Jacksonville Jaguars 2008 Season Preview

A fierce defense pushes the young & hungry Jacksonville Jaguars to greatness in 2008

Jacksonville Jaguars Preview: 2007

The Jacksonville Jaguars rolled over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2007 playoffs, only to fall short against the New England Patriots. With a strong running game featuring two Pro-Bowl worthy running backs and a quarterback who doesn’t turn the ball over, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the poster children for ball control. An aggressive defense on the other side of the ball makes for a dangerous team that is a threat to any team in the NFL. With an upgraded team, the Jacksonville Jaguars look to take the AFC South on the way to the Super Bowl.

Jacksonville Jaguars Preview: Moves

To compete with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Jack Del Rio knew that the key was pass-rush. To meet this goal, the Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2008 NFL Draft with their eyes set on two players. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up in the first round to take Florida DE Derrick Harvey with the 8th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up again in the second round to snag DE Quentin Groves from Auburn. The pair of rookies could make for an elite pass-rushing force of bookends for years to come. The rest of the 2008 NFL Draft was used to build depth in the later rounds.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were also busy in the free agent and trade markets. Two WRs, Joey Porter and Troy Williamson, were added to bring speed to the tall receiving corps. CB Drayton Florence was also added to compliment the pass-rush with secondary coverage. The Jacksonville Jaguars did trade away All-Pro DT Marcus Stroud for draft picks used to build the team and the move saved cap space for the future.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Offense

Quarterback David Garrard has come on as one of the most careful and accurate passers in the NFL. With 18 touchdowns vs. three interceptions, David Garrard does not turn the ball over. David Garrard’s quick feet also allow him to buy second chances in the pocket and let him run for first downs. RT Tony Pashos is a large individual and a master of the run game. Rugged G Vince Manuwai is a road-grader and a durable stalwart on the Jacksonville Jaguars O-line. C Brad Meester has been a rock of the Jacksonville Jaguars for nine seasons.

The big O-Line opens holes for perhaps the best running back tandem in the NFL, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Ten-year veteran Fred Taylor still has breakaway speed and a nose for daylight. “Pocket Hercules” Maurice Jones-Drew is blessed with incredible speed and unreal power strapped to a 5’6 frame. FB Greg Jones is both a great lead-blocker and a running threat in his own right. The rebuilt Jacksonville Jaguars receiving corps features WRs Joey Porter, Troy Williamson, Reggie Williams, and Dennis Northcutt. A mix of speed and size, the Jacksonville Jaguars receivers have a chance to be one of the best groups in the NFL. TE Marcedes Lewis is a physical freak and is a match-up nightmare.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars have long been recognized as having one of the top defensive lines in the NFL. DT John Henderson anchors the center of the line and is a force, even with DT Marcus Stroud moving to another team. DT Derek Landri will have big shoes to fill. Rookie DEs Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves are both dynamic pass-rushers, with Derrick Harvey being an assured starter. DEs Reggie Hayward and Paul Spicer will also rotate in. MLB Mike Peterson is a fast mover and hard hitter whose leadership is invaluable. LBs Darryl Smith, Justin Durant, Clint Ingram, and Thomas Williams all have speed to burn and will compete for the other spots in the 4-3 defense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars secondary is one of the most aggressive in the NFL. Shutdown CB Rasheen Mathis is joined by hard-hitting CB Drayton Florence to make a talented tandem. Former CB turned SS Brian Williams will provide speed and deep coverage in the secondary. Second-year FS Reggie “The Eraser” Nelson is already one of the best in the NFL and is an aggressive ballhawk. The intense pressure from the front seven means that the Jacksonville Jaguars secondary will have a much easier job and will force turnovers.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Special Teams

Maurice Jones-Drew is not only a dynamic running and receiving threat but is also a talented kick return man. With two return touchdowns to his credit already, Maurice Jones-Drew shows no signs of slowing down. Longtime NFL punt return man Dennis Northcutt fields punts and produces great field position. K Josh Scobee has become an incredibly consistent weapon as his career has progressed. P Adam Podlesh has a huge leg and his left-foot style throws off return men.

Jacksonville Jaguars Preview: 2008

In the tough AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been embroiled in a brutal feud with the Houston Texans and always have tough games against the Tennessee Titans. The key two-game series in the AFC South is the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. the Indianapolis Colts. With a clock-draining running game and a fast pass-rush, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to get to Peyton Manning. Outside the division, the 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars schedule matches them up against the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Jacksonville Municipal Stadium as their home field, the Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the Super Bowl favorites in the 2008-09 NFL Season.