2015 Season Win Total - 5.5
Year In Review: Last year was a year the Jacksonville Jaguars would like to forget. They finished with a dismal record of 3-13. They gave up 412 total points on defense and scored a league low 249 points on offense. It was a year in which the Jaguars looked to improve, but they fell short in many areas. One can blame some of the hardships with youth and injuries, but overall the Jaguars failed to execute week in and week out. How will the Jaguars fair in 2015 ?
--- 2015 Key Additions:
TE - Julius Thomas
Asst HC - Doug Marrone
OT - Jermey Parnell
CB - Davon House
LB - Dan Skuta
RB - Bernard Pierce
OC - Greg Olson
DT - Jared Odrick
CB - Sergio Brown
C - Stefen Wisniewski
(Overview) --- The Jaguars picked up some much needed help here for 2015. They really filled some big holes they had on the line and added some depth as well..The key pickup was TE Julius Thomas...Now you add in TE Mercedes Lewis & OC Greg Olson...It looks to be a team that may in fact be hard to stop in the passing game. The WR core has stayed intact and the addition of RB Bernard Pierce will help this team as well...The 2015 draft will produce a RB for this team for sure. The Jaguars filled up on defense as well...Adding two CB's, LB Dan Skuta and DE Jared Odrick...Will the Jaguars look to make a splash in the 2015 draft and draft a high profile defenseive player like USC DE Leonard Williams remains to be seen. (NFL Draft April 30th)
--- 2015 Key Departures:
WR - Will Blackmon
DB - Alan Ball
WR - Cecil Shorts III
LB - J.T. Thomas
RB - Jordan Todman
DB - Teddy Williams
(Overview) --- The departures for the Jaguars is actually an upgrade. Aside from Cecil Shorts III and Jordan Todman, I really don't see a big loss for the Jaguars for 2015. They replaced all these players with guys who can step in and help this team. It's hard to imagine with these departures, that the Jaguars could be worse off this year.
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2015 Jacksonville Jaguars - Schedule
Home:
REGULAR
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1 SEP 13 1:00PM EDT
PANTHERS
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2 SEP 20 4:05PM EDT *
DOLPHINS
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3 SEP 27 1:00PMEDT * @
PATRIOTS
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4 OCT 4 1:00PMEDT * @
COLTS
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5 OCT 11 1:00PMEDT * @
BUCCANEERS
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6 OCT 18 1:00PMEDT *
TEXANS
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7 OCT 25 09:30AMEDT
BILLS
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(BYE WEEK) 8
9 NOV 8 1:00PMEST * @
JETS
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10 NOV 15 1:00PMEST * @
RAVENS
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11 NOV 19 8:25PMEST ,
TITANS
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12 NOV 29 1:00PMEST *
CHARGERS
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13 DEC 6 1:00PMEST * @
TITANS
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14 DEC 13 1:00PMEST *
COLTS
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15 DEC 20 1:00PMEST )
FALCONS
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16 DEC 27 1:00PMEST * @
SAINTS
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17 JAN 3 1:00PMEST * @
TEXANS
(Overview)
I like the lack of cold weather games this team is going to have to play this year. The second half of the season looks favorable for a Florida team. I like the fact that the Jaguars come out of the bye and face the Jets as well. A long trip from SD can also be help to this club... 6 of the 16 games are Vs. 2014 Playoff teams. That is a nice help as well. Taking to the road to visit N.O, Balt, N.E. is a bit tough though. Overall the schedule is fair at best. I see no real advantage this early on in the offseason.. Key positive is the Jaguars will play 3 games with teams going into the bye week.
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The Offense : 2014 - Pass 29th / Rush 21st
--- It all starts with QB Blake Bortles. This offseason Bortles called upon his WR's for early workouts to devote time to routes, timing, footwork and comfortability. Rumor has it that Bortles and the WR's have been getting together all offseason as much as possible for workouts. Not only have they been working out together, but Bortles is the one who called for the workouts. OC Greg Olson released his new playbook to Bortles on April 20th. Bortles had just 11 TD's and 17 Int's last last year on 2,900 yards passing. Big issue here for the Jaguars is the protection they give to Bortles. I believe the Jaguars have helped out this offensive line in a big way. Those offseason workouts should help this team on offense.
