Black and Teal
FanSided

Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to take the next step

By Luke Sims

Nov 29, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley looks on during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley looks on during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Jacksonville Jaguars still have questions lingering around them, but they are poised to take the next step.

National media outlets like to ask questions about teams in this part of the year. It’s the build up to the season and there are plenty of questions to be asked. Some, however, are better than others.

While looking through Fox Sports’ “The One Big Question Facing Every AFC Team” it was clear that the due diligence was done on some teams but not on others. There were deeper questions about Kansas City Chiefs (“What happens if Alex Smith falters?”) and even the Tennessee Titans (“Was Mike Mularkey really the answer?” No. No. No.). For the Jags, it was simply a generic “are they ready to take the next step?”

Frankly, this is a question I’m tired of.

If 2015 didn’t show that the Jags were getting better, then I don’t know what can. Aside from the 5-11 record (with a couple gifted games), the Jags were far better on offense, far more competitive on the whole, and the roster upgrades this season make it clear they can compete.

While we won’t know until the 2016 season actually begins, it already looks like the Jags can take the next step. The ability is there. The talent is there. The right scheme (on offense) is there.

The only real question – and the one that should have been asked – is “Can Gus Bradley get the Jacksonville Jaguars to take the next step?” because right now everything else looks to be in order. After three seasons and a 12-36 record, it’s finally up to Bradley to show that he can out-coach the opposing team and use the right pieces in the right way.

Of course the Jags can take the next step, but will they? Is Bradley capable of getting them there?

The Jags are one head coach short of the playoffs at this point and the ultimate jury (Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan) is still out on Bradley. He’s got one more year to prove he can make a winner. This is it.

It’s time and the Jags are ready to take the next step. Now, let’s see if Bradley can get them there.

Related Story: Somehow Bradley hangs on among 2013 HC hires

If not, it’s back to the drawing board.

Home/Jacksonville Jaguars News