2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 9-8

It was another mediocre season for the Jacksonville Jaguars. At first, the team looked like a contender in the AFC with a 6-2 start heading into a bye. This included a five-game winning streak. The Jags would win two out of three to get to 8-3 but would fall apart from there. Jacksonville lost five out of six to end the year and ultimately miss out on the postseason.

2024 Jacksonville Jaguars Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: WR Gabe Davis, WR Brian Thomas, C Mitch Morse, WR Devin Duvernay, QB Mac Jones

Key Losses: WR Calvin Ridley, OG Tyler Shatley

The Jaguars believe they have their franchise quarterback and paid for it this offseason. Trevor Lawrence received his lucrative contract extension that ties him to Jacksonville for years to come. Now, it is up to the front office to put the right team around him in hopes of winning a Super Bowl – not blowing an 8-3 start to seasons.

On the outside, the Jaguars made sure to make up for the loss of Calvin Ridley. Jacksonville used its first-round pick on LSU product Brian Thomas to pair with Bay Jones and No. 1 receiver Christian Kirk. Evan Engram has also developed in a big way since coming over to Jacksonville. The athletic, pass-catching tight end has developed a relationship with Lawrence and it has worked on the field.

Lawrence’s college teammate Travis Etienne will continue to patrol the backfield. He will run behind an improved offensive line, led by center Mitch Morse. This was a major need for the Jaguars and it was addressed in free agency. Morse will act as the center with Brandon Schreff and Ezra Cleveland on either side at guards, which is an elite duo. The two starters return at tackle as well in cam Robinson and Anton Harrison.

It is hard to predict how the season for the Jaguars will play out. This is based on a tale of two years in 2023. It will be interesting to see how the team performs coming out of the gate.

Defense

Key Additions: DT Arik Armstead, LB Trevis Gipson, CB Ronald Darby, S Darnell Savage, DT Jordan Jefferson

Key Losses: DE K’Lavon Chaisson, DE Dawuane Smoot, CB Darious Williams, S Rayshawn Jenkins

The Jaguars have struggled to build a winning defense over the years. This has been taken to a new level since 2022. The Jaguars ranked near the bottom of the league in pass and run defense last season. The unit was 26th in defensive EPA. This year, there are newcomers that Jacksonville hopes can improve the defense right away.

First, a big signing of Armstead can change the fortunes. He is a winning player who has led many strong defenses over the years. He will take his spot along the defensive line with Travon Walker in the middle. He took a big step forward with 10 sacks last season. Armstead totaled 17.5 sacks last season. This duo is expected to be able to get to the quarterback.

A strong pass rush will also help the secondary. Savage comes over from the Green Bay Packers and gives the Jaguars a presence at nickel. The Jaguars also added Ronald Darby and have Tyson Campbell this offseason. Jacksonville will hope for the progression of Andre Cisco and Antonio Johnson as well.

The linebackers will be the strength of this defense. Walker is a versatile player in the middle while Devin Lloyd and Foye Oluokon return this season. The defense has been an issue for Jacksonville but the front office hopes it can show improves with these new additions.

Schedule

Week 1: at Miami Dolphins

Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 3: at Buffalo Bills – Monday Night Football

Week 4: at Houston Texans

Week 5: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 6: vs. Chicago Bears – London

Week 7: vs. New England Patriots – London

Week 8: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday Night Football

Week 10: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 11: at Detroit Lions

Week 12: BYE WEEK

Week 13: vs. Houston Texans

Week 14: at Tennessee Titans

Week 15: vs. New York Jets

Week 16: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 17: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 18: at Indianapolis Colts

Record Prediction: 9-8