--- Big key additions with TE Julius Thomas, Bernard Pierce, and the fact that Doug Marrone will be in charge of the offensive line will have some great dividends this year. Last year Bortles actually had the support of his teammates. He took charge of his team and became a vocal leader on and off the field. It's something he said he is just used to doing. His teammates are 100% behind him this year. The big targets of Thomas and Robinson will help out big time.
--- Also the WR core of Robinson, Hurns and Lee will help out tremendously. These guys all caught over 40 balls last year and all tasted the endzone. Bortles spread the ball between them all. I find that very helpful as they move into 2015. The offensive line is a big improvement as well. The Jaguars led the league in sacks allowed last year. How much better would this offense and Bortles have been with protection?..I believe much better and that will showcase itself this year.
(Area Of Concern) --- Running Back
Workouts of USC RB Buck Allen, Georgia RB Todd Gurley, Alabama RB TJ Yeldon, Wisconsin RB Mevin Gordon. The workouts have all concluded and 1 of these 4 guys is almost a sure fire 2nd rd pick here by the Jaguars. Health issues surround Gurley, but he may still be left on the board for the Jaguars. Melvin Gordon would fit right in here with the Jaguars. I would not rule out Buck Allen or TJ Yeldon, but i believe the Jaguars will go for Gurley or Gordon.
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Key Stats --- (Offense)
Blake Bortles QBR was just horrendous. He finished dead last in the league among the starters and most in part because he was running for his life. He also spent a large amount of time scraping himself up off the ground after being sacked for a league high last year.
Jaguars finished 21st in the league for rushing yards last year. They used up all of the candidates they had in the back field last year. Running was a good option for Bortles as he was under attack more often then not. RB will be a key concern here in the draft. RB Bernard Pierce should give this team a lift in the rushing department this year.
Jaguars finshed 29th in passing offense. It's hard to imagine how they finished in front of San Fransico and Kansas City..New OC Greg Olson has taken some young talent and made them much better QB's..Take last year for example with Oakland's Carr..This year Olson has high hopes for his QB Bortles. Dropping any lower or a slight upgrade would be a huge dissapointment to this Jaguars teams in regards to the passing yards per game.
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The Defense : 2014 - Pass 22nd / Rush 27th
--- With Chris Clemons on one end and Jared Odrick on the other, this will be a tough team to avoid in the QB pressure department. In the middle Sen' Derrick Marks (not pictured) had a good season last year. Marks had 8.5 sacks.
--- With Paul Posluszny and Dan Skuta in the middle, this defense should be able to perform much better. Posluszny had issues with his knees for years and just signed a 1 year contract. He will be the signal caller here on defense. Skuta was limited last year, but still had some quality games. He will help the outside area of this defense for sure.
--- New CB addition Devon House will be a upgrade as well. Johnathan Cyprien was a beast last year and had 114 tackles. Josh Evans (not pictured) was just behind Cyprien with 90 tackles and will start for the jaguars this year again.
(Area Of Concern) --- Defensive End & Saftey/CB
The question remains what big time DE the Jaguars are going to select. They might just throw a wrench into the entire thinking here by most. Still i believe they will go for USC - Leonard Williams, Florida - Dexter Fowler, Clemson - Vic Beasley. All defense ends...Alabama Safety Landon Collins may get a look, but i think it will be in the later rounds if he is available. One way or the other help is needed and they can get the help they need on the defensive line by drafting 1 of those 3 noted above.
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Key Stats 2014 --- (Defense)
The Jaguars ranked T6th with 45 sacks last year. It's something to build on, but don't be fooled. The offense didn't spend to much time on the field and defense really got overworked last year leading to extra opportunities to sack the QB. I do however believe the Jaguars will improve in both departments this year.
Giveaway/Takeaway was rather bad last year. The Jaguars finished -6 for the year. With some new defensive players to make some noise i expect them to be just above or below the even mark.
3rd down Conv % for the Jaguars was just down right bad. They finished dead last in the league and this year the only way to go is up. They also finished in the bottom half for overall 1st downs against, ranking 24th in the league. Again, it's hard to imagine the Jaguars slipping further down the totem pole here on defense with all the new acquisitions.
