Jacksonville Jaguars: 10 Reasons the Team May Play Better in the Second Half

The Jacksonville Jaguars played the first half of the 2011 NFL season like they were trying to get out of the way of their own shadow.

Too bad they never found any daylight.

A 2-6 record over the course of the first eight games when they certainly could have been a 4-4 team or better only proves there's still a lot of work to do on this football team.

While I have been harsh over the first two months of the season, questioning everything from the owner's decisions to the play-calling of the offensive coordinator, there are things that would indicate this team may be better in the second half.

But let's not hold our breath over this yet. There's still many questions left unanswered, and many things to decide on as the 2012 lurks in the horizon.

Everything must fall into place for this team to make some noise in the second half of 2011. While ticket sales are still not great, the team and management must show it can still hold its own in the AFC South Division and must prove it can play the "spoiler" role instead of trying to press and make the playoffs.

It is just not going to happen.

10. The Schedule Is Favorable

They play Indianapolis twice, Cleveland and Houston again. Those could be four wins. They could sneak up on other teams which are not playing as well as they have been in years past (San Diego and Atlanta).

If they get four wins in the second half, they will show improvement.

9. It Cannot Get Any Worse

They had games where the opposition jumped out to a lead, and the Jags could not come back.

Things looked bleak against the Jets, but you can make a case that except for that game and the 23-10 loss to the Saints, they could have won every other game.

Mental mistakes and clock management does this team in week after week.

8. The Colts Will Be the Worst Team in the NFL

How about that?

The Indianapolis Colts usually are one of the best teams in the NFL. Now, they are fighting to breathe.

Two wins against the Jaguars biggest rival, regardless of having Peyton Manning or not, speaks volumes for confidence.

They need to outplay the Colts this season.

7. There Is No Sucking for Luck; Gabbert Is the Man

Whether we as fans like it right now, we live and die by the arm of Blaine Gabbert.

He underthrew a bunch of targets in the first half of the season.

He was thrust into the starting slot way too early, and now, we must adjust with him as he adjusts to the NFL game.

He is still a year or two away from being great.

6. Jack Del Rio Knows There Are Two Months Left

While the team may decide to keep general manager Gene Smith at the end of the season, owner Wayne Weaver will almost certainly part ways with Jack Del Rio.

If Del Rio can light a fire under his team, they could play more for respect than anything else.

5. Gabbert Had Two Weeks To Rest

You never know how a week off can turn things around for a quarterback.

Blaine Gabbert had a week to rest and then a week to study. Hopefully, this will help cure the "scared" look he has when opposing defenses rattle him.

He has been a game manager over the first half of the season. Now, let's see him be a game winner.

4. Special Teams Should Be Better

Now that Nick Harris is the punter, the team can lengthen the field and give the defense more room to work with.

Also, the return of Kassim Osgood and Montell Owens to the lineup will help.

Cecil Shorts is not the answer on kick returns, but Mike Thomas could be the spark the unit needs.

3. Josh Scobee Is the Best Kicker in the NFL

Well, maybe not the best, but he is close.

Scobee shows year after year that he has a leg that can win games and settle field position.

And when your team is 2-6, every point you score matters.

2. The Free Agents on Defense Have Been Stellar

When they all were signed to big contracts, the defensive free agents for the Jaguars were puzzle pieces.

Now, all of them are solid contributors.

Led by Paul Posluszny and Dwight Lowery, the defense is one of the 10 best in the NFL.

A far cry from last season.

1. Maurice Jones-Drew Is Still the Leader of This Team

He wants the ball all the time.

MJD makes the offense go considering there is not anyone else to help that along right now.

One of the AFC's best is doing it by himself.

The offensive line is doing a great job of run blocking for him, and when he needs a rest, Deji Karim proves to be a great backup.