By Jeff Moeller
JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) – For the Jaguars, the long wait is over.
Since the Jaguars staged an indescribable playoff comeback victory over the Chargers last January, there has been a buzz in the Jacksonville air. Their subsequent loss to the Chiefs in the next round was more of an afterthought, as it was just a matter of getting there. An AFC South championship helped ease the blow.
Since then, the stakes have been raised and the expectations have been elevated. This time around, it is playoffs and a division championship for starters.
The Jags did hold 10 organized team activities and minicamp activities to help raise the bar. They have captured the hearts of the city. Head coach Doug Pederson has stated that “it is about what we did during the season, and making it better.”
There are plenty of questions facing these 2023 Jaguars. Training camp begins this week, and the countdown toward the season will be on.
So, what are some of the burning questions? Here are five of mine.
Can the Jaguars take advantage of their schedule?
Last season, Jacksonville stumbled through a five-game losing streak, and it appeared they would be headed toward another losing season. But they regrouped, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence turned his game up a notch.
The Jags have a favorable schedule with six of their first eight games – a two-week stay in London – in which they could be favored. They will need to avoid a lengthy losing streak and should be the favorite to defend their AFC South title despite Tennessee picking up DeAndre Hopkins.
Will Trevor Lawrence continue to excel?
Lawrence reached the level everyone predicted for him when he was drafted. He threw for 4,113 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Over his last six games, Lawrence tossed 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions, four of which were against the Chargers.
Again, Lawrence will have plenty of weapons around him, replacing Marvin Jones with Calvin Ridley, who can be the playmaker the team has been seeking. Tight end Evan Engram signed a big deal to void the franchise tag, and he will be counted on to raise his game.
Can Travon Walker’s play take a giant leap?
The top choice overall from the 2022 draft had 3.5 sacks and a combined 49 tackles last season. That may have been good for most rookies, but the expectations for Walker were much higher.
Walker has stated that he wants to “play faster and with a clear head.” He again will have Josh Allen, Devin Lloyd, and Foyesade Olukon around him, but Walker will need to prove himself.
Overall, the Jags need to develop more of a consistent pass rush, as they were ranked 26th last year.
How consistent will their offensive line be?
Left tackle Cam Robinson will miss the first games due to a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, and Jawaan Taylor left for Kansas City.
Likely, Walter Little will step in at left tackle and top pick Anton Harrison could start at right tackle, Brandon Scherff anchors the line at right guard, and center Luke Fortner will need to improve on his run blocking.
The team should get a solid reading on the potential in the opening month.
Does the secondary need to improve?
Going into the 2022 season, one of the team’s glaring weaknesses was the secondary. Statistically, they didn’t make great strides last season, but the unit did make some timely, impactful plays.
Corner Tyson Cambell’s stock rose last season as a second year player, and safety Andre Crisco appeared comfortable in his first starting role. Safety Rayshawn Wiliiams was better in overall coverages and made key plays in wins over Dallas and Los Angeles down the stretch, and corner Darious Williams needs to be consistent.
Like their offensive and defensive lines, the Jags’ secondary will be an integral part of their success.
(SportsDay Columnist Jeff Moeller writes for the Florida Sports Wire)
(Florida Sports Wire File Photo by Nancy DeLander Beecher/SportsDay Images)
