Jacksonville Jaguars: Training camp opens with beaming confidence
By Larry Brake
Training camp opened for the Jacksonville Jaguars with confidence at an all-time high about the 2018 season.
Winning really changes perspectives. As training camp opened last year, how many Jacksonville Jaguars fans predicted the team’s successful season? Most were really hoping that Blake Bortles was either released or traded away. He played very well.
What a difference this past season has made. After playing for a Super Bowl appearance in the AFC Championship Game, there is high, perhaps very high expectations for 2018. Malik Jackson predicts a perfect regular season at 16-0. Is confidence contagious to his fellow Jaguars teammates?
Apparently, it is very contagious. Telvin Smith has made a huge proclamation. John Oehser of Jaguars.com reported the following:
"“I think we’re the best team in the league,” Smith said. “I am not knocking anyone. There are some talented teams out there. If I don’t lock in right now and believe wholeheartedly that my team will be the last team standing, then I don’t think you really are ready for that fight that is about to come.”"
First of all, the Jaguars defense is an elite unit. The defensive line pressures and sacks the quarterback, regularly. Those quarterback sacks are a result of the blanket coverage of the secondary. Even the linebacking corps is fast enough to cover running backs.
Next, the play of Bortles down the stretch helped to simply move the chains. Remember last year, the big discussion was on his regression in 2016. Although he has not silenced his annual critics, Bortles is the starting quarterback for 2018.
NFL Power Rankings 2018: Start of training camps edition. dark. Next
Finally, the offensive line is going to be better. Andrew Norwell, combined with Cam Robinson and Brandon Linder, will seal Bortles’ blind side. Most of all, there is quality depth in the offensive line.
Training camp opened this summer with the most talented roster in some seasons. The front office and coaching staff must take credit for changing the team culture. It has been awhile since the battle cry for 2018 just might be “Super Bowl or Bust”! Buckle up, its going to be a fun ride.