Will 2008 Be the Year the Jags Take that Next Step?

Posted by Matt Loede under Jacksonville Jaguars

Garrard

The Jacksonville Jaguars seem like a confident bunch as they embark on the 2008 season, with just one major stumbling block standing in their way - the Indianapolis Colts. Again this season the Colts will stand in the way of the Jags winning the AFC South, but the Jags are ready to put up quite a fight for that title. They made some solid offseason moves, and also feel that QB David Garrard is ready to take a big step to being an elite NFL QB.

The team upgraded their WR core to go along with Reggie Williams. They grabbed WR Jerry Porter from the Raiders, in hopes of him finding his potential as a big-play guy. They also added Troy Williamson, a former first-round pick, in a deal with the Vikings for a low draft pick. So far they have been impressed with what he’s shown. They likely will either dump or try to trade Matt Jones, who has worn out his welcome with the Jags as a first round bust.

The running game will be very good again, as long as they can stay healthy. Fred Taylor is getting long in the tooth, but he had a Pro Bowl season a year ago, and combined with game-breaker Maurice Jones-Drew, these two are a handful for any team to handle. Last season the Jags were ranked second in the leadue in rushing yardage. Again, if Taylor, who has had a history of injuries, can stay healthy, this is a great unit.

They dumped DT Marcus Stroud as they moved him to the Bills. They felt he was injury-prone, and was not the impact player he once was. The defense will be solid again, as they will look to improve on their 12th ranking in defensive yardage allowed. DE Derrick Harvey from Florida was their first-round pick, and he’s a pass rusher who they think will add an impact to the line. DE Quentin Groves was their second-pick, and can make big plays, but has been known to be inconsistent.

The big issue will be can the offense hang with the big two in the AFC - the Colts and Patriots. If they can get Garrard and the passing game to take it up one more notch, and the defense to get a bit better when it counts, there is no doubt that once again the Jags will be a force in the AFC, and this year very well may be the year they reach that next level.