2018 Jacksonville Jaguars: Let the Quest for Greatness Begin
By Kathy Clark
The Jacksonville Jaguars players, writers, and fans have high hopes for the 2018 season. The Super Bowl or bust is a common expectation for Jaguars fans.
The Jacksonville Jaguars draft was successful and added two starters and several critical backups. Leon Jacobs started during the preseason as a strongside linebacker and Logan Cooke as a punter. In addition, Taven Bryan and Ronnie Harrison added needed depth on the defense. DJ Chark is a potential starter at wide receiver.
Free agency added a superior left guard Andrew Norwell, a talented tight end in Austin Seferian-Jenkins, a possible starting wide receiver Donte Moncrief, and a nickel back D.J. Hayden.
No doubt training camp and the preseason were a huge success. First and foremost there was only one serious injury. Unfortunately, it was starting wide receiver, Marqise Lee.
"Obviously, no injuries are the goal but Doug Marrone commented Monday, “The Jaguars are as fully healthy as possible entering the 2018 season.”"
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
- Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
- Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
- Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways
The Jaguars chose the captains for the 2018 season. The offensive captains are; Blake Bortles, Leonard Fournette, and Brandon Linder. No doubt Bortles stock with the team is higher since he was chosen as a captain. The defensive captains are Calais Campbell and Telvin Smith. Finally, the special teams captain is Lerentee McCray. Team captains play an important role.
"Coach Marrone stated, “I try to put a lot of responsibility on them as the voice of the team.”"
ESPN.com on September 4 stated that the 2018 roster is one of the best in the NFL. In addition, the run game should be even better with running backs in top shape and the addition of All-Pro left guard Andrew Norwell.
The 53-man roster (for now) for the Jaguars drew positive praise from Andy Benoit of SI.com. He seemed to think Bortles and the offense can be successful enough combined with a very strong defense to take the Jaguars to the playoffs and beyond.
"He wrote, “Bortles is better than his harshest critics claim but his flaws are real.”"
Bortles is inconsistent but that just means he can be both bad AND good. Nathaniel Hackett has designed a run-first offense. Also, he has Bortles throwing outside the painted field numbers. There are fewer defenders in that area of the field and the plays are slower to develop. As a result, this system minimizes Bortles mechanics problems.
There is little doubt in the minds of fans and pundits alike that the defense will win games and the offense won’t lose games. The coaching staff and management are on the same page and have the same goals.
Finally, the fans are totally on board. Ryan Day of bigcatcountry.com posted an online poll on September 2. The poll asked fans to grade the 53 man roster. 58% of the fans gave the roster an A and 39% gave the roster a B. Let the season begin.