Jacksonville Jaggernaughts Season Review

Do you remember the Jags of last year? They were 7-5 with destiny in their hands, yet they ended their season with a depressing 7-9 record, with Jags fans looking forward to the draft. This year was similar yet different. They ended their season the same way humbled with an 8-8 record. The expressions on the Jags faces told the story of an emotional season.

Who Or What Is The Blame?

Do we blame the losses to injury? MJD’s knee gave way after a full season of wear an tear. Do we blame Garrard’s Finger injury? The receivers? The loss of RT Eben Britton? How about the lack of sacks? The weak secondary? Maybe the play calling? We most certainly cannot blame the fans because every single blackout was lifted this season with only a few games needing extensions. The Jaguars Saved the Whale for this season but continued support is needed for the future.

Pocket Hercules

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Jacksonville won 26-36. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Jags weren’t consistent this season. MJD had a slow star but had 6 - 100 yard consecutive games on a worn knee from the preseason. He had less touchdowns but still provides the biggest threat on the team.

Rashard Jennings was a 7th round pick last year from Liberty who started in his place. He has proven himself a great handcuff spell back to MJD yet has been hit or miss in the games he’s started.

David Garrard Was Inconsistent

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates following the game against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

David Garrard was the primary target with his 2007 season always in his rear view mirror. He broke the Jags single season record for touchdowns, yet his greatest time on field occurred in the 4th quarter, something coaches and teams hate to live on. In the latter part of the season, Garrard injured his right middle finger during the Colts game in which he chose to proceed with surgery.

The Emergence Of M80 and Marcedes Lewis

Photo From Jaguars.com

Sims-Walker was also hit or miss this season after his break out season following back to back knee injuries. However, Mike Thomas provided David his go to receiver this year, with the most targets and receptions. Marcedes Lewis also showed the League what tight ends could do emerging as a big play threat, racking up 10 TDS and Pro bowl honors. Jason Hill who was scooped up from the 49ers and has proved to be the missing deep threat they’ve needed to stretch the field.

The Offensive Line

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 1: Tackle Eben Britton #73 of the Jacksonville Jaguars seeks relief from the heat during a team mini-camp on May 1, 2009 on the practice fields at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt

Eben Britton was missed on the O-line. Jordan Black, his back up, provided protection but not when it was need during the home stretch of their season.

As a whole the offensive line remained healthy and yet Brad Meester is now 33 years old and Vince Manuwai is now 30. Both are good players to have in the trenches but it'll be interesting to see if the Jags choose to find future replacements through the draft or Free Agency.

The Rush Men

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Tyson Alualu #93 of the Jacksonville Jaguars tackles Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos during the NFL season opener game at EverBank Field on September 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty I

The Jags pass defense was the biggest let down of last year. The “Rush Men” improved this season with sacks by free agent acquisition Aaron Kampman leading the way before every fans nightmare... injury (In practice nevertheless).

Terrance Knighton and the draft reach Tyson Alualu held down the interior of the line. However, young defensive ends and safeties need time to develop. Both Reggie Nelson and Anthony Smith were traded in the first weeks

Derek Cox Struggles Early But Finishes Strong

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 05: Derek Cox #21 of the Jacksonville Jaguars intercepts a pass intended for Nate Washington #85 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on December 5, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/G

Derek Cox also fell himself into a sophomore slump losing his starting job at corner.

He did however earn the position of Defensive End , Guard and Tackle. He sat at the end of the bench, guarded the water cooler, and tackled anyone who would go near it.

He did improve when Del Rio gave him his job back hardly letting receivers accumulate Yac’s with his excellent form tackling. He was a 3rd round reach from small school William & Mary who picked off Peyton Manning in his first NFL game on the first drive. How many players can say that? He lost his job and had time to regroup himself ending the season with a team high 4 Int’s and held receivers numbers down.

He’ll be a growing threat.

Making a Living On 4th Down

On 4 & 2 Garrard gets it done with his legs

When the play goes right... your a hero. When the play goes wrong, you’ll never hear the end of it, especially in the post game interview. The Jags had one of the league’s worst 3rd down completion but the leagues best 4th down completion, something that they should yet shouldn’t be proud of.

Of course this has been made famous by Garrard’s QB draw.

Looking Foward To Next Year

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HOUSTON - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Jacksonville Jaguars successfully challenges a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter on December 30, 2007 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Texans won 42-28. (Photo by B

This will be Del Rio's last year if he cannot produce a playoff season as Wayne Weaver has given him one final chance. Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker has been given the reigns to call the Defense in order to give Del Rio a better look at his team overall. Which to me sounds like Weaver is politely asking for a new play caller.

Under Gene Smith, ( General Manager ) ,the Jags have addressed their needs and have picked up important pieces to the puzzle. They are humbled once again by an 8-8 record and have the off season to look forward to.

Next years draft will be interesting to say the least as the Jags need a quarterback but their may be slim pickings with the teams in front of them having similar needs. The Jags secondary was also allowing way too many yards, 3rd down conversions and touchdowns.

With both departments as major question marks, I'm excited to see who Gene Smith will decide on drafting, as it seems he has a knack for picking up puzzle pieces for the Jaggernaughts future