The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2023 NFL season with high hopes, buoyed by an impressive 8-3 start. However, the season ended in disappointment as the team experienced a significant decline, culminating in a 9-8 record and missing out on the AFC South division title and a playoff spot.
Promising Start Tarnished by Injuries
The Jaguars initially looked poised to make a deep playoff run, but their fortunes changed dramatically. A critical factor in their slide was injuries to key offensive players. Receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined during crucial games, dealing a heavy blow to the team’s offensive capabilities. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, severely impacting team performance.
Owner Shad Khan voiced the shared frustration within the organization, stating, "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure."
Offensive and Defensive Struggles
Offensively, the Jaguars faced consistent challenges. The offensive line struggled significantly, contributing to the team recording the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss, totaling 120 runs. Astonishingly, 26.5% of the Jaguars' rushes resulted in zero yards or negative yardage, hamstringing their ability to sustain drives and control the clock.
Defensively, the situation was just as dire. The team recorded 126 missed tackles, the fourth most in the league. Over the final six weeks of the season, they allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to the first 12 weeks, further undermining their ability to stifle opposing offenses.
Khan reflected on the painful stretch by saying, "Not to be able to win two out of the last six games, it still stings. Even though the season's over, it's like I still can't believe we couldn't do it."
Brief Moments of Brilliance
Despite the overall downturn, there were moments when the Jaguars shone brightly. A sign of resilience emerged in a 26-0 shutout victory against the Carolina Panthers, their sole win during the late-season slump. This victory was achieved without Trevor Lawrence, who missed the game due to a shoulder injury.
However, the season's final game epitomized their troubles. The Jaguars fell to the Tennessee Titans in a 28-20 defeat, cementing their final record at 9-8. Despite this, it marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars, a feat not achieved since 2004-05.
Looking Forward: Renovation Plans and Hope
As the Jaguars contemplate the season's disappointments, they also look toward a promising future. The Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium by a decisive 14-1 vote. The renovation cost will be split evenly between the team and the city at $625 million each, with the city committing an additional $150 million over the next two seasons for maintenance and repairs. The city will take on 55% of the total renovation costs.
This significant investment reflects a desire to maintain a world-class venue for the Jaguars and their fans. The agreement's approval by 24 of the NFL's 32 owners is required for the project to move forward. Khan, reflecting on the team’s journey and the upcoming 30th anniversary in the NFL, remarked, "A lot has changed from the inaugural season for the Weavers in 1995, to my first year in 2012, right through to today as we prepare to celebrate the Jaguars' 30th anniversary in the NFL. But there's been one constant throughout: Everyone wants to doubt Jacksonville. As of last night, that should no longer be the case. Not a good day for the Doubting Thomases."
Mayor Donna Deegan also expressed optimism, adding, "I hope you all believe now."
The Jaguars, bolstered by this new chapter in their stadium's history and reflecting on the hard lessons of the 2023 season, will look to rewrite their narrative in the coming years. With a strengthened roster and renewed determination, they aim to overcome the setbacks and build on their consecutive winning seasons.