The Jacksonville Jaguars end their 2023 season on a low note. No division title, no playoffs, no guaranteed new stadium. It is a season filled with promises and expectations that were not fulfilled.
This offseason, the Jaguars have to figure out why the offense fizzled at the end of the year against sub-par teams. It’s on thing to lose to the Texans in week 3, but it is another to lose to two back-ups in back to back games.
Also, questions are starting to swirl about Trevor Lawrence’s true potential. The next Payton Manning has shown flashes of a Manning like player, but we’re not seeing enough of it. Not to mention, he has dealt with unfortunate injuries that have limited his ability in critical games down the stretch.
So, what does Doug Pederson and the Jaguars need to do this offseason?
The Jaguars defense need an overhaul
Last year, the Jaguars defense made play after miraculous play to send the Jags to the playoffs. However, this year was the complete opposite.
Honestly, the Jaguars defense could not stop the run or the pass in the last 6 weeks. Granted, the defense did get a shutout against the terrible Panthers, but that doesn’t count.
Against the Titans on Sunday, the Jaguars allowed Derrick Henry to once again break their back. On 19 carries, Henry rushed for 153 yards and one touchdown.
Ryan Tannehill also turned back time a little as well. 168 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. As nice as it sounds that a dominant offense win championships, it is indeed a the defense that matters.
Days when the offense is having a slow start, the defense needs to be on point. This year, the defense showed who they really were.
I expect the Jaguars to go all in on defense with the first few picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars offense needs to find balance
Look, I think Trevor Lawrence has the tools to be a great quarterback in this league, but he’s not ready for the offense to be all on him. Meaning, he can throw us to victory just yet.
The Jaguars have solid weapons on offense, but a sub-par running game. I think the Jaguars should look into getting Derrick Henry in the offseason. Henry is a hometown player with the talented to help open up the passing game.
By having a strong rushing attack, many great quarterbacks are able to flourish. Think about the young Tom Brady when the Patriots had Corey Dillion. How about when Payton Manning had Edgerrin James as his dependable runner.
No matter how good a quarterback is, the offense will not move without a formidable running game.
Will the Jaguars get a new stadium?
Well, the NFL is making a huge effort to get the city of Jacksonville to buy into building the Jaguars a new stadium. The mock up of the stadium looks awesome, and fits the city perfectly.
Having a new stadium would most likely get the Jaguars the Super Bowl upon completion. The last time the city hosted the Super Bowl was in 2005 when the Patriots played the Eagles for the first time.
The Florida-Times mentioned that Jacksonville is one of the fastest growing cities in America with a beautiful backdrop for any sporting event.
