The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t meet expectations in 2023 after being one of the most improved teams in the NFL in 2022. The Jaguars missed the postseason altogether, failing to build on their previous momentum. A successful 2024 campaign means getting back on the appropriate track by returning to the playoffs.
The 2022 Jaguars finished 9-8, marking a six-win improvement from their disastrous 2021. They shockingly won six of their final seven contests, including a regular-season finale over the Tennessee Titans that decided the AFC South. Repeating as division champs was expected in 2023, but that did not come to fruition.
The Jaguars failed to showcase growth. In almost a direct reversal of 2022, Doug Pederson's squad dropped five of their final six contests, a losing streak that concluded with them matching the previous year's 9-8 record. It wasn't enough to win the AFC South this time as the much-improved Houston Texans rose above them.
By far the most disappointing aspect of Jacksonville's season was the play of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. After displaying terrific development as a sophomore in 2022, Lawrence regressed in 2023. He threw for fewer yards (4,016 vs. 4,113), had a lower completion percentage (65.6% vs. 66.3%), threw fewer touchdowns (21 vs. 25), and had more interceptions (14 vs. 8).
Recurring knee and ankle injuries may have derailed Lawrence's form. Lawrence often played through pain, albeit as a less effective version of himself. The Jaguars are not concerned as they signed him to a five-year, $275 million extension this offseason that includes $142 million in guarantees.
From a supporting cast perspective, there have been both positive and negative developments. Despite a valiant effort, general manager Trent Baalke failed to re-sign leading receiver Calvin Ridley as Jacksonville was outbid for his services by their rival Titans. Two players are expected to make up the difference in free-agent signing Gabe Davis and first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jaguars may now lack a legitimate No. 1 pass-catcher, but with Davis and Thomas Jr. joining Christian Kirk and Evan Engram, there should be enough weapons in the passing game to create mismatches. How they produce is critical to getting Lawrence back to playing his best football.
On the opposite side of the ball, standout defenders Josh Hines-Allen and Foyesade Oluokun signed extensions to maintain some sense of identity. Sweeping changes have otherwise taken center stage. Pederson replaced defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell with Ryan Nielsen. This should represent a significant upgrade after Nilsen impressed with the Atlanta Falcons last season.
Defensive linemen Arik Armstead and Maason Smith were added via free agency and the draft to help a defense that recorded a 25th-ranked 40.0 sacks last season. Darnell Savage, Terrell Edmunds, and Jarrian Jones join a secondary that ranked 26th in the league last season.
The 2024 campaign is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable one in the AFC South. The Texans have been the most aggressive team in the league during the offseason, acquiring superstars like Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter. The Indianapolis Colts are playoff contenders if quarterback Anthony Richardson stays healthy. The Titans are a wild card that depend on Will Levis' development.
Complacency crept in for the 2023 Jaguars, a franchise that conducted the previous offseason as if they'd already established themselves as annual contenders. Another disappointing campaign could lead to significant coaching and front-office changes. Jacksonville must make the playoffs this season.
