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Sunday Debate: Jacksonville Jaguars Surprise Playoff Contenders

By Mark Morales-Smith

Nov 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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In another Sunday Debate, Brendan Pignataro learns why Mark Morales-Smith is the genius voice of a generation. This week Mark explains why the Jacksonville Jaguars are the more likely sleeper team to make the playoffs over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Last week was another Sunday Debate and another victory to me. That joker Brendan thinks Geno Smith is playoff bound. While I’d love to continue laughing about that, it’s time to move on to this week’s topic. We will be debating which perennial doormat is likely to make the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Jacksonville Jaguars.

You will notice a bit of a change in style this week. Usually I pound Brendan choice into the ground mercilessly picking apart his miserable argument. That won’t be the case this week. If I give you all the reasons why the Bucs aren’t a playoff team, this may take about three hours to read. So for the sake of you the reader, I spare you.

Related Story: Sunday Debate: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Surprise Playoff Contenders

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been struggling for a while now. They have been the league’s doormat during this span. That is no longer the case. They were visibly improved last year with an explosive pass offense and they were the winners of both free agency and the draft.

Jun 14, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars guard Brandon Linder (65) and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) talk during minicamp workouts at Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars guard Brandon Linder (65) and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) talk during minicamp workouts at Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

In his second season last year, Blake Bortles exploded for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns while both Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have emerged as star receivers. Robinson went for an incredible 80 receptions, 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hurns was no slouch either catching 64 passes for 1,031 yards and 10 TDs. Including and eight game TD streak. I also love Rashad Green. He’s a second-year wideout out of Florida State who will man the slot. When you combine them with a dynamic TE corps led by Julius Thomas, they may very well have the best weapons in the league considering the issues in Pittsburgh.

The team added offensive line help and the AFC’s leading rusher Chris Ivory to beef up the rushing attack to complement their aerial assault as well. Ivory is known to wear down during the season, which is why second-year RB T.J. Yeldon is such an important piece to split touches with Ivory. The offensive line still isn’t the best, but it’s better. It’s hard to find a weak spot on this explosive offense.

The defense is where they vastly improved their talent. They drafted perhaps the two best defensive players in the entire draft in Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack. Ramsey did suffer a slight tear in his meniscus during his first practice, but he is expected back. Even so, they also added both Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamara to their secondary. Both are underrated and more than viable starters.

They already had Davon House and Jonathan Cyprien in their secondary. Defensive lineman Malik Jackson from the Super Bowl-winning Denver Broncos was another big splash in free agency. They’ll also be getting last year’s third-overall pick Dante Fowler back after he missed all of last season after tearing his ACL Day 1 of practice. Both will surely help their defensive front. Clearly this team is improved top to bottom.

must read: NFL: Breakout Player of the Year Candidates

Aside from their talent and ability alone, the AFC South is statistically the worst division in the NFL. They will have one of the easy paths to the playoffs. The Bucs on the other hand have to go through the defending NFC champion, one-loss Panthers, Drew Brees and an improving Atlanta Falcons team. This one is really a no brainer and the Bucs have no advantage in any way over the Jags.

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