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2015 Draft Positions
Round 1 - Pick 3 (3)
Round 2 - Pick 4 (36)
Round 3 - Pick 3 (67)
Round 4 - Pick 4 (103)
Round 5 - Pick 3 (139)
Round 6 - Pick 4 (180)
Round 7 - Pick 3 (220)
The question remains if the Jaguars will stay put with the #3 pick...They can move back and a swap with Cleveland or maybe even the Rams is not out of the question..The Jaguars seem to be locked in on Blake Bortles for the foreseeable future. This is a deep draft and getting a few extra picks will not hurt the Jaguars by dropping down in the draft..They have holes to fill for sure. Maybe the Jaguars look for depth as well..I think this draft is rather deep with tons of talent..Perhaps a late push at a WR would not be out of the question as well..FSU Greene or USC Agholor would be a nice addition to the WR core as well...Notable RB's that can be looked at here Nebraska Ameer Abdullah or Miami RB Duke Johnson..OSU CB Doran Grant would be a nice fit who can play CB or S...We will see how the draft shakes out, but my gut feeling is the Jaguars fill all the holes on this team this year with some young athletic talent.
Mock - Florida DE Dante Fowler / Jags may pass on Fowler
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2015 Season Wins (Prediction)
How in the world do the Jacksonville Jaguars have a season as bad as last year?...I think we can rule out a 3-13 or even worse, but the key here is the season total of 5.5..On the surface the Jaguars look to be better in almost every area..The offensive line was a major issue and with new additons to the line i believe they will be much better as a offensive unit in regards to the O-Line...C Stefen Wisniewski is slated for 2nd on the depth chart to play center..He has been quoted "I have started every year since i came into this league, i intend to start again this year"...That's a great statement to hear from a guy who is new to the team..I believe the competition to start this year will be at a all time high at almost every position. Jaguars have some depth with OT Austin Pasztor and OG Jacques McClendon..McClendon can play either guard position and even Center. Jermey Parnell will anchor the right side and Luke Joekel will take care of the left side..Joekel and Linder have put on some weight as well..Both guys have added 15 lbs each and Linder is hitting the mark of 320...Look for the Jaguars to be much beefier this year.
--- In order for Blake Bortles to have success it all starts with his line..I believe he will be much more comfortable in the pocket. As i stated above he has been working on a number of offseason issues with his WR's...Allen Robinson (pictured) will have a breakout season i believe..Let's not forget about Pierce and a new RB via NFL Draft 2015. This will be a big relief for the QB as well. Bortles ceiling is much higher now that he has a year under his belt. I expect him to have a pretty good season for a second year starter in this league.
The WR talent is above average IMO. At times last year it really shined and at times it was non-existent. Most in part to Bortles getting killed in the pocket. One or two of these guys will flourish this year. TE Julius Thomas will create a big target for Bortles and a nice security blanket if Bortles gets in trouble..he is just a mismatch for most guys on defense.
On defense we can look at some depth with DT Ziggy Hood and DE Tyson Alualu..These guys will see action, but the word is these guys are ready to step up for a complete season. Devon House is a nice addition and i believe we will see a big season out of Jahnathon Cyprien and Paul Posluszny. The draft will be interesting if they get a young stud pass rusher for this team..Sen'Derrick Marks, Chris Clemons, Jared Odrick, Dan Skuta can really make this team on defense much better.
--- Special teams is a bit of an issue. The Jaguars had the worst kickoff return yards last year. Denard Robinson (pictured) was moved to RB last year and rumors are he might even return kicks this year. Jaguars signed WR-KR Bryan Walters as well. This is a big area the Jaguars need to improve..I just can't see them getting worse in YPG in this area. The kicking and punting game should be just fine this year. Jaguars finshed in the top 15 in FG and Punting.
--- I like some of the moves the coaching staff has made overall...Gus Bradley (pictured) has his work cut out for him, but he seems to be taking the bull by the horns..His hire of Doug Marrone should be a help and the jury is still out on Greg Olson all together. I like the fact that the Jaguars organization is locking in some key figure heads as well..It tells me they are in it for the longhaul and they are liking what they are seeing as a whole going into 2015.
It's still very early and many things can happen this offseason.The schedule is fair at best, but i believe the Jaguars can hit 6 or 7 wins this year. The Jaguars ranking last in many areas should be much improved this year. I believe that will translate into a few more wins this year. Jaguars only played in 4 close games last year aside from the 3 wins they had..Those 4 close losses came by 8,8,2 and 7 points. They should be able to close the gap this year and over the next few seasons.
(Jacksonville Jaguars) - OVER 5.5 WINS
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