The Jacksonville Jaguars' 2023 season concluded in disappointment, overshadowed by a promising start that deteriorated into a series of setbacks and missed opportunities. The team surged out of the gates with an impressive 8-3 record, only to falter dramatically with a 1-5 skid that dashed their postseason hopes.
This downturn prevented the Jaguars from claiming the AFC South division title and ultimately a playoff berth. Central to the team's decline were injuries to key offensive contributors, including receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, and standout quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Overall, ten starters or significant players missed a cumulative 48 games, leaving glaring holes in the lineup. The offensive line's struggles only compounded these issues, further underlining the challenges the team faced.
Offensive and Defensive Woes
The Jaguars' rushing attack was particularly problematic, with the team recording the league's second-highest number of runs that either gained no yards or resulted in losses (120 runs). A staggering 26.5% of their rushes fell into this unproductive category, highlighting the inefficiencies that plagued their ground game.
On the defensive side, the Jaguars also found trouble, accumulating 126 missed tackles—the fourth most in the league. These defensive lapses became more pronounced in the later part of the season, with the team allowing an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground over the final six weeks compared to the first 12 weeks. "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," remarked Jaguars owner Shad Khan.
A Sole Victory Amidst the Decline
Amidst the turmoil, the Jaguars' lone victory during their late-season descent came in a dominant 26-0 shutout against the Carolina Panthers. Interestingly, Trevor Lawrence didn't participate in this game due to a shoulder injury. This win, however, was a fleeting high point in an otherwise grim conclusion to their season.
The season's final disappointment came in a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, which finalized the Jaguars' record at 9-8. Despite the bitter end, it marked the Jaguars' second consecutive winning season, a first for the team since 2004-05. "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," Khan lamented.
Looking Towards a Brighter Future
Off the field, there was significant movement toward the future. The Jacksonville city council approved a substantial $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium with a decisive 14-1 vote. This ambitious project, requiring the green light from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners, will see costs shared between the Jaguars and the city. Each will contribute $625 million, with the city also setting aside an additional $150 million over the forthcoming two seasons for maintenance and repairs. When broken down, the city will shoulder 55% of the total renovation costs.
Mayor Donna Deegan's optimism was evident as she reflected on the approval, stating, "I hope you all believe now." Khan, too, expressed a forward-looking sentiment: "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."
Despite the setbacks of the 2023 season, the Jaguars are poised for a future bolstered by significant investment and an ongoing commitment from both the team and the city. The groundwork laid by the approved stadium renovation suggests a brighter horizon for the Jaguars and their dedicated fans. They will undoubtedly look to build on their consecutive winning seasons and strive for the consistency that eluded them this year.