The Jacksonville Jaguars are at a crossroads. After a promising 2022 season that saw them win the AFC South and a playoff game, they regressed to a 9-8 record in 2023, missing the playoffs entirely. While a 9-8 record isn’t terrible for most teams, the way they achieved it was concerning. They began the season with a strong 8-3 record, even holding the number one seed in the AFC for a brief period. However, a late-season collapse saw them lose five of their last six games, extinguishing their playoff hopes.
The Jaguars entered the offseason with a clear objective: improve the roster and make a deep playoff run. General Manager Trent Baalke was active in free agency, making several key signings to bolster the team’s defense, a unit that struggled mightily in 2023.
Defensive Acquisitions and Concerns
One of the most significant moves was signing defensive lineman Eric Armstead, a player Baalke is familiar with from their time together in San Francisco. Armstead, known for his size and ability to generate pressure from the interior, instantly strengthens the Jaguars’ defensive line. Along with Josh Allen and Trayvon Walker, the Jaguars possess a formidable pass rush on paper.
However, the secondary remains a major question mark. The signing of safety Darnell Savage from Green Bay does little to inspire confidence. Savage has been inconsistent throughout his career, prone to missed tackles and coverage lapses.
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Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell intercepts the ball against the Houston Texans.
Adding veteran cornerback Ronald Darby, now on the wrong side of 30, doesn’t necessarily solve their problems. Darby has struggled to stay healthy in recent years and expecting him to regain his prime form might be unrealistic. The lack of depth behind Darby is concerning, to say the least. The Jaguars will need their young cornerbacks, such as Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams, to step up significantly if they hope to improve their pass defense.
Offensive Line and Running Game Woes
While the defense raises concerns, the offense has the potential to be explosive. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, entering his fourth year, is coming off a promising season. However, Lawrence’s development hinges on the offensive line’s ability to protect him and establish a consistent running game.
The Jaguars’ rushing attack was abysmal in 2023, finishing 30th in yards per carry. Travis Etienne, their primary running back, saw his production dip significantly from his rookie season. While some regression was expected, the offensive line’s struggles were a significant contributing factor.
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence attempts to escape pressure from the Houston Texans.
The addition of veteran center Mitch Morse should help solidify the interior of the offensive line. The return of other starters, along with the development of 2023 first-round pick Anton Harrison, provides hope for improvement. If the offensive line can gel and create running lanes for Etienne, it will take immense pressure off Lawrence and allow the offense to reach its full potential.
A Make-or-Break Season
The Jaguars enter the 2024 season facing a pivotal moment. Their schedule is daunting, particularly in the first half of the season. They face a gauntlet of playoff contenders, including road games against the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles.
For the Jaguars to succeed in 2024, several things need to happen. Their revamped defense must live up to expectations. The secondary, a glaring weakness in 2023, needs to show marked improvement. Offensively, the offensive line needs to establish its dominance and pave the way for a potent rushing attack. Finally, Lawrence must continue to develop, limiting costly turnovers while showcasing the elite talent that made him the number one overall pick in 2021.
The Jaguars have the potential to be a playoff team in 2024. However, they need to address their weaknesses and navigate a brutal schedule. The margin for error is slim, making this a “now or never” season for the Jaguars.
