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As training camp opens for the Jaguars, questions remain but optimism abounds. One after another, national reporters are predicting much success for the Jaguars, even some predicting they’ll represent the AFC in the Super Bowl here in Jacksonville. If that’s going to happen, the team will have to make unusual improvement in several areas. First, Byron Leftwich will have to play better than the standard second year quarterback. Most observers were impressed with Leftwich’s progress as the season wore on last year, and his off-season work ethic was second to none. He has complete command of the offense, and of the team itself. “I’m the leader here,” Leftwich said during one of the mini-camps. “No sharing or splitting the duties, I’m the team leader.”
He is the guy who the team will have to rely on to create some “magic” when things are going wrong. We’ve seen that in the past, even with Jaguars teams when Mark Brunell would do something extraordinary (remember the run against Denver?) and pull out a win. Leftwich has limited tools with out the ability to run, but Jaguars coaches think he more than makes up for that with his field awareness and calm demeanor. Just to play devil’s advocate, what if Leftwich gets hurt? We’ve seen what Doug Johnson can do as a starter, and it wasn’t playoff team caliber. Perhaps David Garrard will be well enough to win the job, but he’s a question mark as well.
Putting pressure on the passer and getting off the field on third down are priorities for the defense this season. Jack Del Rio has emphasized that in the off season, but personnel-wise, the team hasn’t addressed it. They re-signed Tony Brackens but didn’t get what everybody thought was a bid need in the draft, a rush end that has to be identified by the offense every time they come to the line of scrimmage. Perhaps they can do some things with scheme, but there’s nothing like a team that can collapse the pocket with just the pressure from their front four.
There are question marks about Reggie Williams, once he signs, and his ability to make an instant impact as a first round pick. And are the Jaguars on that cycle where they’re due for a major injury that can wreak havoc with their season? They’ve been relatively healthy, including Fred Taylor, among the key positions.
But enough nay saying. If all of those things go right, the Jaguars will be a competitive team. They’re solid in a lot of areas. Marcus Stroud and John Henderson plug the middle better than any other pair of tackles. Akin Ayodele and Rasheen Mathis are ready to have break out seasons. The offensive line is a solid group, with just the returning starters from last year. Add the free-agents they’ve picked up in the off season, and that unit is the envy of a lot of coaches around the league.
Del Rio’s learning curve has been steep in the off-season as well. He said he’s spent some time reading leadership and motivational books, looking for new ways to keep his team sharp throughout the season.
July and August are a time for optimism, and the Jaguars, along with most teams in the league, have it in abundance.
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