The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the youngest franchises in the NFL, but throughout their 13 seasons at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium the tea ha proven that it will not settle for the struggle typical of other expansion teams that haunt them for the first decade of seasons. The team has had six seasons so far where fans have been able to purchase playoff tickets. Some may argue that this is because free agency makes it easier to avoid the pitfalls of establishing a franchise or that the league is watered down and the talent is so spread that is makes it easier to compete. No matter what the case, the Jaguars have been able to give their fans a regular taste of the postseason.
>> More
That first taste came in 1996. The second year in the league Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith, and Natrone Means surprised the league with a 9-7 record and a wild card berth. They were even more shocking when they took out the Bills 30-27 in the first round and the Broncos 30-27 in the second round. The surprises would not last much longer, as Drew Bledsoe, Bill Parcels, and the New England Patriots won 20-6 in the AFC Championship game. Three years later the Jaguars returned as favorite to the AFC Championship, but again fell one game short of the Super Bowl, losing to the Tennessee Titans. The afns have been waiting for a chance to take those playoff tickets further to the biggest game of the year every since.
Last season the Jaguars were a high scoring team with a great defense. Still hey were only able to take second in the AFC South. The tough schedule in the toughest division in the AFC is the great equalizer that truly tests a team and sees if they are ready for tickets to the playoffs. The Colts will be the favorites in the division until Manning retires. The Texans emerged last season with a knack for winning despite problems in several statistical categories. The Tennessee Titans are a powerful defensive team that can squeak out a win against any opponent.
For the Jaguars to ensure playoff tickets, the offense will need to be as prolific as last season. David Garrard is back, but with a running game relying on Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew there is some reason to worry. The big free agent acquisitions were Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson. The receivers are now starting. The unproven young and the veteran at the twilight of his career do not inspire much confidence, but Garrard worked with an equally unimpressive roster last season and went 11-5. The defense is strong as a unit, and is weak individually. Rashead is the corner that will take the best receiver and Mike Peterson has not returned to his level of two years ago. The situation does not look the best on paper, the Jaguars made playoff tickets happen with a similar sheet last season.