2007 Jacksonville Jaguars Picks & Predictions
May 21, 2008
The Jags couldn’t make it back-to-back playoff appearances last season as they regressed from a stellar 12-win season in 2005. Find out if Jack Del Rio can get his troops back in the playoffs in this 2007 Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions article.
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For the first time under head coach Jack Del Rio, the Jacksonville Jaguars took a step backwards. The went downhill from a 12-4 mark and a playoff appearance in 2005 to finish just 8-8 last season. The defense, which is Del Rio’s baby, is not the problem. Jacksonville still manned a top five unit last season despite a slew of injuries. But the offense is in makeover mode. Del Rio fired axed three assistant coaches, upgraded the offensive line and bolstered the wide receiver corps. Even the normally steady tailback spot held by Fred Taylor is giving way to more carries by Maurice Jones-Drew. And at QB, Del Rio has, for now, settled on Byron Leftwich as the starter, but this relationship seems as though it could go sour at any time.
The Jags dominant defensive unit has this team close to a return visit to the postseason, but the holes on offense could keep these Florida boys at home during the playoffs for a second straight season.
Jack Del Rio turned to the college ranks to replace his offensive staff bringing in ex-Arizona State head man Dirk Keotter and ex-Alabama head coach Mike Shula. He’s hoping that their learning curve will be accelerated to this season because there is no time to wait in Del Rio’s eyes. Koetter is an old fashioned boy who likes the between-the-tackles power running attack to set up down the field passing and the Jags definitely has the right personnel to suit his style with two solid tailbacks and Leftwich’s cannon arm. All that could be missing is consistency from the wide receiver position. Hopefully, the big, strong, fast, Matt Jones can be that go-to guy this season.
Despite every injury you could think of, the Jags defense held strong in 2006. In fact, they finished as the number two ranked unit in all of football. Last year’s injuries to starters allowed youngster to step in and gain experience which has left this defense as one of the deepest in the NFL. With Pro Bowlers at every level, Mike Smith’s defensive coordinating duties should be made rather easy once again.
This could be a make-or-break season for head man Jack Del Rio who has only guided a talented unit to one playoff appearance in his four seasons in Jacksonville. Del Rio has the defense in place, but the offense is lacking the consistency and fire power that the elite offenses around the league possess. If Leftwich can finally stay healthy and a legit number one receiving option can emerge, the Jags could be a force to be reckoned with. But likely this team will be on the playoff fence in 2007. For Jack Del Rio’s sake, I hope it’s on the right side of the fence.
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