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The Jacksonville Jaguars are not what their record says they are

By Kathy Clark

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Jacksonville Jaguars players take the field prior to the game aainst the Baltimore Racens at EverBank Field on September 25, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Jacksonville Jaguars players take the field prior to the game aainst the Baltimore Racens at EverBank Field on September 25, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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There is a very well known quote from Bill Parcells that states “you are what your record says you are.”

Simply stated that means that if the Jacksonville Jaguars are 3-13 for the season they are a pretty bad team. However, despite their dismal record, the statistical rankings when compared with other NFL teams don’t indicate a team that ranks third from the bottom in the NFL.

THIRD FROM THE BOTTOM IS NOT A GOOD TEAM

There are 32 teams in the NFL and the Jaguars tied for 29th with the Chicago Bears. This poor record indicates that team rankings would be near the bottom in almost all categories. But, this was not the case at all. There were some very bad rankings. The Jags ranked number 31 in penalties per game. The offensive line ranked first in the number of penalties per game. Also, they were -16 in turnover differential. These are very unimpressive numbers.

STATISTICS IN SOME AREAS SHOW AN AVERAGE TEAM

The 2016 Jags ranked 18th in first half points per game. Their total offense ranked 22nd. Passing yards per games ranked 19th and rushing yards per game 23rd. The defense ranked an impressive number eight. The offensive line ranked 19th. Bortles’ QB rating was number 25 according to Steve Palazzo. The running game averaged almost four yards a carry. The Jaguars have some positives to build on.

STATISTICAL AREAS THAT MUST IMPROVE

Penalties per game were a huge problem. That lack of discipline must be addressed. The turnover differential was a serious issue. The defense did not create enough turnovers. The offense had too many turnovers. These issues can have several causes. Poor play calling is one that should be looked at. Players out of position during the games is another. The new regime will need to watch many hours of game film to understand and improve these areas.

STATISTICAL AREAS TO BUILD ON

The defense was 8th overall. That is impressive and positive. They must add turnovers to be even better. The offense was 22nd overall which is better than their record indicates. The passing offense was ranked nineteenth. The running game averaged almost four yards per carry washout a franchise running back. Fewer turnovers, a more dominant running game, and a more disciplined offensive line will improve the offense and hopefully improve the ranking to eighteenth or higher.

POSSIBLE SEVEN TO NINE WINS

If the Jaguars can decrease the number of penalties and offensive turnovers, increase defensive turnovers, average five yards per carry in the running game, and trust each other enough to play their own position on the field a vastly improved season is a reasonable possibility.

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