3 reasons to be optimistic about the Jaguars in 2022
![Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (1) and Trevor Lawrence (16). [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 081421 Jagsvsbrowns 52](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fblackandteal-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17488573-850x560-6094e728ab121b1dccb530721fc9e0b09b0edbe48c6c44bb4d3c273cfec3f973.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (1) and Trevor Lawrence (16). [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 081421 Jagsvsbrowns 52")
Having had the unenviable position of being the worst team in the NFL the past two seasons, record-wise at least, the Jacksonville Jaguars are currently facing an uphill battle when it comes to shaking off this dubious distinction.
The Jags finished the 2021 season with a 3-14 record, having scored 14.9 points per game (last in the NFL). Things weren’t much better on the defensive side of the ball, as they surrendered 26.9 points per game (28th of 32 teams). Simply, the Jaguars must improve upon virtually every statistical category if they want to dig their way out of the dungeon they’ve found themselves entrenched in the past couple of seasons.
The Jaguars took several steps in the right direction in the offseason
Some would argue, however, that the Jaguars may have done just that this offseason. After all, they made a flurry of roster and coaching changes. Also, several key players acquired from the previous regime should continue developing and make a leap in 2022.
The hiring of head coach Doug Pederson and his staff along with several high-end free-agent signings and draft picks may have provided just the right length of rope and momentum to help claw this Jaguars franchise out of the bottom of NFL purgatory and into the light of day where playoff aspirations and Pro Bowl nods await. And while there’s still plenty of work left to be done, things are looking up for them. Without further ado, here are three major reasons to be optimistic about the Jaguars in 2022.