The best years for the Jacksonville Jaguars were arguably in 1998 and 1999, under the management of Jimmy Johnson. These were the years that the team captured their two Division Championships for the AFC Central. Shortly after, in the year 2000, the team demolished the Miami Dolphins with a score 62-7, the second highest point margin and total point achievement in playoff history as well as longest run ever recorder in playoff history, with 90 yards by Fred Taylor. However, in later seasons and to this day, the Jaguars have struggled to be taken seriously as one of the NFL's best, though their efforts have been noticed. Last season, the team gave a good performance (and had Patriots fans sweating) and ultimately finished 11-5. This was an improvement over their 2006 record of 8-8, and marked the return of the Jaguars to the playoffs.
What does 2008 and beyond hold for the Jaguars? The team's head coach will continue to be Jack Del Rio and the team will look to improve its winning score against rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. The team's first season game will be played against the Tennessee Titans on September 7th. Are there any major changes to be aware of that might influence the Jaguars' success in the new year?
The team has had its share of losses and additions thanks to free agent agreements. Wide receiver Troy Williamson was traded to the Jaguars from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 6th round pick in the 2008 Draft. The team also signed another wide receiver in Jerry Porter, from the Oakland Raiders. Meanwhile the team lost a wide receiver in Ernest Wilford, as he went to Miami. The team lost three other players to trading, including defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for 3rd and 5th round draft picks, defensive end Bobby McCray, who went to New Orleans and safety Sammy Knight who went over to the New York Giants. On the plus column though, the team signed cornerback Drayton Florence from the San Diego Chargers and quarterback Cleo Lemon from the Miami Dolphins.
What do the fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars say regarding the team's chances of making it to the playoffs? Fans are quite vocal on the team's defense, though this is partly due to many players being injured or off the active roster. Besides injuries, some fans blame aging on the team's decreased level of the defensive line, while others argue that the media is making too much of the defense line problem and that it's really the defensive ends that need work. Jaguar fans are now looking to defensive players like Tony McDaniel and Reggie Hayward to step up to deliver a more solid defense. Draft picks like Derrick Harvey, Quentin Groves, Thomas Williams, Trae Williams and Chauncey Washington are also getting attention for the team.
The Jaguars may find more success this season if their 2007 efforts are any indication, and may bring some football pride back to Florida.
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