The Jacksonville Jaguars went from Super Bowl contenders to pretenders in one season.
In 2017, the Jags were possibly a catch away from upsetting the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game to winning just five games in 2018. What went wrong will be the question haunting the coaching staff, players, front office, and the fans.
To begin, their decline should not have been that much of a shock.
Despite their success in 2017, the same Jaguars team did not take the field last season. Yes, the big money Blake Bortles was still leading the charge and the defense was mostly intact but something was just missing. In 2017, the Jags finished the season ranked 1st in rushing, 17th in passing yards, and 2nd in points scored against.
So what happened just a season later?
For starters, the Jags' offense had a totally different look and feel to it than the season before. While Bortles struggled, a majority of that should not be placed squarely on his shoulders. The Jags lost Allen Hurns to free agency then lost Marquise Lee to injury early on. What that did was leave Bortles with a makeshift receiving core. Bortles is no Tom Brady and it was a bit unfair that many expected him to be.
The biggest issue the Jags faced in 2018 was the running game. In 2017, Leonard Fournette led the charge but injuries limited him to just eight games. His reserves couldn't carry the load as the Jags finished the year ranked 19th in rushing. The lack of a ground game was huge as it put extra pressure on the passing attack and the defense.
Despite the flaws, all hope is not lost as they head into the offseason.
Here are 3 reasons for the Jacksonville Jaguars to be optimistic.
3. Health
The main reason for the decline in the 2018 Jaguars' season was not the bad play of the defense or Blake Bortles, it was health.
Think about where they were a season ago and look at what happened in 2018. How can a team expect to win when their main players are watching from the sidelines?
When 2019 rolls around, the Jags will have a healthy Fournette to pair with Carlos Hyde in the backfield. That alone will take pressure off the quarterback play and the offense which in turn will help the defense.
Another key factor for the Jags turnaround will be the receiving core.
Let's not forget that Bortles was working with a makeshift crew here. The loss of Marquise Lee was damaging as other players were forced into unexpecting roles.
With a healthy core or receivers and ground attack, the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense will be on full tilt in 2019.
2. Pride
The Jags were one drive away from earning a spot in the Super Bowl. The next season, it all came crashing down.
How many teams have been where the Jags were? This is nothing new in sports. It's not about how many times you fall, but how you respond. If the Jags need any more incentive to turn things around, all they have to do is look at the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears.
Winning will be tough in the AFC South with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans. And, to make matter worse for the Jags, they have one of the toughest schedules in 2019.
But still, after such a close call to greatness and then an epic collapse in 2018, the Jags should be out to prove their season of failure was nothing more than a fluke.
While the roster is still young, they do have the experience over the Colts, Titans, and Texans at this point. All that's missing is that element to get them where they were two seasons ago. The NFL is filled with egos. No team looks forward to going 0-16 or missing the playoffs.
What the Jags will rely on is their pride knowing they do not wish to travel down the same path they did just a season ago.
1. 2019 NFL Draft
What will the Jaguars do in the 2019 NFL Draft?
Will they go after a QB if the team decides to trade or cut Bortles? What about adding a top-flight receiver? With reports that Jalen Ramsey wants out, will they look to go defensive and build their team on that side of the ball?
The Jags best bet will be to keep their No.7 pick in the first round and find a way to either move back into the first or collect another second rounder.
In order to do so, they will either need to trade Bortles or Ramsey or look to mover some of the lower round picks. This is a gamble, however, it's one worth taking if the Jags are serious about contention.
With the Jags cash strapped going in 2019, the Draft is where they will need to make major moves. With the 7th pick, they can address their LB concern or look to upgrade an unhappy secondary.
But, if they could find a way to move back into the first, this is where the real progress could take place.
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