NFL Whirlwind Previews: Jacksonville Jaguars

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Of course, a step up from Justin Durant (who still is criticized for not playing to his tremendous athleticism) could do a lot to make up for it. In all likelihood, he'll be next to Daryl Smith, a guy who manages to get everywhere, and opposite Clint Ingram, who plays aggressively, getting two sacks in limited downs last year.

But even more than Durant's play, it will be the "four" in the "4-3" that determine the play of the "three," or the entirety of the D, for that matter.

The team can't get around the fact that longtime stud tackle Marcus Stroud is now in Buffalo, but the front can create the pressure and plug the holes as effectively if John Henderson steps up.

Yes, your mate is a million miles north, man, but now you've got draftee Terrance Knighton to create competition at the spot beside you, where Derek Landri, Attiyah Ellison, and even incumbent Rob Meier are already battling. Use the extra energy from there to your advantage!

Heck, maybe you'll further inspire one of those second-year ex-SEC ends (Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves) to continue their second-half improvements from last season. Or maybe Reggie Hayward will see another vet picking up the slack and want to pitch in.

In my mind, the D-line need only realize what they're capable of as a group, and the Jacksonville defense could experience a resurgence.

Overall Outlook: The Stars Could Align

It would take Thomas defying his years or Monroe stepping in right away.

This team would need Henderson to play as though his old buddy were still there or the rest of the defensive front four immediately rising to their potential.

But the Jaguars could return to the playoffs. They're similar enough to Jacksonville 2007, and if you don't trust in "The Suit" (Coach Jack Del Rio), you must not trust your own father.

More likely? The team goes 6-10 and finally decides they need to draft a quarterback.

But Garrard and the rest have one opportunity to bounce back.

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