Breaking Down: Jacksonville Jaguars

2007 Record: 11-5, 2nd place in AFC South, Wildcard

Head Coach: Jack Del Rio, Career Record of 45-35, Del Rio is a players’ coach who always seems to be able to get the most out of the guys around him. The Jags haven’t had a losing season in 4 years, but last year was the first where they were a legitimate playoff threat this decade.     Grade: B-

Special Teams: The Jaguars depth and versatility allows a guy like Maurice Jones-Drew, who many teams would feel like they have to protect, to be a factor in the return game. Dennis Northcutt is an exceptional punt returner and allows them the luxury of not always having to put Drew in harm’s way. Josh Scobee struggled the last couple of years. Last year he was kicking very well but was hampered by a groin injury. Adam Podlesh did a very nice job punting last year in his rookie season.     Grade: B

Defensive Line: The Jaguars D-Line moves on this year without Marcus Stroud who they sent to Buffalo. The do still have stalwart Big John Henderson who is impossible to run around. He was not quite as impactful last year as he has been in his career. Rob Meier looks to fill the substantial hole left by Stroud. In rotation play last year he played well and contributed four sacks. Paul Spicer is 33 and Reggie Heyward is 29. Spicer played okay last year and Heyward missed four game to injury. The Jaguars hope that first round pick Derrick Harvey will sign and make an impact this season. 2nd round pick Quintin Groves should get plenty of playing time as well.     Grade: B+

Linebackers: Mike Peterson is a good middle linebacker, but is 32 and has struggled to stay on the field the past couple of seasons. Tony Gilbert is a competent back-up, but a step back nonetheless. Daryl Smith has not played as well as Jack Del Rio would like and will be challenged for his job by last year’s second round pick Justin Durant. Clint Ingram comes in to his third year needing to step up his play and stay healthy or he could be on his last chance as well. Jacksonville has been able to hide their linebacker deficiencies in the past because of their strong D-Line, I don’t know how much longer that will be the case.     Grade:C

Secondary: Rashean Mathis is one of the top corners in the league. His interception total was way down last year, as is the case with most lockdown corners, because QB’s avoided him like audiences avoided “The Love Guru”. The Jaguars add former Charger Drayton Florence who is a good consistent corner. Strong Safety Reggie Nelson had a terrific season last year and solidifies a position that has been in flux for a couple of years. Brian Williams is a solid FS who has really settled in nicely in Jacksonville.     Grade: B

Offensive Line: From left to right the names are Barnes, Manuwai, Norman, Williams and Pashos. The were the second best running team in the league last year and gave up next to no sacks. The one question mark is Norman who has never been a full time starter at center. Maurice Williams is being pushed for his RG position by Tutan Reyes.     Grade: A-

Receivers: The Jaguars put a lot of effort into trying to upgrade this position in the off-season. They made some questionable moves. Jerry Porter had two okay seasons in Oakland where he never broke 80 catches, 10 TD’s or 1000 yards. Nevertheless, he felt he was too good for the Raiders and basically quit on his team. As was the case with Randy Moss, quitting on the Raiders got him out of the Abyss and put onto a strong playoff contender. Troy Williamson was the seventh pick in 2005 and if you add up all 39 games he played in he’s had a pretty good season. There’s talent there and Del Rio thinks he’s the coach who can maximize it. Many coaches make this mistake each year in the NFL, especially at the WR position. Another first round pick who hasn’t lived up to potential is Matt Jones, who may also get suspended due to drug issues. Dennis Northcutt is the most reliable receiver on the team. I’m not sure if Reggie Williams will make the squad. Marcedes Lewis and George Wrighster will split time at TE, though the team does not utilize the position as receivers very often.     Grade: C

Running Backs: I probably do not have to tell you how good they are here. Running Backs are supposed to hit the wall at thirty. Fred Taylor has run for over 1000 yards in each of his “twilight” years. Thanks in large part to the addition of Maurice Jones-Drew. Drew is good for 50 yards rushing per game and 25 receiving. More importantly, if called upon to give Taylor a break for a longer period of time he has always performed well. The Jags add another potential threat this year in USC star Chauncey Washington. The scary thing is that FB Greg Jones could play HB on almost any other team. This is the best RB corps in football.   Grade: A

Quarterbacks: Del Rio drew a lot of raised eyebrows last year when the Jags cut Byron Leftwich and announced David Garrard as their starter shortly before the season. Garrard answered the call by throwing 18 TD’s to just 3 interceptions. He did suffer an injury and did not play as well in his first playoff performances. The Jags have former Dolphin Cleo Lemon as their new backup.     Grade: B-

2008 Forecast: This team is deep and as I said Del Rio is excellent at getting his players to perform to the top of their abilities. The Jaguars appear ready to burst through this year. Barring a setback for Garrard, this team is a Super Bowl contender.

Predicted Record: 12-4