This was my first attempt at writing any sort of analysis on any team other then the Broncos, actually even including the Broncos. I really don't care much for the Jags ever since they upset us in that playoff game oh so many years ago. I do like Jack Del Rio and have been a fan of his ever since he played LB for the Vikings. It's crazy to think that he lost his starting job to Zach Thomas in Miami. Well  anyway enjoy and let me know if any of my facts are incorrect.

Offense

The Jags finished ranked 20th overall, 15th in passing and 18th in rushing. Del Rio has always been known as a Defensive minded coach. Look for him to get back to his roots and grind it out with a rebuilt OL and Jones-Drew. This will let Garrard return to his ’07 form where he can play off the play action and control the game instead of running for his life.


Quarterback:  The big question is can David Garrard  return to his 2007 form. In ‘08 he had a pedestrian 88.1 qb rating along with 15td’s and 13 int’s.  I think his numbers will definitely improve if the rookie OL pans out and cuts down on the 42 sacks they gave up last season.  Garrard is the clear cut starter with 6 yr  vet Leo Clemon, newly singed Todd Bouman and undrafted FA Paul Smith battling out the remaining 2 spots.

Running Back: After a big contract Maurice Jones-Drew is in the spotlight. The Jags decided to invest in the younger Drew and let long time starter Fred Taylor sign with the Patriots. Drew is a solid starter as the Bronco D can attest when Drew had his season high 125yds and 2 td’s against them in  October. With the 250th pick the Jags feel they got a steal in Rashad Jennings who some had rated as a 2nd round talent. Jennings should help spell Drew this season. Hold over’s Chauncey Washington and DD Terry should provide depth.


Fullback:  FB Greg Jones is one of the better true fullbacks in the game. He should continue to pave the way for Jones-Drew and company. Monte Owens was the backup in 2008 but weighing only 219lb and left much to be desired. Owens is more of a special teams player and currently an unsigned UFA. Watch for FA pick up Brock Bolen to step into the backup role.


Wide Receiver:  The Jags started the season with Williams, Porter and Jones but this trio never panned out. Some of that could have been attributed to fact Garrard was on his back all season. At any rate the Jags are not resigning Porter (signed with the Ravens) or Williams and they finally cut Matt “Coke Zero” Jones. After the cuts that makes incumbent veteran Dennis Northcutt and Mike Walker the starters going into camp. The jags will also turn to Tory Holt to help tooter rookies Mike Thomas, Jarrett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood.  Thomas gives them a speed at the slot position while Dillard who has excellent leaping ability could become a good red zone target.  Inconsistent hands and poor route running makes Underwood a project at best. The lack of a strong receiving corp will put a lot of pressure on the defense and running game to keep games close.

 

Tight End: Former first round pick Marcedes Lewis continues to improve and is a viable option for Garrard.  Look for Greg Estandia  to play a bigger role this season after the Jags cut former TE George Wrighster.  6th round pick Zach Miller who is a former QB  will need time to make the transition to TE.  With the question marks at WR look for Garrard to rely on the TE more this year.

Offensive Line: This is the biggest improvement the team has made. The injuries to the OL are probably the biggest reason for the collapse of the Jags in ’08. The Jags cut Khalif Barnes (signed with Raiders) and Charles Spencer. They added veteran LT Tra Thomas who only allowed 2 sacks with the Eagles last year and resigned C Brad Meester. The draft is where they really hit gold. I would have loved to been a fly on the wall in their war room when they had BJ Raji , Monroe and Crabtree all on the board. They opt for the pick that could step in the soonest with Monroe. Then they followed this later in the first by taking Eben Britton.  So now who starts where?

I wouldn’t be surprised if they let Tra Thomas start at LT and have Monroe begin at LG much like the Ravens did with Jonathan Ogden. If Britton isn’t able to beat out Tony Pashos at RT look for Britton to also move in to RG . That would leave Meester at Center and Vince Manawai as a backup. Obviously this is just a guess.  Training camp will see some heated battles.

Defense

The Jags have always been known for Defense and in ’07 they felt they were just a pass rusher away. After trading Stroud away to the Bills they are looking at some glaring holes. ’08 saw Del Rio’s defense fall to 18th , his worst ranking in his 5 year tenure with the Jaguars. With no real major FA signings on defense Del Rio has his hopes riding on the 2 DE (Harvey and Groves) he drafted last year along with his newly drafted DT (Knighton) he took this year.
    

Defensive End:  Derrick Harvey will have to prove he’s not a 1st round bust as will 2nd round pick Quentin Groves. Del Rio is hoping both of these guys will finally step up to their pre draft hype. Until then veterans Reggie Heyward (ex-Bronco) and Paul Spicer could remain starters.

Defensive Tackle:  The Jags really miss Marcus Stroud and it shows with there inability to stop the run. They have yet to pair anyone with starter John Henderson. The Jags are banking on 3rd round pick Terrance Knighton to step in right away. Rob Meier and Derek Landri will be the backups.

Linebackers:  In last week’s mini-camp Del Rio had the following starting lineup  Daryl Smith,  Justin Durant and  Clint Ingram. We are cautioned not to read too much into this since Del Rio likes to have his linebackers play each LB position. So plan on this changing almost daily just like the OL lineup during camp. The line backing corp is solid but not stellar and lacks depth.

Cornerbacks:  Rashean Mathis though a gambler is solid at the left corner position. Drayton Florence (signed with Buff) leaves a void at the other corner position.  So it will look like Brian Williams will move over from safety to start at right corner. Scott Starks was resigned for depth and nickel support. Newly drafted Derrick Cox is very raw and will have to be groomed but could contribute right away as a returner.

Safety:  Third year FS Reggie Nelson is still maturing. He has great coverage skills but his hard hitting style mixed with his small frame have some questioning his durability. Free agent pick up Sean Considine is slated to be the starting SS but he failed in the same situation with the Eagles 2 years ago. If he doesn’t pan out don’t be surprised if they move Williams back.

Special Teams

The Jags could use another punter but for the most part their set.
      

Kickers:  PK Josh Scobee and Punter Adam Podlesh are entrenched as the starters. P Steve Weatherford is still on the roster after covering for injured Podlesh last season.

Kick Returner:  I don’t expect the see Jones-Drew back as a starting kick returner. Look for some one to emerge in camp.

Punt Returner:  Rookie Derrick Cox had 2 punt returns for TD’s in college.

2009 Premature Prediction:  Every team has hope in May and I believe this year’s Jags will be greatly improved.  I like how Del Rio is building in the trenches and given the fact that his contract was picked up through 2012 I think he has the time to rebuild this team correctly. The problem is that the Jags are in a very competitive division. I see the Texans moving up to battle the Colts and Titans while the Jags, though much improved remain in the AFC South cellar.