2013 NFL Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

Added on Jul 26, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

Since 2008, the Jaguars are 27-53. New head coach Gus Bradley brings an intense, defense-first philosophy to a franchise that needs upgrades all across the roster. There is reason for optimism though, if some promising young talent blossoms sooner than later. Bradley clearly has work to do, but for the first time in years, the Jags appear to at least have a plan in place for success.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Maurice Jones-Drew is the still the face of the franchise. He’s only 28, but is recovering from foot surgery and logged 330-plus touches during the 2009-11 seasons. The team could be in store for a turnaround, but Jones-Drew probably won’t be around to contribute. The bigger question surrounds the unstable quarterback position, where Blaine Gabbert has one last shot to prove he’s a reliable starter.

Player in the spotlight: Justin Blackmon – A less than stellar rookie campaign gave way to the 2012 first-round pick being suspended the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. In addition, he had offseason groin surgery. On a team with few playmakers, the Jags can ill afford for Blackmon to be a bust. If he doesn’t improve both on and off the field, don’t expect Bradley to display much patience.

Trouble spot: Quarterback – The secondary remains a mystery, but there is plenty of youth to evaluate. Meanwhile, there’s a potential powder keg sitting under center. Gabbert has looked awful. Chad Henne is a stopgap at best. Rookie Matt Scott is extremely raw. Bradley seems willing to allow Gabbert every opportunity to win the job, but the proverbial leash won’t be long.

Fearless forecast – If Bradley can erase the negative attitude and get players to buy into his approach, the Jags could be a feisty bunch in 2013. That said, this has the feel of a classic rebuilding year chock-full of growing pains. Seven games versus 2012 playoff teams and matchups against the presumably improved Chiefs, Rams and Browns means four or five wins is the best they can hope for.