Jaguars Offense Has Tools To Be More Creative in 2009

Creativity has not been on the list of words that describe the Jaguars offense.

Opposing defenses knew the run was coming, but they couldn't stop it...well, at least until last year.

After a series of crippling injuries to the offensive line, the Jaguars' vaunted ground attack came to a screeching halt. Without any real support from the passing attack, opposing defenses were able to focus all of their attention on stuffing the run.

Now, with the nightmares of 2008 in the past, the Jaguars offense looks to be more explosive in 2009. 

It all start with the Jaguars new feature back, Maurice Jones-Drew. Fred Taylor is gone and Jones-Drew will now shoulder most of the load in the backfield. However, his touches will not be limited to hand-offs. As most of the NFL already knows, Jones-Drew is as dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield as he is taking a hand-off up the middle. Jaguars fans should not only expect to see him do the same things he has done in his first three years, but they should expect to see him do it more.

An improved pass attack will help open up running lanes for Jones-Drew. The addition of Pro Bowl wide receiver Torry Holt will finally give opposing defenses a reason to pay attention to the pass. Holt's precision route running and great hands will be a welcome sight for David Garrard.

Expect the Jaguars to use the pass attack more effectively to complement the run. By using more stealth routes, they should be able to move the chains through the air. The success of the running game will also open up the play-action passing game.

The Jaguars also have another new weapon in rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas.  Thomas, selected in the fourth round out of Arizona, has been compared to Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith. The Jaguars will most likely try to use Thomas in a similar role. Not only will he be able to stretch the field vertically with his speed, but they will get him the ball using bubble screens and reverses.

It is safe to say that even though the Jaguars will remain a run first offense, they will be far from the one-dimensional attack of the past.