Many considered 2009 as a rebound year for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After reaching the playoffs in 2007, Jacksonville fell to 5-11 in 2008, leaving head coach Jack del Rio on the hot seat heading into 2009. Although the Jags started the season 3-3, winning three of their next four games the 6-4 team showed promise of being headed in the right direction at that point. Unfortunately, the floor fell out and Jacksonville dropped five of their last six games to finish the season at 7-9 (5-3 home, 2-6 away).
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team with potential, as it seems that quarterback David Garrard may just possess what it takes to lead this team, having completed 314 passes (60.9%) for 3,597 yards and 15 touchdowns, with only 10 interceptions. At the other end of Garrard’s passes, wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker led the receiving crew with 63 catches, 869 yards, and 7 touchdowns, while first-year wide out Mike Thomas set the team rookie record with 48 receptions, with his 453 receiving yards being second-most by a Jacksonville rookie after Pete Mitchell’s 527 yards in 1995.
In the backfield, the focus was all about fourth-year running back Maurice Jones-Drew who set a franchise record with his 15th rushing touchdown, surpassing Fred Taylor who had 14 in 1998. While a little backup help would be welcome, Jones-Drew seems more than capable of handling the running chores himself, and his 1,391 yards rushing ranks him third in Jaguar history. Based largely upon Jones-Drew’s performance (8 rushes, 177 yards) Jacksonville ran for 217 yards in Week 10 against Tennessee; the team’s 13.6 yards per carry average in that game was the highest in the NFL since 1970, while Maurice’s personal average was an amazing 22.1 yards per carry!
On defense the Jaguars charge was led by linebacker Daryl Smith who topped the charts with 107 tackles, 84 solos, 23 assists, and 3 forced fumbles (tie), in addition to defending 6 passes making one pick. Behind Smith, it is cornerback Derek Cox keeping things in check with his team leading 11 passes defended and 4 interceptions, while safety Gerald Alexander forced 3 fumbles, broke up 5 passes, and added 2 interceptions of his own. Up front is where the numbers lacked a bit – defensive tackle John Henderson led the team with only 3 sacks, while Terrance Knighton only had 1.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss from the other tackle spot – and D-line is where they seemed to have really improved when the Jags recently acquired Green Bay free agent Aaron Kampman (42 tackles, 30 solos, 12 assists, 3.5 sacks in only 9 games due to an ACL injury which has since been surgically repaired) who should fit in nicely, while undoubtedly glad to get back to his natural defensive end position in the 4-3, after the Pack had moved him to outside linebacker when switching to the 3-4 defense last season.
Look for Maurice Jones-Drew to continue leading the direction for this team in 2010, and get tickets now if you want to be there in person when the Jacksonville Jaguars turn things around. This is a team with a great upside and the potential to win ten or more games this year, so get those tickets and come witness the resurgence when the Jags take the field Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jacksonville Jaguars 2010 Regular Season Schedule
For 2009, the Jacksonville Jaguars looked poised to rebound from a disappointing 2008 season and expect strong play from a number of its veteran players along with more than a few second-year or third-year players who seem ready to make the jump to the elite ranks in the league. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew and quarterback David Garrard -- looking to rebound from a challenging team performance -- show all signs of being ready to take control of the division.