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The entire offseason has been filled with analysts questioning whether the Jacksonville Jaguars will be able to continue their success from last season or if they are a one-year wonder.
Nobody doubts that the Jaguars have talent, but rather the decisions the organization has made over the last several months. Critics believe Jacksonville was wrong not to aggressively add free agents to a team that won 13 games last season.
The Jaguars' draft class was also much maligned, with most believing the team reached for many of its picks and that none of the rookies are in positions to be immediate difference-makers.
If we are being honest, Jacksonville's offseason was criticized to an extreme level. Many in the national media believe the Houston Texans will overtake the Jaguars as AFC South champions and will not win nearly as many games as they did last year.
Even if most think the Jags won't repeat as division champs, they are still considered a team that will likely make the playoffs this season.
Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports has the Jaguars coming in at number 11 in his latest NFL power rankings.
Like most, Vacchiano is not a fan of the Jaguars' offseason, especially the team's decision to rely on running backs Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. to replace Travis Etienne. Their lackluster offseason caused Jacksonville to fall three spots from his last power rankings.
Vacchiano does, however, express his belief in head coach Liam Coen.
"It’s easy to trust coach Liam Coen, but it’s really hard to like what this team did (and didn’t do) in the offseason. Riding with that RB corps, led by Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten, seems like a big risk for a contender."
The Jaguars are going to have to prove to the world that they made the right decision by choosing to rely on internal improvements from many of their players instead of making splash free agent signings.
Until they do, Jacksonville's offseason will continue to be debated and doubted.
Unless, of course, the team makes a stunning trade for a particular star defensive tackle who has recently requested a trade. If that happens, the Jaguars' offseason will instantly become a success in most people's eyes.
Even after months of relentless criticism over the team's lack of aggressiveness this offseason, the Jaguars remain an undeniably good team.
However, the majority of the national media believes the Texans will be the new kings of the AFC South this season. The Jaguars have a lot of work to do still if they want to earn respect from those outside their own building.
Power rankings for Jacksonville so far usually have them outside the top tier (or two) of NFL teams. Don't expect that to change until the real games begin.
Only then can the Jaguars start to silence their doubters.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
Nobody doubts that the Jaguars have talent, but rather the decisions the organization has made over the last several months. Critics believe Jacksonville was wrong not to aggressively add free agents to a team that won 13 games last season.
The Jaguars' draft class was also much maligned, with most believing the team reached for many of its picks and that none of the rookies are in positions to be immediate difference-makers.
If we are being honest, Jacksonville's offseason was criticized to an extreme level. Many in the national media believe the Houston Texans will overtake the Jaguars as AFC South champions and will not win nearly as many games as they did last year.
Even if most think the Jags won't repeat as division champs, they are still considered a team that will likely make the playoffs this season.
Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports has the Jaguars coming in at number 11 in his latest NFL power rankings.
Not A Fan Of Jaguars' Offseason
Like most, Vacchiano is not a fan of the Jaguars' offseason, especially the team's decision to rely on running backs Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. to replace Travis Etienne. Their lackluster offseason caused Jacksonville to fall three spots from his last power rankings.
Vacchiano does, however, express his belief in head coach Liam Coen.
"It’s easy to trust coach Liam Coen, but it’s really hard to like what this team did (and didn’t do) in the offseason. Riding with that RB corps, led by Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten, seems like a big risk for a contender."
The Jaguars are going to have to prove to the world that they made the right decision by choosing to rely on internal improvements from many of their players instead of making splash free agent signings.
Until they do, Jacksonville's offseason will continue to be debated and doubted.
Unless, of course, the team makes a stunning trade for a particular star defensive tackle who has recently requested a trade. If that happens, the Jaguars' offseason will instantly become a success in most people's eyes.
Final Thoughts
Even after months of relentless criticism over the team's lack of aggressiveness this offseason, the Jaguars remain an undeniably good team.
However, the majority of the national media believes the Texans will be the new kings of the AFC South this season. The Jaguars have a lot of work to do still if they want to earn respect from those outside their own building.
Power rankings for Jacksonville so far usually have them outside the top tier (or two) of NFL teams. Don't expect that to change until the real games begin.
Only then can the Jaguars start to silence their doubters.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
