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2007 NFL Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars |
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Written by Jeff Alexander
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Thursday, 16 August 2007
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 The Jags couldn’t make it back-to-back playoff appearances last season as they regressed from a stellar 12-win season in 2005. Find out if Jack Del Rio can get his troops back in the playoffs in this 2007 Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions preview for Point-Spreads.com.
For the first time under head coach Jack Del Rio, the Jacksonville Jaguars took a step backwards. They went downhill from a 12-4 mark and a playoff appearance in 2005 to finishing just 8-8 last season. The defense, which is Del Rio’s baby, is not the problem. Jacksonville still manned a top five unit last season despite a slew of injuries. But the offense is in makeover mode. Del Rio axed three assistant coaches, upgraded the offensive line and bolstered the wide receiver corps. Sportsbook.com has the Jacksonville Jaguars at 30 to 1 betting odds to win Super Bowl XLII.
Even the normally steady tailback spot held by Fred Taylor is giving way to more carries by Maurice Jones-Drew. And at QB, Del Rio has, for now, settled on Byron Leftwich as the starter, but this relationship seems as though it could go sour at any time.
The Jags' dominant defensive unit has this team close to a return visit to the postseason, but the holes on offense could keep these Florida boys at home during the playoffs for a second straight season.
Jack Del Rio turned to the college ranks to replace his offensive staff bringing in ex-Arizona State head man Dirk Keotter and ex-Alabama head coach Mike Shula. He’s hoping that their learning curve will be accelerated to this season because there is no time to wait in Del Rio’s eyes. Koetter is an old fashioned boy who likes the between-the-tackles power running attack to set up down the field passing and the Jags definitely have the right personnel to suit his style with two solid tailbacks and Leftwich’s cannon arm. All that could be missing is consistency from the wide receiver position. Hopefully, the big, strong, fast, Matt Jones can be that go-to guy this season.
Despite every injury you could think of, the Jags defense held strong in 2006. In fact, they finished as the number two ranked unit in all of football. Last year’s injuries to starters allowed youngsters to step in and gain experience which has left this defense as one of the deepest in the NFL. With Pro Bowlers at every level, Mike Smith’s defensive coordinating duties should be made rather easy once again.
This could be a make-or-break season for head man Jack Del Rio who has only guided a talented unit to one playoff appearance in his four seasons in Jacksonville. Del Rio has the defense in place, but the offense is lacking the consistency and fire power that the elite offenses around the league possess. If Leftwich can finally stay healthy and a legit number one receiving option can emerge, the Jags could be a force to be reckoned with. But likely this team will be on the playoff fence in 2007. For Jack Del Rio’s sake, I hope it’s on the right side of the fence.
Point-Spreads.com contributing sports expert Jeff Alexander started handicapping to ensure that the average sports bettor has the best chance at making a profit. Nobody outworks Jeff and the result is winning season after winning season. 2006 showed unmatched success by hitting 65% in the NFL and nearly every big game he put out.
New England Patriots 2-1
San Diego Chargers 5-1
Indianapolis Colts 7-1
Chicago Bears 16-1
Baltimore Ravens 25-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 30-1
Cincinnati Bengals 25-1
Denver Broncos 25-1
Philadelphia Eagles 18-1
Dallas Cowboys 25-1
Carolina Panthers 25-1
Seattle Seahawks 18-1
New Orleans Saints 18-1
New York Giants 35-1
Jacksonville Jaguars 30-1
Kansas City Chiefs 60-1
New York Jets 40-1
Miami Dolphins 55-1
Tennessee Titans 60-1
Atlanta Falcons 60-1
Buffalo Bills 100-1
Washington Redskins 40-1
Arizona Cardinals 40-1
Saint Louis Rams 50-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45-1
San Francisco 49ers 20-1
Minnesota Vikings 50-1
Green Bay Packers 40-1
Houston Texans 100-1
Oakland Raiders 75-1
Cleveland Browns 100-1
Detroit Lions 100-1
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 August 2007 )
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