Four reasons to be excited about the Jaguars offense in 2019

A new season and a new chance to make an impact. The Jacksonville Jaguars offense should be better in 2019 with better quarterback play and new weapons.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s like starting over again. It’s the first time since 2014 the team will start the season without Blake Bortles on the roster. Now that Nick Foles has been handed the keys to the offense and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo is in the passenger’s seat, this could be a season of excitement.

Anything that resembles an offense might make fans in Jacksonville a bit giddy after last season’s sputtering to the finish line.

Both Foles and DeFilippo, along with head coach Doug Marrone have preached there is still plenty of work to be done in preparation for the upcoming season. The implementation of a new game plan, along with the addition of new chess pieces make this season interesting.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• 3 potential trade partners for Jacksonville Jaguars CB Shaquill Griffin
• Jaguars should explore trading for Michael Thomas amid Calvin Ridley suspension
• Jacksonville Jaguars named best fit for CB James Bradberry in 2023 NFL free agency
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram highlights discrepancy in WR and TE salaries
• Jacksonville Jaguars land DeAndre Hopkins in trade proposal to stop the KC Chiefs

The AFC South could be one of the best divisions in football, with Houston, Indianapolis, and Tennessee all making improvements to their rosters over the offseason. Can the Jaguars do enough to make another run at the playoffs?

It will be up to this offense to prove it is better than last year’s version.

As I listen to the coaches preach the importance of improvement and chemistry and playing together as a team and then listen to veterans (Abry Jones, Leonard Fournette and A.J. Bouye) talk about how they want to put 2018 behind them, I cannot help but think the offense will be better and the coaching staff will help this team grow.

Here are four reasons to like the Jaguars offense in 2019.

Good Health – There was a Cam Robinson sighting on Tuesday at the Jaguars practice field. The left tackle is still recovering from an ACL injury, but there was no brace on his leg and was out on the field for the first time.

It’s a good sign for the Jaguars. If the team is going to improve even slightly, the offense must remain healthy. The offensive line was in shambles by the end of last season. Center Brandon Linder and left guard Andrew Norwell have been participants in practice, which means when Robinson is back to full strength, the left side of the line should be formidable.

Marqise Lee has also been seen running off to the side. The wide receiver also missed the entire 2018 season with an ACL injury. His addition to the wide receiver group would be welcomed. His leadership should be beneficial.

Better Tight Ends – Geoff Swaim looks the part of a big, mobile tight end who can help in goal-line situations and a catch the football in short yardage. He was brought in from Dallas as a blocker but has shown promise as a pass catcher.

He and rookie Josh Oliver figure to be the primary targets for Foles. DeFilippo raved about Swaim’s camp so far and how Oliver is learning the Jaguars system. James O’Shaughnessy will also get some reps and chances to catch the football. The tight ends will be asked to do more this season, including potentially help out at the fullback position.

The Jaguars have not had any solid production from their tight ends in recent years. We all know the tight end has been prominent in both Philadelphia and Minnesota with DeFilippo on staff. Another possible target in the passing game to plan for will also add the Jaguars running game.

Fournette for Days – Leonard Fournette has come back to camp dedicated and in great shape and has run the football more effectively. I know it’s hard to see with a true scrimmage and without pads, but there is something about Fournette that is different.

Let’s hope that translates to another 1,000-yard season.

The backs behind him have the potential to be better than the group from last season. Alfred Blue said he was excited to be part of a 1-2 combination with Fournette when we talked last week (story to follow). He is a big back, which gives the team a few more options. He played against the Jaguars for five seasons in Houston.

Thomas Rawls has a chance to be the team’s third-down back. Rookie Ryquell Armstead should fight for carries as well. I’m interested to see what Benny Cunningham will do on this roster and on special teams.

Chemistry – It’s a simple word with so much more meaning. The Jaguars – whomever you talk to – have preached chemistry all offseason. Foles talks about it every time he meets with the media. Blue told me it was important to this season.

The coaches have been preaching it as well. If there is more chemistry on this team – on the field and in the locker room – the Jaguars could have the same kind of run from 2017. There were times when this was an unsettled roster last season. The play at quarterback was subpar. The wide receivers dropped too many passes and frankly, injuries and losing didn’t help.

If everyone is on the same page, and the line holds up and the passing game is better, there is no reason to believe the Jaguars won’t be better in the win column and as a cohesive unit.