Jacksonville Jaguars Preview

The Jags are coming off an excellent season that nearly ended in a trip to the Super Bowl.  The expectations are high in Northern Florida.

On Offense they are led by David Garrard, who played nearly mistake-free football last year (18 TDs to 3 INTs).  He just oozes confidence and his teammates believe in him.  He has the luxury of two dynamic Running Backs to make his life easier.  Fred Taylor is coming off a brilliant year that saw him run for 1200 yards at 5.4 per carry.  Maurice Jones-Drew is a human bowling ball that picked up nearly 1200 total yards and 9 TDs.  They truly provide a scary 1-2 punch because they both can go the distance on any given play.  Reggie Williams proved to be a TD threat with 38 catches for 629 yards and 10 TDs.  They added Troy Williamson (who’s quick as hell, but can’t catch) and Jerry Porter (whose hamstring is already acting up), but I’m not sure how much of a factor they will be.  Dennis Northcutt was solid last year (44 catches, 601 yards) and will likely catch his share of passes.  Matt “Crackman” Jones was nearly cut.    Marcedes Lewis is a nice sleeper candidate at Tight End.

On Defense the Jags excel.  Reggie Nelson and Brian Williams are an excellent pair of Safeties.  Rashean Mathis is a solid Corner.  Paul Spicer brings the heat from Defensive End.  They are looking for improved production out of Reggie Hayward as well as in impact from Rookie Derrick Harvey (who was the last first-rounder to sign).  John Henderson and Rob Meier are the Interior Lineman as Marcus Stroud has moved on to Buffalo.  At Linebacker the Jags line up Daryl Smith, MIke Peterson, and Clint Ingram.

I look for Jacksonville to take one of the Wild Card slots in the AFC.  I think they will match their 11 Win total from last year.  They have the ability to win it all, but I don’t see them winning more than one playoff game.

Fantasy-wise David Garrard is best suited to be a fantasy backup.  If you ignored the QB position and stocked up elsewhere, I can justify using him as your starter.  MJD is a worthy #2 RB because of his versatility and his TD production.  Fred Taylor is best suited as a #3 RB or a flex position starter.  I don’t like any of their wideouts, but Marcedes Lewis is a nice late pickup for a backup Tight End.  Both Jacksonville Defense and Josh Scobee are good values in the last two rounds of drafts.