Jaguars: As Training Camp Ends, Jags Are Better but Not a Complete Team Yet

They have been at it since July 27. The hot sun, the stale air and the constant motion of repetition.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing what every other NFL team is doing right now: preparing for the long 16-game season in front of them.

For the Jaguars and their executive staff, making the right call on veterans and rookies, undrafted free agents and the nine free agents they signed in the offseason will help determine the fate of the team and head coach Jack Del Rio.

This training camp has been a mixed bag of players in different positions. The key is to make them all fit and have them ready for the start of the season on September 11.

Here are some of the things that are happening that could mean great things for the team this coming year.

Competition at the Quarterback Position

While he may not be ready to unseat the starter David Garrard, Blaine Gabbert has shown he belongs in the NFL.

Gabbert is still a work in progress. While learning a new system, becoming a team leader and showing off the arm that made the Jaguars trade up in the first round of the draft, he is doing something more significant than that—he is giving fans hope.

Gabbert is not NFL-ready yet. David Garrard has been injured for most of camp and the rookie has been working with the first team—only strengthening his ability to grasp the offense. It also has created competition in camp, which can only mean a stronger commitment to winning.

Garrard is seen as a middle-of-the-pack quarterback. With Gabbert in the mix, hopefully it will allow the veteran to play better and make better decisions on the field this season.

Waiting on Mo Jo D

Maurice Jones-Drew is still rehabbing his injured knee and will be kept out of the preseason game against Atlanta.

The Pro Bowl running back has said he is almost back to full strength. The coaching staff is being cautious, making sure he is fully ready.

In the first game of the preseason, we saw Rashad Jennings show flashes of excellence and in other systems in the league, he could be ready to start. This is definitely a plus for the Jaguars who can use a bigger back in goal line situations.

The team also has Deji Karim, who flashed greatness last year as well.

Problems on the Offensive Line?

Last season, the offensive line had to replace Eben Britton, who went down with an injury. Britton is in his third season and played better than first-round pick Eugene Monroe as a rookie.

Now it looks like Monroe is in the best shape of his pro career. That is a good thing for the Jaguars right tackle.

Britton is still nursing injuries and there is no word when he will return. The Jaguars made changes this year to their offensive line, saying goodbye to longtime guard Vince Manuwai and adding Will Rackley in the draft.

They also added Tony Moll and Jason Spitz through free agency.

The biggest question may be if the line, anchored by veteran center Brad Meester, can help Maurice Jones-Drew run for 1,400 yards again this season.

The Receivers Need to Show More

I think this is still a weak position, but there is hope with the drafting of Cecil Shorts.

From everything that has been written about him in the papers and talked about on radio, Smalls gives full effort and attempts to catch everything within his path. He has been playing with the first unit from time to time and could take snaps away from Jason Hill.

The Jaguars want to use their backs and tight ends more in the passing offense, so this will either be an area of vast improvement or a area of vast concern.

I still think the team should have made an offer to Plaxico Burress.

The Defensive Line Will Rotate Its Players

With the return of Aaron Kampman, the signing of Matt Roth and the emergence of Terrance Knighton and Tyson Alualu, this could be a better line than most people think.

Add Austen Lane, D'Anthony Smith and Larry Hart to the mix and there is some depth.

Kampman's ACL injury was a huge blow to the team last year. This year, defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will be rotating linemen and giving players a breather more often in an effort to keep them fresher. Kampman has spoken openly about this being a good thing if it means more productivity.

We shall see if this really means the line is better.

Linebackers Better Prove Their Worth

This was the most revamped unit on the team.

The Jaguars released starters Kirk Morrison and Justin Durant and found a replacement in Paul Posluszny. They also signed Matt Roth to play on the line, but he has experience in a 3-4 scheme and can play on the outside in a pinch.

They also added Clint Session from the Indianapolis Colts.

Last week, the team signed special teams players Gerris Wilkerson, who played with the Giants before becoming a free agent.

Hopefully this will be the heart of the defense with holdover Daryl Smith. There is depth.

The Jaguars had the 22nd ranked rush defense in the league last season.

Mathis Leads a New Defensive Backfield

Much has been made about the resurgence of Rashean Mathis in training camp. The question is whether it will translate to the playing field this year.

Mathis battled injuries the better part of the last two-plus season.

The additions of Dawan Landry from Baltimore and Drew Coleman from the Jets should help a secondary that had 13 interceptions last year.

Can This Team Finally Get to the Playoffs?

That is the million dollar question. This is a team that has been rebuilt to some extent. Now it is time to see if building a new bridge helps the team get to the other side.

All the components are there. Let's see how the coaching staff can mold this team. Jacksonville has to win NOW. The fan base wants a winner and a playoff contender.

Owner Wayne Weaver will be pressured by the community to make a change at the top and that may include general manager Gene Smith.

Fans will just have to wait, sit back and watch the season unfold.