The 2008 edition of the Jacksonville Jaguars are the sexy pre season pick to make a deep playoff run. I say not so fast. Don't get me wrong, on paper they are loaded...but I have four major concerns.
Jinx of Success: Jacksonville has never followed a playoff season with a playoff season....ever. Since 2004, the team flip flopped post season births. Out in 04...made it in 05...and so on. Well it's 2008....
Fred Taylor: Yes, Fred Taylor is a stud of a running back. He's also 32 and injury prone. Maurice Jones Drew is more than a capable backup, but can he be an every down back if Taylor goes down again? And who would fill the void in the return game should Jones Drew have to tote the rock on a full time basis? Is David Garrard ready to carry the team with his arm if need be?
Gregg Williams: Gregg Williams takes over at defensive coordinator for Mike Smith, who left to be the head coach of the Falcons. Under Smith's watch, his unit averaged 4th in overall defense and 3rd in points allowed from 2003-2007. Smith was also respected in the locker room, so the players bought into his philosophy. Gregg Williams comes in with a head coach mentality and a shaky track record. He's known to be confrontational with his players and the media, and a bit of a maverick when it comes to authority. Make no mistake about it, this is Jack Del Rio's team...period. Can they co-exist? Or will we see another Mike Didka / Buddy Ryan saga?
AFC South: The Jaguars finished the regular season 11-5, but went 2-4 in their division. The Colts are still the king of the hill and the Titans and Texans are young teams on the rise. In a tough conference like the AFC, it's hard to imagine 3 teams from a single division making the playoffs again this year.
If everything falls into place, they'll make a strong push for the division title. If not....then at least they're a lock for 09.
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