A very quiet 2023 offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Doug Pederson’s club got hot down the stretch and won the AFC South in 2022. In terms of free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars have laid low in 2023.
They seemingly came out of nowhere this past season, as was the case back in 2017. In each of the previous four seasons prior to 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars finished last in the AFC South. The team compiled a dismal 15-50 combined record over that span.
A year ago, under new head coach Doug Pederson, the team won two of its first three games, dropped seven of its next nine contests, and rallied to close out the year with five consecutive victories. Thanks to a complete collapse by the Tennessee Titans, Pederson’s club captured the AFC South with a 9-8 record. There would be a 27-point comeback win over the Chargers in the wild-card round prior to a 27-20 setback to eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs one week later.
A Winning Formula for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Pederson’s club featured a balanced offense via quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne, and a bolstered pass-catching corps thanks to free-agent additions such as wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones and tight end Even Engram. A year after coming up with an NFL-low nine takeaways, the Jaguars forced 27 turnovers during the regular season.
The losses this offseason have been somewhat minimal, but the team has made only a few additions. Quite a difference from a year ago. Of course, the team has very limited cap space (via Spotrac). After picking first overall in the last two NFL drafts, the Jaguars have the No. 24 selection, the first of nine choices later this month. Don’t be surprised if general manager Trent Baalke stresses defense, as was the case in 2022.
Here is a fact that can’t be overlooked. The only time the Jacksonville Jaguars have made consecutive playoff appearances was back during its first five years of existence. After a 4-12 debut season in 1995, Tom Coughlin’s club reeled off four straight trips to the postseason.
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Getting back to the playoffs is just one step for Pederson’s club. This is one of only four franchises not to make a Super Bowl appearance. With another year under their current head coach, this young team figures to be even better. That’s hardly a certainty, but you have to be impressed with how far the Jaguars have come in a very short time.