A fan’s viewpoint on the state of the Jacksonville Jaguars

By Kathy Clark | Jan 31, 2019

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 25: Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars Tom Coughlin watches the action prior to a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at TIAA Bank Field on August 25, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

How do fans rate the Jaguars? What do fans think of the recent moves by management? Why did 2018 go down the drain?

I am first and foremost a football fan. I read about football and love most the comments from fans like me on social media. I have followed the Jacksonville Jaguars since the franchise was awarded to the city by the NFL. I love the good years and am depressed by the bad years. There are players I loved…Fred Taylor, Tony Boselli, Maurice Jones-Drew, Jalen Ramsey, to name a few.

There are a few players I dislike. Blake Bortles is the only one I can think of! Coach Tom Coughlin is a favorite of mine. It’s been a fun ride.

However, the most depressing and miserable year for a long time fan was 2018. Suffering Jaguar fans loved 2017. After the years of less than mediocrity, it was beyond wonderful. The Jaguars have gotten it together.

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Losing seasons are a thing of the past! We have new coaches, a great running back, a fantastic defense, and our hero Coughlin is back. The sky is bluer, the grass is greener, Football season is fun again. Then the team drove over the cliff.

Fans were excited about 2018. But questions started after the draft. The pundits graded the draft with As and Bs but fan reaction on social media was mixed. Taven Bryan was described by Zach Goodall as a stunning selection and added that he has a lot of upside. Most fans seemed to be hoping for offensive line help.

Training camp and a 3-1 start to the season had fans excited and raised already high expectations. Sadly, the injury bug hit, Bortles reverted to Bortles, players made unfortunate comments to the media, the coaches had no answers.

The general manager added players to the team who had no impact, and the losing became weekly.

Social media exploded and fans became hostile. Interestingly, fan anger was directed primarily at general manager David Caldwell. His draft history was a major topic and his resigning of Bortles was very controversial.

Another lightning rod was Bortles. He has some defenders but the majority are angry at his “huge” contract and his bottom of the league play. A final cause for frustration was the non-firing of Caldwell and Doug Marrone. In fact, even Coughlin took criticism.

2019 is a new year and a new start. Redemption starts with a good draft that features offense. Another positive would be a new contract for Ramsey who is loved by most fans and keeping as many defensive players as possible. Obviously, finding a new quarterback is a no brainer.

I have hope for the 2019 season if the following occurs; draft choices are for immediate impact, new additions to the roster are mostly for the offense, the offensive line is healthy throughout the season, Leonard Fournette returns to his 2017 form, a new quarterback lines up under center, and the coaches are more flexible and creative.

Every team is a new team. Let’s forget 2018. Go Jags!!

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