Team History
The Jacksonville Jaguars began their franchise with a strong showing, winning back-to-back division titles in the AFC Central in just four seasons after they started playing. The club was built with veteran leadership.
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Quarterback Mark Brunell and wide receiver Jimmy Smith coupled with young running back James Stewart to form one of the most explosive offenses in the late ‘90s. The team had its best season when it went 14-2 and demolished the Miami Dolphins 62-7 in the divisional playoffs. The Jaguars lost the AFC Championship game to the Titans, though, and have tried to recreate that success ever since.
The club has begun its resurgence in the last few seasons. It appeared that Byron Leftwich was the quarterback of the future, but injuries cut his career with the Jaguars short. Fortunately, the Jaguars had backup David Garrard. Garrard took the helm in 2007 and marched the Jags to a 11-5 record and a wild card spot in the playoffs. The Jaguars surprised the Steelers, but could not defeat the powerful Patriots.
The loss should not be a disappointment. The Jaguars improved in the first year of a quarterback change. Before the 2007 season, few were sure Garrard was a quality starting quarterback, but now there is no question. The Jaguars signed Garrard to the biggest contract this summer to dismiss any doubt of their commitment to winning.
Despite the pleasantly surprising 2007 season, the Jaguars need help on defense. The front office started the offseason with moves to build around Garrard though. The team signed offensive tackle Maurice Williams to protect their investment in the new franchise quarterback. The team also added Jerry Porter to give some depth to a group of receivers that remains unknown. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew is obviously the man of the future for the team, so many expect the Jaguars to use the draft to work on the defensive weaknesses.