Among the various goings-on before and after the shows, I managed to work in a few words with a young chap named Scooter, who is a huge N.Y. Giants fan (thank God this was before the Super Bowl or the only funk-bombs going off in MSG would be the ones strapped to my chest).  As often happens over a tall, cool Budweiser, the conversation quickly turned to football.  As I was relating the countless woes of the Jags’ 2011 season, Scooter interjected with, “Well at least you can get tickets.  I haven’t been to a Giants game in four years because I can’t get season tickets and spending $200 for one ticket isn’t easy to do.”  This profound bit of knowledge is something that I don’t think many Jaguars fans, including me, appreciate.  I suppose we were too preoccupied with self-loathing and closely monitoring our vegetables until they turn that perfect amount of rotten to lob at Gene Smith for supposedly ruining a team that, let’s be honest, is in better shape today than it was at the end of 2008.

Jaguars fans have an amazing opportunity in front of them.  We can go to every home game we want, in whatever section we want, and not have to mortgage our house to afford it.  Sure the ultimate goal is to be a perennial powerhouse with a ten year waiting list for tickets and MoJo highlights replayed on ESPN as he dons his golden jacket in Canton, but let’s enjoy our current situation for what it is.  On the Wednesday before the 2011 home Jags/ Texans game, I bought two tickets in section 117, row 15 for me and Lauren for $35!  One more time: $35!!  Pathetic? Maybe.  But great none the less.

We have access to see the greatest running back in the NFL entering the prime of his career at any and all home games.  We can hurry to grab a frosty Bottoms Up beer (or four) and be back by the next snap (I know I’m not the only one out there that’s poked the magnet at the bottom “just to see”, only to be completely devastated when your lap holds more beer than your belly).  We can go to the games and know we will be surrounded by actual fans of our team, and not a gaggle of chirping socialites.

Maybe the Jacksonville Jaguars are not the most popular team in the league yet.  That’s fine.  Instead of pouting about it, let’s revel in it!  No longer will we let the talking heads on TV get under our skin about the tarps or empty seats, because we know that our Jags outsell the Chargers, Dolphins, Bucs, Chiefs, Bengals, Bills, Rams, and Vikings, all of which had home blackouts during the 2011 season.

It’s time that Jags fans appreciate what we have, because once the team gets it together and becomes the toast of the town once more, we will all certainly miss carrying our coolers from the $10 parking lots up to a group of empty spaces in Lot J and setting up a Dirty Duval tailgate.

-Lionel Joel

I have written for awhile about the spirit of this team and how I think they have turned a corner.  I have felt it at mini-camp. People showed up ready to play in May. Many of these players have dedicated their off-season toward preparation and improvement.

Jack Del Rio was at the Times Union in a Team Teal rally a few weeks ago. He said this team will have a nasty defense. Nasty in a good way. Gerald Alexander was taking calls on Pete Prisco’s radio program last week. A caller said “Do you hope to be an every down safety?” Gerald interrupted him and said “I am an every down safety”. He also said people are worried about the secondary, but there is no need to worry. The backfield is loaded with talent and they will prove it.

David Garrard spent his off-season working out, both by himself and with his receivers. In short, there was no off-season for many of these guys. They are waiting to play the game.

I firmly believe the fans are responding as well. Ticket sales will be strong. The stadium will be filled and the games will be on television.  Zoltan is preparing an article about the start of the season. No more will the Jaguars stumble out of the gate and let Indianapolis have free run.  I believe Rashean Mathis will not hold out in camp but come back and show why he deserves a strong contract.

The worst moment in Jaguar history was 2009 opening game when the Jaguars were booed off the field at half time. There was about 44,000 angry people there. I know that hurt Wayne Weaver. I know that experience burned deeply. I was there, it wasn’t pretty.

But I think that is long gone now. Gene Smith and Wayne Weaver remember what it was like. This town is recovering from a devastating economic blow. Both Jacksonville and the Jaguars are coming back. They are both showing an incredible resolve. Good times are going to return. The stadium will be the place to feel it.

Things are different. The ship is being righted. Things are going to be like they were. I know many of you don’t believe me. I understand that. But don’t let go of hope. We love this team and they love us. This season will prove it.  When enough people want it to happen and spend their time making it happen, it works. Tony Boselli has done his job, Gene has done his job. Wayne Weaver is doing his job and we are doing ours. All you have to do is come out and enjoy. See you at the stadium!

- Terry O’Brien