The Jacksonville Jaguars may have lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first preseason game, but there was still plenty to be optimistic about. Bhayshul Tuten had a great start, and who could ignore that incredible 70-yard field goal from Cam Little?
Still, the Jaguars have faced a lot of ups and downs in recent years, that has led to a good amount of turmoil for the team. They've brought in a new head coach and general manager - Liam Coen and James Gladstone - and landed one of the most sought-after rookies in Travis Hunter. There's a lot to be optimistic about, but some are slow getting on board.
ESPN released a list of projected power rankings, and Jacksonville was massively underestimated, coming in at just #20 - not just for this season, but over the next three seasons.
Don't count the Jaguars out just yet
The Jaguars received an overall score of 75.7, putting them squarely in the "average" tier. As Ben Solak noted, there is plenty of reason to be hopeful.
"The Jaguars' new front office and coaching staff are largely unknown, but they have a quality second-contract quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and a couple of known young stars in wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen," he wrote. "Sure, they don't have a first-round pick next year as a result of the trade for wideout/cornerback Travis Hunter. But you know what they do have? Hunter."
Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence was rated as the Jaguars' biggest reason for concern by Louis Riddick, noting that Lawrence has had to play through three different changes of coaching staff, and a shoulder injury last season. But during the short time he played in his preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lawrence easily proved he's still got it. And as Seth Walder noted, Lawrence has never before had the tools he has now: a good head coach in Liam Coen, and a full arsenal of offensive weapons around him.
"Lawrence will record a top-seven QBR season," Walder said. "I still haven't given up on Lawrence, who has never been in a great situation with the full trio of coach, receivers and offensive line. I'm hopeful that could change with the additions of Thomas, Hunter and coach Liam Coen. He could finally reach his potential."
Coen especially is expected to help the Jaguars reach new heights. While there are still problems to work out with the defense, there's still plenty to be optimistic about going forward. The league can continue to count Jacksonville out, but it's at their own peril - there's never been a more prime time for the Jaguars to make a comeback.