With the Jacksonville Jaguars ability to run the ball and to stop the run defensively in 2006, you’d think they would have been more successful than just breaking even in the win-loss column. But the team had problems making big plays on both sides of the ball that ultimately lead to a collapse late in the year and a disappointing third-place finish in the division.
What's New?
In an attempt to rectify things on the offensive side of the ball, new coordinator and former Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter, along with his vertical passing scheme, were brought in to shake up the Jaguars offensive attack, which struggled to move the ball consistently via the pass in 2006. The problem, though, is the quarterback position is a little bit unsettled at this point. Although head coach Jack Del Rio has named Byron Leftwich the opening-day starter, he may not remain in that position if his play doesn’t improve.
The team did little in the way of bringing in veteran free agents, but did land wide receiver Dennid Northcutt and offensive tackle Tony Pashos. Neither was an eye-opening acquisition, but both will create some competition at their respective positions.
More of an impact is likely to come from first-round rookie safety Reggie Nelson, who will play a key role from the beginning.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Reggie Nelson, S Florida
2nd Round - Justin Durant, LB Hampton
3rd Round - Mike Walker, WR Central Florida
4th Round - Adam Podlesh, P Maryland
4t Round - Brian Smith, LB Missouri
5th Round - Uche Nwaneri. OG Purdue
5th Round - Josh Gattis, S Wake Forrest
5th Round - Derek Landri, DT Notre Dame
7th Round - John Broussard, WR San Jose State
Who's Gone?
Offensive coordinator Carl Smith was shown the door following a late-season meltdown. Tight end Kyle Brady signed with the New England Patriots, and the defense lost a pair of safeties in Donovin Darius and Deon Grant.
What Needs to Change?
So much of the Jaguars’ success in 2007 will be dependent on the performance of quarterback Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, or whoever proves to be the eventual starter. A lack of big plays on offense plagued this team in 2006, but the team believes some offseason changes in Leftwich’s footwork, along with the time off to heal, will help him rebound from a season he would much rather forget.
Under Pressure to Perform
Byron Leftwich - As eluded to above, an inconsistent passing attack and nagging injuries have created a bit of a quarterback controversy in Jacksonville. Del Rio named Leftwich the starter heading into the offseason, but I doubt he’ll show much patience if the results aren’t significantly better.
Reggie Williams and Matt Jones - It’s time both these guys prove they were worth first-round draft picks. Up to this point, neither has been particularly impressive, and their development into the quality of players they were thought to be coming out of college would go a long way toward correcting some of the problems in the passing game.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 10th (338.9)
Rushing Offense - 3rd (158.8)
Passing Offense - 24th (180.1)
Overall Defense - 2nd (283.6)
Rushing Defense - 4th (91.3)
Passing Defense - 10th (192.4)
Prediction - Running back Maurice Jones-Drew appears to be a star in the making, and he, combined with veteran Fred Taylor, will offer one of the best running duos in the game this year. If the Jaguars can somehow balance that with an efficient passing game, this team could give the Colts a run for their money in the AFC South. But if the inconsistency and lack of big plays continue from the quarterback position, they’ll be fighting off the Titans and Texans to stay out of the division cellar.
Record:7-9 and third in the AFC South
