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Jacksonville Jaguars2009 record: 7-9 (Fourth in AFC South)
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Vic Carucci
The Jaguars simply don't have the firepower to compete with the Colts or Texans. QB David Garrard doesn't look like the answer.
Prediction: 5-11, third in AFC South
Steve Wyche
A better offensive line and some energy on defense will keep them competitive, but no threat outside Maurice Jones-Drew limits upside.
Prediction: 6-10, last in AFC South
Pat Kirwan
David Garrard will be better, but Jags don't have enough playmakers to compete for division. Empty seats nullify home-field advantage.
Prediction: 7-9, last in AFC South
Bucky Brooks
The youth movement will produce inconsistency. Although the potential shines at times, the inexperience leads to mistakes.
Prediction: 7-9, last in AFC South
Jason La Canfora
Change could be on the horizon in Jacksonville. Young players must really carry the day and that's gonna be tricky in the AFC South.
Prediction: 6-10, last in AFC South
Michael Lombardi
Young and without many playmakers on either side of the ball, the Jags will struggle to be consistent, especially on the road.
Prediction: 7-9, last in AFC South
14
Sacks the Jaguars had last season. That total ranked last in the league. Jacksonville definitely needs to manufacture a pass rush in a division with Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub.
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David Garrard
The ninth-year pro is squarely on the hot seat only three seasons after wrestling the starting job from Byron Leftwich. While Garrard dazzled during his first season as the starter, he has been mediocre at best the following two years, and team officials have questioned whether he is truly a franchise quarterback. Garrard must perform to expectations or find a new home in 2011. Maurice Jones-Drew
The Jaguars' diminutive back is short in stature but big on production. He has scored the second-most touchdowns in the league since 2006 and ranks fifth in total yards from scrimmage during that span. As a stocky, power runner with exceptional balance and burst, Jones-Drew excels at running between the tackles or on the perimeter. In addition, he is a crafty route runner with outstanding receiving skills. As one of the most dangerous all-purpose threats in the game, Jones-Drew is the centerpiece of the Jaguars' offense.
Sims-Walker has breakout potential
The Jaguars don't have a ton of attractive fantasy players, but Mike Sims-Walker could make an impact in 2010. He's shown flashes of potential in the past and has breakout potential in his third NFL season. If he can avoid injuries, Sims-Walker could become a nice No. 2 fantasy wideout.
Three pivotal games
Oct. 3 vs. Indianapolis
The Jaguars have lost eight of their last 10 meetings with the Colts, including a series sweep last season by a combined six points. They'll get the chance to send an early message when they host the Colts in Week 4. The Jaguars are looking to rebound from a late-season collapse, so a good showing against the Colts would do wonders for their confidence.
Oct. 18 vs. Tennessee
The Jaguars get a home game on Monday Night Football, which is big in itself. What makes this one interesting is that it's against division-foe Tennessee, and you know what that means? It should be fun to watch Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson go head-to-head in a showcase of two of the league's premier running backs.
Nov. 21 vs. Cleveland
When you're embarrassed by a team like the Browns -- as the Jaguars were in Week 17 last year -- you circle that game next time around. The final score (Browns 23, Jaguars 17) doesn't tell the whole story, as the Browns ran the ball 49 times for 214 yards. Jacksonville will definitely be looking for payback in the form of a victory.
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