2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

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With a 12-4 showing in 2005 and an 11-5 campaign in 2007, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars were on the verge of becoming an AFC power. But with back-to-back last place finishes in the AFC South, that no longer appears to be the case.

The Jaguars have plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the football. Last year, they ranked No. 24 in the NFL in scoring offense, averaging only 18.1 points per game. They also ranked No. 24 in scoring defense, giving up 23.8 points per game.

The defense must really step up if the Jags hope to dig their way out of the AFC South basement. But that will be no easy task when facing off against Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub and Chris Johnson a combined six times this season.

In this article, we’ll take a brief look at both sides of the football. Then, I’ll make my prediction on where I have the Jags finishing in their division.

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Offense: Jacksonville’s offense starts with Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game. Jones-Drew helped the Jags ranked No. 10 in rushing offense last season. With 54 touchdowns in just four seasons, the Pro Bowl running back is truly one of the top playmakers in the league.

Jones is an elite back, but the Jags will only go as far as quarterback David Garrard takes them. That won’t be far if Garrard plays the way he has the last couple seasons. After a stellar 2007 campaign, Garrard has been very mediocre the last two years.

It’s been a while since Jacksonville has had a true No. 1 wide receiver, but the organization believes it finally has another one. Mike Sims-Walker was finally healthy in 2009, and the result was a breakout year. He caught 63 passes for 869 yards and seven scores in just 14 starts.

Defense: Once again, Jacksonville was not able to mount any kind of pass rush in 2009. The Jags finished dead last in the league in sacks, and No. 27 in pass defense, giving up 235.9 yards per game through the air. The Jags must improve their pass rush enormously in 2010 or Manning and Schaub will pick them apart again. Improvement should be on the way with the signing of free agent Aaron Kampman, but he isn’t the type of explosive pass rusher that can change the entire complexion of a defense. His presence could bring out the best in third-year pro Derrick Harvey though.

Even if the pass rush is better, the secondary will still have to cover people, and the defensive backfield is a work in progress. Cornerback Rashean Mathis is a player, but second-year pro Derek Cox must continue to improve. The Jags could especially benefit from more consistency at the safety position. Reggie Nelson, Gerald Alexander, Sean Considine and Anthony Smith are all talented, but they have yet to put it all together.

Prediction: 4th AFC South – I have the Jags in the division cellar for a third straight season. Jones-Drew is an elite player, but he won’t get enough help from the passing game. Plus, the addition of Kampman won’t be enough to turnaround the defense. NFL lines makes have listed the Jacksonville Jaguars as a +1000 long shot to win the AFC South. Check out my 2010 NFL predictions to see which team I have winning the division.

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About the Author: Jimmy Boyd is known for his consistency. He's a proven winner in college and pro football, college and pro basketball and pro baseball. He finished as the No. 1 ranked MLB handicapper in 2007 by earning $1,000/game bettors $50,050. He also finished as the No. 1 ranked basketball handicapper in the 2008-09 season, profiting $1,000/game bettors 38,530. His basketball plays have banked $1,000/game bettors nearly $80,000 the last five years. Check out Jimmy's premium picks for tonight!
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