaguars have handed Jones-Drew the keys to the car. Jones-Drew, even in a committee role, has been one of the best all-around running backs in the league. He’s quick, can burst through seems created by the line, and doesn’t get tackled easily. He also has great hands, which has helped him develop into an excellent receiver. Jones-Drew will be counted on to do most of the work this season, with Greg Jones and rookie Rashad Jennings also contributing.

For Jones-Drew and the running game to be affective, Garrard will have to look for like the ’07 version of himself. Last year was a disaster on all fronts, though the team’s health played a big part in that. Assuming the team stays relatively healthy this season, it will be left up to Garrard to put up good enough numbers to win football games. He doesn’t have to produce like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning — he didn’t do that in ’07 — but he has to minimize his mistakes and make the big plays when necessary. Basically, he has to manage the game. Garrard can’t do it on his own, though, and that is where his wide receivers will come in. Holt clearly needed a change of scenery after losing so many games in St. Louis over the past two seasons, and Jacksonville could give him a new lease on his football life. Second-year wideout Mike Walker will be counted on to play well, as will rookie Mike Thomas. Marcedes Lewis will finally have to develop into the players the Jaguars thought he would be when they drafted him with their first-round pick in 2006.

The Jaguars have a talented roster, but can they put it all together to form a winning season?

Staying healthy is the biggest priority, because that was what really hurt the team last season. Garrar needs to regain his form and be a confident leader for the team. How Jones-Drew performs as the No.1 back will also be interesting to watch. Del Rio knows this team has potential, and he also likely realizes that fans won’t be too happy if the team falters. Jacksonville is a small-market and the team will have trouble selling tickets unless they start winning. The team has been mentioned in potential moves to Los Angeles, and this could be an important season for the Jaguars to see how much support they can get from their fans.

Playing in the AFC South will not make it easy to reach the playoffs, but it is possible for the Jaguars. If the pieces fall the right way, this team has the opportunity to make some serious noise this season.