After two consecutive seasons as the league’s worst team, the Jaguars (9-8) have emerged as perennial division title contenders courtesy of HC Doug Pederson’s efforts during his first year in charge.
There might not be a better time to be optimistic about the Jaguars, with their roster talent and AFC South rivals all facing uncertain times.
Here are three reasons to be optimistic:
1. QB Trevor Lawrence is the real deal
Some questioned whether Lawrence would ever live up to his hype, but he proved that a competent coach was all he needed to succeed. Lawrence ranked inside the top 10 among the league’s QBs this season in passing yards (eighth), touchdowns (10th) and interceptions (eighth), and his numbers will improve as he gains experience.
His early exposure to postseason action will be invaluable as he progresses in his career. In his playoff debut, a 31-30 win over the Chargers, he orchestrated a 27-point comeback after throwing four interceptions, The win speaks volumes about his potential as an elite QB.
2. The likely addition of WR Calvin Ridley
Jacksonville was 10th in points per game this past season (23.8) and can easily surpass that next season if Ridley is in the mix.
The 28-year-old was suspended indefinitely in March 2022 for gambling on NFL games. That didn’t keep Jacksonville from trading two conditional draft picks for him in November. He applied for reinstatement last week, and Pederson believes he will be.
In 2021, Ridley only played in five games before stepping away from the Falcons. In 2020, he amassed 1,374 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Should Ridley return to form, he may establish himself as the team’s top wideout in a receiver room with talented options in Chrisitan Kirk and Zay Jones.
3. OLB Travon Walker could hit a growth spurt
Was Walker the least discussed first overall pick of all time? With just 3.5 sacks and 10 QB hits this season, the former Georgia Bulldog described his quiet rookie campaign as a “growing year.”
Since Walker was converting to OLB from interior defensive lineman, the Jaguars knew he was a work in progress and felt comfortable investing in him. The raw talent lacks the ability to rush the passer effectively and consistently, which is why he plans to add more moves to his arsenal this offseason.
His potential as an edge rusher is still untapped, and while he’ll probably need a few more seasons before hitting his full potential, the final product might exceed expectations. Walker, however, will need a substantial second-year leap to progress in that direction.
