NFL Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars


Key Additions:
QB Blaine Gabbert (draft)
C Jason Spitz (FA)
LB Clint Session (FA)
LB Paul Posluszny (FA)
S Dawan Landry (FA)
CB Drew Coleman (FA)
DE/LB Matt Roth (FA) 


Key Departures:
T Jordan Black
S Sean Considine 
LB Justin Durant
DE Derrick Harvey
LB Kirk Morrison 
WR Mike Sims-Walker
G Justin Smiley


Report:
Let the quarterback controversy begin. The Jaguars traded up to draft QB Blaine Gabbert out of Missouri. Most people are expecting that Gabbert will sit behind David Garrard. But Gabbert has impressed in training camp and with Garrard sideline with a back, Gabbert will get first team reps. Whoever starts will have one of the leagues top running games, headlined by Maurice Jones-Drew. Helping Jones-Drew with the load is Rashad Jennings, who became a great backup running back last season. The Jaguars do not posses any elite receivers. WR Mike Sims-Walker left which make Mike Thomas the top wide receiver. The most reliable target although is TE Marcedes Lewis who set Jacksonville's all time touchdowns record for a season. The offensive line was not one of the league's finest. They hope that Jason Spitz can stabilize the the front five. 


Jacksonville did not stop many teams last season. Up front Tyson Alualu and Aaron Kampman are the vital pieces for the defensive line. Linebackers will look different as they signed Clint Session and Paul Posluszny in free agency who will replace Justin Durant and Kirk Morrison at linebacker. The Jags also added DE/LB Matt Roth, but we are not sure what position he will play. Secondary will be much improved with the arrivals of Drew Coleman and Dawan Landry. Coleman will battle for a starting spot with Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox. 


K Josh Scobee can make every kick, even a 59 yard kick like he had last year. P Matt Turk is back for his 17th NFL season punting for Jacksonville. Returning kicks and punts are Mike Thomas and RB Deji Karum. 


Review:
Jacksonville surprised a lot of people last year by nearly making the playoffs. Maurice Jones-Drew was the reason they were able to contend in every game. Can MJD have an All-Pro season after taking a beating last year? Can the quarterback find a reliable target that he feels in sync with? Jacksonville has too many questions to contend for a division and go deep in the playoffs. 


Division Finish: TBA