Offense
Entering his fourth season, Byron Leftwich has a lot to prove. He has made steady progress since entering the league in 2003, but this is the year he needs to show that he belongs in the elite category among QBs. Breathing down his neck is David Garrard, who did a very good job last year when Leftwich got injured. Leftwich is the clear-cut starter, but if he gets injured again, or plays poorly, don’t be surprised to see Garrard at the helm sooner rather than later.
The offensive line was a bit of a disappointment in 2005, but most of the fault goes to injuries of key players such as C Brad Meester and RT Maurice Williams. Former first round picks Mike Williams and Stockar McDougle have been added to provide competition and depth to the position, and Mike Tice comes in from Minnesota and is expected to do wonders with this group.
At running back, the situation is a bit shaky with Fred Taylor opting to work out by himself and missing all the OTA practices. Since the 2003 draft, the Jags have drafted at least one running back in every draft. Greg Jones was moved to fullback, but he is the pounder and will carry the ball on short yardage while Maurice Drew should contribute on third downs with his receiving skills.
The receivers hold the key to the Jaguars’ success in 2006. The team faces the very tough challenge of replacing Jimmy Smith, the team’s all-time leading receiver and probably the greatest player in Jaguars’ history. Matt Jones has been penciled in as the No. 1 receiver for most of the offseason, and Reggie Williams and Ernest Willford will fight in training camp for the other spot opposite Jones. First-round pick TE Marcedes Lewis is a great addition and could make an immediate impact as a rookie and bring another dimension to the offense.
Defense
The Jaguars’ defense has been one of the best the last couple of years. The defensive line, anchored by defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, is considered by many as elite. Reggie Hayward and Paul Spicer are probably the most underrated defensive end duo in the league. This is, without question, the unit on the team with the most talent.
The same can’t be said about the linebackers. Mike Peterson is a stud and he should’ve been in Hawaii this past February, but after him the situation is not very bright. Akin Ayodele left to Dallas in free agency, but the jags weren’t devastated to see him go. Daryl Smith returns, but he was a bit of a disappointment in 2005. This will be his make-or-break year. The big question is who is going to be the starting Sam linebacker. The top two candidates are Pat Thomas and third-round rookie Clint Ingram. Thomas is believed to be the starter, for now.
The defensive backs looked really good last year and they may be even better this year. Strong safety Donovin Darius returns after missing 14 games last season due to an ACL injury. It remains to be seen if he is all the way back from his injury. The Jaguars replaced RCB Kenny Wright with Brian Williams. Many people think they overpaid for his services, but still he is an upgrade at the position and will be a good compliment to Rashean Mathis.
Synopsis
On paper, the Jaguars look a bit better this year; yet they could finish with a worst record than last year. That’s because they have a brutal schedule the entire year, staring with home games versus Dallas and Pittsburgh, and then traveling to Indianapolis and Washington.
The defense is expected to be among the best in the league again and the special teams look solid. If the offensive line plays better and if one of the young receivers stands up to the challenge, then this team could be in for a Super Bowl run.
