Jacksonville Jaguars: AFC South

2009-10 Record: 7-9 (4th); vs. AFC South: 2-4; vs. AFC: 6-6

2010-11 Strength of Schedule: 5^th Hardest Schedule - .535 (137-119)

Big Games: Week 2 at San Diego Chargers, Week 4 vs. Indianapolis Colts, Week 8 at Dallas Cowboys, Week 12 at New York Giants, Week 15 at Indianapolis Colts, Week 17 at Houston Texans

Key Additions: DE – Aaron Kampman

Key Losses: WR – Torry Holt

Draft Picks: 1^st Round – DT – Tyson Alualu, 3^rd Round – DT – D’Anthony Smith, 5^th Round – DE – Larry Hart, DE – Austen lane, 6^th Round – RB – Deji Karim, KR – Scotty McGee

2009 Team Leaders:

Passing – David Garrard: 314-for-516, 3,597 yards, 15 TDs

Rushing – Maurice Jones-Drew: 312 atts, 1,391 yards, 15 TDs

Receiving – Mike Sims-Walker: 63 rec, 869 yards, 7 TDs

Scouting via NFL Scouts:

“The biggest thing with David Garrard is his consistency game in and game out. When he can hand the ball off and make plays with his legs, he’s at his best. When you force him to throw the ball down the field, he has struggled. … Jacksonville’s draft was a bit of a head-scratcher — first four picks on defensive linemen. They signed Aaron Kampman in the offseason to a big contract. He’s a very good player and tremendous leader with a great work ethic. With only six picks in the draft, that’s a whole lot of emphasis on the defensive line. … Tyson Alualu, I think, was a great pick for them. A lot of people seemed to knock it as a reach, but Jacksonville needs a starter who will make an impact. … Maurice Jones-Drew is a one-man wrecking crew, a real star in the league, but we’ve seen a trend in the league in the last 10 years: You need two backs in the backfield, 350-plus touches a year. That’s a lot of wear and tear for anyone.”

Thoughts:

The Jaguars’ franchise is pointing up, but they still have a ways to go. They’ve finished last in the AFC South the past two years. Weaver has laid out his expectations and he expects to see his team in the postseason. But, if they aren’t met, Coach Jack Del Rio likely won’t be around for a ninth season. A wild card playoff berth is a reasonable goal, but improvement is needed on both sides of the ball. QB David Garrard must rediscover his 2007 form and the line must start blocking for him. And the offseason moves on defense must translate to more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Prediction: 6-10 (4^th)

Cash Scott for Citadel Digital © 2010