The 2019 campaign was an interesting one for the Jacksonville Jaguars, to say the least.
The Jaguars entered the season with new hope under center, as Nick Foles took over after years of Blake Bortles. However, Foles ended up going down with a clavicle injury in Week 1, giving way to sixth-round rookie Gardner Minshew.
Minshew ended up impressing so much that he actually usurped Foles' job, resulting in Jacksonville trading Foles to the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason.
Of course, the Jags only won six games, but there was finally some legitimate excitement for the future.
Here are the three biggest questions for the Jaguars heading into 2020:
3. Can Leonard Fournette replicate his 2019 success?
Leonard Fournette was one of the NFL's biggest disappointments in 2018, playing in just eight games and rushing for 439 yards. But the LSU product bounced back in a big way in 2019, racking up 1,152 yards on the ground.
Not only that, but Fournette hauled in 76 receptions, 18 more catches than he totaled between 2017 and 2018 combined.
Was that a fluke year for Fournette? Or is it a sign of things to come?
The 25-year-old was actually a trade candidate earlier this offseason, an indication that the Jaguars may not have been 100 percent sold on his 2019 campaign. Either that, or they just don't want to pay him moving forward.
Either way, Fournette will have to be every bit as good as he was a year ago for Jacksonville to have any shot of contending for a playoff spot in 2020.
2. Will The Jaguars D Be Good Enough?
There was a time when the Jags had probably the best defense in the NFL. Actually, that was just three years ago. But things have changed dramatically in Jacksonville since 2017.
Gone is the dynamite cornerback tandem of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. Monster defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Malik Jackson are elsewhere. Dante Fowler is no longer patrolling the middle of the field.
But it's not like the Jaguars are bereft of defensive talent.
Myles Jack and Yannick Ngakoue are still around (although the latter is at odds with the front office over his contract situation), and Jacksonville picked up Joe Schobert in free agency.
The secondary is entirely unproven, though, so make no mistake: even though there are some good players on this defense, it's not even in the same class as the 2017 Jaguars.
We'll just have to see if Jacksonville's watered-down defense is good enough to keep the Jags afloat.
1. Is Gardner Minshew the real deal?
There is a lot to like about Minshew. He has great poise. He can make plays with his legs. His attitude is spectacular. He has a phenomenal mustache.
Honestly, he seems to have that “it” factor that every team wants in its quarterback. Plus, he has a superb group of young receivers that includes DJ Chark, Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley.
But just because Minshew had a good rookie year and seems like a cool guy in general does not necessarily mean he is the answer under center moving forward.
Personally, I believe he is. I like Minshew's style. However, his lack of arm strength is concerning, and we all know that sophomore slumps area thing (just ask Baker Mayfield).
If Minshew comes out and plays well right off the bat in 2020, then it's full steam ahead. If not, then the Jaguars may have some questions to answer (like whether or not they should tank for Trevor Lawrence).
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