NFL Season Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars made huge strides last season, and even bigger strides this offseason, all in an effort to try and compete with the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC East.

They made the playoffs as a Wild Card last year. But this season, they hope to challenge for a division title.

Are the Jags Super Bowl ready?

Key Addition/Subtraction

Jerry Porter—From the Raiders

Sammy Knight—To the Giants

Key Games

Sept. 7, at Titans—Derrick Harvey gets his first test against a mobile quarterback in Week One. It will be interesting to see how he can contain Vince Young.

Sept. 21, at Colts—Can the front seven put enough pressure on Peyton Manning to keep him off balance?

Nov. 23, vs. Vikings—Another tough game for the front seven as they try to contain Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.

Dec. 14, vs. Packers—If Aaron Rodgers turns out to be really good, then this is a possible Super Bowl preview.

Season Outlook

The Jags have one of the best running combos, behind the Vikings, with Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor making moves.

David Garrard has been a good quarterback since taking over for Byron Leftwich a few years ago.

Jerry Porter is still a good receiver, with just over 700 yards last season and will be a good complement to an already good receiving corps.

But there is more than offense for this team. The defense is pretty good as well.

They drafted two defensive ends in Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves to add to an already stacked defensive line.

Mike Peterson is a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker, and they have a great secondary with a young Reggie Nelson adding another new star to the Jags defense.

My Prediction 

The Jags drafted Harvey in hopes that they can surpass the Colts for supremacy of the AFC South.

I don't think they are quite there yet, but they are getting better.

They will likely finish the season around 11-5 or 12-4.

I'm Joe W.

Joe also writes for TheDailyCub.com, a Chicago Cubs blog.