Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions 2008
July 25, 2008
-Brad Marchetti
After making an impressive run for the Superbowl last season the 2007 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Predictions are running even higher for 2008. Head Coach Jack Del Rio has moulded the Jags into a physical team that is a legit threat to dethrone the Indianapolis Colts atop the brutal AFC South. The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars are at 2-1 NFL betting odds to win the AFC South division.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are not as flashy or high flying as their division rival Colts but the Jags run a mean power running attack that makes them a problem for everybody. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew run footballs down the throats of defenses as good as anyone in the NFL. Taylor, at age 32 is still a top-10 NFL running back and Jones-Drew runs people over with his tree trunk lower leg strength. David Garrard will take over as the starting QB for his second straight season after a terrific 2008 campaign replacing Byron Leftwich. Garrard had an impressive 18-3 TD to INT ratio as he took command of the offense. David is built like a linebacker and has a rocket for an arm. Garrard is a very hard worker that is still improving as he gains starting experience. The problem for the Jags has been the lack of a big playmaker at wideout.
The Jaguars added WR’s Joey Porter ($30 Million) and Troy Williamson. Joey Porter is a big, fluid athlete that has underachieved for much of his 8-year pro career. Troy Williams runs a 4.25 40-yard dash is a poor route runner with below-average hands. Starting opposite of Porter will be former 1st round pick Reggie Williams who had a breakout 2007 season. AT 6’4″ 212 Lbs. Williams is a red-zone beast that provides a big target over the middle as a reliable possession wideout for David Garrard. Williams lacks elite speed but he can move well enough and has some polish. The offensive line is solid but their is some concern at left tackle with Khalif Barnes being inconsistent. The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars are at 12-1 NFL betting odds to win the 2009 Superbowl.
A blood thirsty Jaguars 4-3 defense is the main thing that puts wins on the board for the Jags. In need of an upgraded pass-rush, Jacksonville used two 1st round picks on DE’s Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves. The Jaguars are one of the roughest D’s in the NFL but one thing they lacked last season was a pass-rushing menace. The big subtraction from last year’s defense is DT Marcus Stroud. Replacing Stroud will be Rob Meier in his first season as a full-time starter. Meier is battler that can stuff the run. Still a force upfront again will be 6’7″ 335 LB. DT John Henderson. Henderson picks running backs out of his teeth and is relentless as a pass-rusher with the ability to dominate games.
Behind the front line is a deep set of linebackers that form a strong group. Mike Peterson is the stud in the middle but his last two seasons have ended with injury. Peterson is fluid in coverage and has the quickness to make plays all over the field. OLB Daryl Smith is a steady instinctive player and the same goes for OLB Clint Ingram. A candidate to replace either Ingram or Smith however could be last year’s 2nd round pick Justin Durant who has loads of talent with 4.45 40-yard speed.
A strong secondary got a shot in the arm with the signing of CB Drayton Florence from San Diego. Florence will team with Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams as one of the best cornerback trios in the league. The gambler Mathis is a playmaking ballhawk that plays a physical brand of football. Williams is an experienced and versatile player that is strong against the run. FS Reggie Nelson has star potential with 5 INT’s as a rookie but he wasn’t very instinctive. The special teams stars Kicker Josh Scobee who has one of the strongest legs in the NFL. As a kick returner Maurice Jones-Drew adds an explosive element to the return game with a 26.2 yards per return kickoff average. The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL betting OVER\UNDER is at 10 WINS with the OVER at -135.
The 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars are in a great spot to make a serious run at the 2009 Superbowl. Head Coach Jack Del Rio has all the pieces in place on a roster with no glaring weakness. Expect Jacksonville to battle with the Colts tooth and nail the entire season with their finest squad ever in Del Rio’s tenure.
2007 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Betting Record: 11-5 ATS
2008 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Predictions Power Ratings
Coaching: 8
Quarterback: 8
Running Backs: 9
Offensive Line: 6
Wideouts: 6
Defensive Line: 7
Linebackers: 7
Secondary: 8
Special Teams: 7
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