Why the Jacksonville Jaguars Are a Better Team in 2019

JC Ruiz via Flickr

NFL

Why the Jacksonville Jaguars Are a Better Team in 2019

In 2017, the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Buffalo Bills 10-3 in an AFC Wild Card, beat the Steelers in a high-scoring, 45-42 thriller, and reached the AFC Championship for the first time since 1999. Last season, the Jaguars finished 5-11 and couldn’t depend on their quarterback. Ultimately, the Jags regressed and all their promise faded.

However, with a new quarterback taking command this year, the Jaguars are looking to excel and get back to the top of their division. Let’s take a look at why Jacksonville struggled and why they’ll be different heading into 2019.

Blake Bortles Plummeted

Shockingly, Blake Bortles turned into Mark Sanchez before our very eyes. Where was the third overall pick in the 2014 draft last year? He played like he didn’t have a few seasons under his belt, even though his career hasn’t been a complete disaster. Bortles hasn’t really done much since. His last great season was in 2017, finishing with 3,687 passing yards and 21 TDs. Last season, Bortles threw 11 picks, finished with 2,718 passing yards, and lost three game starts to Cody Kessler — a move that head coach Doug Marrone made following an ugly outing against the bills. Buffalo’s defense put Bortles on his back three times, and he threw two interceptions. When asked about benching Bortles, head coach Doug Marrone said: “I’m making this change to give us an opportunity to win a football game.”

At that point, the Jaguars were just desperate to win “a football game.” Obviously, the confidence in Bortles hit an all-time low, which led to him packing for the Los Angeles Rams.

A Super Bowl MVP to the Rescue

Nick Foles signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for a four-year, $88-million deal. He left the Philadelphia Eagles with a historic Championship win on his résumé and almost bringing Philly back to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, an interception in a close game with the New Orleans Saints ended the Eagles’ season. Jags fans and the team should rejoice at this pickup because Foles has proven that he’s an excellent QB in clutch situations.

Now in Jacksonville, Foles is building chemistry with his new personnel and receiving praise from his teammates. Cornerback A.J. Bouye commented on the way Foles has been handling himself since joining the team:

You can see that he is a leader out there, the way he carries his offense.

The former Eagle is joining an offense that has young receivers with serious potential. Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, and Marqise Lee will serve as quick targets for Foles, and now a veteran deep threat has been added to the mix.

The Jaguars signed dual offensive player Terrelle Pryor to a one-year deal. This move adds some experience to the wide receiver position in Jacksonville. Pryor will also reunite with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo. The pair were together when Pryor switched to the wide receiver position in Cleveland. As a Brown, Pryor pulled in 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns.

Nick Foles loves targeting receivers down the field, like connecting with Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor in Philly. Foles and Agholor connected on an 83-yard bomb for a touchdown against the Texans last season. Foles and Pryor have been bonding and building chemistry on the field.

I can definitely see this duo making some big plays this season. Along with Pryor, Leonard Fournette is looking to make a big comeback this year. He suffered an injury that made him miss most of last season, but when he’s on the field it’s lights out. Fournette rushed for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns his rookie year. His return alone already makes Jacksonville a dangerous team.

Additional Offseason Moves

In the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, with the seventh overall pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected super-linebacker Josh Allen. Allen was very dominating playing for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was a nightmare for anyone facing him on offense in college, and I’m sure his presence will be known in the NFL. During his senior year, Allen had a total of 17 sacks and 88 tackles.

Although Allen played linebacker in college, defensive coordinator Todd Wash stated that “Josh Allen was drafted to be a defensive end.” Wash went on to express that he doesn’t plan to marry Allen to just rushing the passer. The Jags are acknowledging that Allen is a versatile defensive machine, and it’s important to fit him the gameplay.

We’re excited. We didn’t think we’d get [Allen] at seven … and he was there so obviously we’ve got to take advantage of it.

Using an impressive rookie like Allen in multiple ways adds more depth to Jacksonville’s defense.

All Pieces Must Function

With that being said, for Jacksonville to be successful, everything must be in place. The chemistry between Foles and his receivers, a healthy Leonard Fournette back on the field, and a powerful defense are all essential to get them back on their feet. As long as there’s a balance, redeeming themselves this year shouldn’t be hard.

Written by Samiya Green

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