Jacksonville Jaguars Away from EverBank: Way too Early Predictions
By Jacob DeFee
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a much easier set of road games in the 2017 season.
Earlier, we took a look at how tough the Jacksonville Jaguars home games would be in the upcoming season. Now we take a look at what should be a relatively easy set of road games that may allow the Jags to get back on track.
New York Jets – 2016 record: 5-11
The New York Jets look to be in somewhat of a flux. They won’t completely commit to rebuilding the roster and are several key pieces away from competing for a playoff spot. The biggest missing piece is at quarterback as the opening day starter has not been named at this time. However, they could be looking to add one of the top quarterbacks in the draft as they own the 6th overall pick and could do a variety of things with it.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars win.
Pittsburgh Steelers–2016 record: 11-5
This easily looks like the toughest game on the Jags’ 2017 schedule. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful teams in the history of the National Football League if not the most successful team. Not to mention they have all the ingredients to add another Lombardi Trophy to their league-leading six championships in the Super Bowl era. Elite Quarterback? Check. Elite Offense? Check. Great coaching along with an ascending defense and a great home crowd? Triple check. It is hard for any team to go into Heinz Field and win, let alone a team with a new head coach and a big question mark at quarterback.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars lose.
Cleveland Browns-2016 record: 1-15
Yes, the Cleveland Browns only won one game last year. However, the Browns look to finally be building a team the right way. They are completely revamping their offensive line by adding guard Kevin Zeitler from the Cincinnati Bengals and center J.C. Tretter from the Green Bay Packers. The Browns have also stockpiled future draft picks and have a whopping twenty-one draft picks to use over the next two drafts. With that being said, the Browns still look to be at least another year from truly competing with most of the NFL but should give Jacksonville a good game.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars win.
San Francisco 49ers-2016 record: 2-14
The San Francisco 49ers may have the weakest roster in the league, and are under new leadership with new general manager John Lynch and new head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan should have this offense flying high in a few years but for now don’t expect them to win many games.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars win.
Arizona Cardinals–2016 record: 7-8-1
Many people predicted the Arizona Cardinals to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl last year before the season began. But, the Cardinals couldn’t return to their 2015 form as quarterback Carson Palmer started to show his age and the defense underperformed as star defensive back Tyrann Mathieu returned to injured reserve once again with a shoulder injury. If the Cardinals can stay healthy and play to their potential, they can be one of the most dangerous teams in the league as long as they run the offense through their young star running back David Johnson.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars lose.
Next: How do the Jags do at home in our Way Too Early Predictions?
This puts the Jacksonville Jaguars road record at 3-2 before getting into their division games. The division games will either make or break the 2017 Jaguars season. If the Jags can manage to go 3-3 or better overall this would put them at 8-8 or better for the season and right in the thick of things come December. But at the same time, each of the AFC South teams should be improved and will not be pushovers. The Jaguars must find a way to beat their division opponents in 2017 if they want to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Agree? Disagree? Comment below!