3 dream scenarios for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024
![Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) celebrates his pass for a touchdown score to wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6000,h_3375,x_0,y_53/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F55%2F01hze7a28z88xh681m0r.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) celebrates his pass for a touchdown score to wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars are flying under the radar next season. In fact, you won't hear their name when analysts discuss any potential contenders. There's a reason for that. They were seen as a rising club last year, one that could make a deep playoff run. Unfortunately, they finished the year on a sour note, winning just one of their last six games after an 8-3 start.
On the bright side, their failure to qualify for the postseason promted the Jags to make several changes to the roster and the coaching staff. After a fruitful offseason, it's fair to say that they'll have a favorable chance to make noise in 2024, and nobody should bat an eye if any of the next three scenarios come to fruition.
The Jaguars defense returns to the top 10 with Ryan Nielsen leading the way
The Jaguars had a top-10 defense in 2022 but they regressed last season, ranking 17th in points allowed and 22nd in total yards. While the pass rush and depth were concerns, the group had enough talent to stop opposing defenses from scoring. Unfortunately, the group fell apart toward the end of the year, with players and coaches going through the motions.
Some of the blame fell on general manager Trent Baalke but defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell was the biggest culprit. As noted before, he wasn't dealt a great hand but it was up to him to put his players in a position to succeed. He didn't, which is why he was dismissed after 2023. To replace him, the Jags hired Ryan Nielsen, who's been able to get the most out of his players anywhere he's been.
Nielsen's renewed emphasis on fundamentals and technique should help the Jaguars get back to the top 10. Working in his favor is that the front office gave him several intriguing pieces to work with. In free agency, they inked defensive tackle Arik Armstead and safety/nickel Darnell Savage. Later in the draft, they selected defensive tackle Maason Smith and Jarrian Jones.
Add the presence of established playmakers such as outside linebackers Josh Allen, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and safety Andre Cisco, and the defense should be among the best in the league.