Will New Changes Help The 09 Jaguars?

In 2009, Jaguar fans will see a return of the vaunted running attack that took them deep into the 07 playoffs.  This premonition is not so farfetched based on offseason additions of Tra Thomas and Tory Holt. Thomas is the first legit left tackle since Tony Boselli and, an immediately improvement by many accounts over the underachieving Khalif Barnes.

The ability to have a solid offensive line will allow the Jaguars to improve their run/pass percentage from 42% in 08.  Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter and Offense Line Coach Andy Heck can use the running game to open up the pass which will allow the Jaguars to become a more balanced team.

This is not the only unit that could have a different look in 09. New Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker will sprinkle in some 3/4 defensive packages to take advantage of a strong line backing corps to pressure the quarterback. The Jaguars will mainly run a 4/3, but the ability to have Defensive End Quentin Groves rush the passer as an outside backer could prove dividends for the team.

The most important addition could come in the form of new strength & conditioning Coach Luke Richardson who joined the team after a long career as a performance specialist at Athletes’ Performance in Phoenix, Arizona. With the inability of Jaguar players to stay healthy over the last several years Coach Del Rio hopes a change in philosophy will allow a team that played most of last season without several key players to remain healthy. To accomplish this, the team must buy into the program, and if they choose not too they could find themselves in a familiar position, hurt.   

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