NFL Predictions 2011: 8 Jacksonville Jaguars Who Need to Step Up This Season

Getting away from the David Garrard situation here in Jacksonville, it is time to look at other aspects of the Jaguars team as a whole.

Or should I say, let's look at the holes in the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Can this team be focused enough to come out and play the best ball they can against the Tennessee Titans?

There are so many questions on this team (as I have noted in other slide shows). And most of them center around key players instead of its coach (who knows he needs to win now).

That said, here are key players that need to step up and prove they are football ready and up to the challenge of taking the next step toward success.

Luke McCown

This is a no-brainer.

As he was handed a starting job in the NFL, all eyes this weekend will be focused on him.

This may not be fair, but because of the situation, this is how it is. McCown could prove everyone wrong in their assessment of David Garrard being released.

The Louisiana Tech grad has been a starter before and will have to show he can handle the stress of being the leader of this team.

Rashean Mathis

No Jaguars player wants to have a better season than Mathis.

The local product has not played up to expectations the past few years due to injury.

This preseason, Mathis has shown flashes of what he used to be. Hopefully with new secondary help, he can play toward the Pro Bowl level he has in the past.

Will Rackley/Jason Spitz

Two for the price of one.

Spitz is a local product signed from the Packers. Rackley is a rookie from Lehigh. Both will be asked to play extensively on the line this year.

Rackley has shown he can play well during the preseason. With the loss of Vince Manuwai, this is important to the rushing attack of this team.

Both men, regardless of who starts, need to prove they are up to the challenge.

Jason Hill

By a show of hands, who is comfortable with the Jaguars receiving corps?

Thought so.

Mike Thomas is the lone receiver that can be considered a threat. And he is truly a No. 2 receiver.

The Jaguars did nothing to make a splash in free agency with a top-flight pass catcher.

Cecil Shorts has been good in preseason, but he cannot be counted on to be a "Jimmy Smith type" receiver.

The Jaguars Linebackers

Daryl Smith, Paul Posluszny and Clint Session. All three must mold into a cohesive unit and stop the run and challenge the passing lanes.

Smith has been solid for the Jags and now will have two teammates that will improve tackling.

If the middle comes together, this defense could be good, if not great!