The 2023 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars ended in disappointment as the team failed to sustain their early momentum. The Jaguars, who started the season with an impressive 8-3 record, saw their fortunes take a dramatic turn for the worse, culminating in a disappointing finish that left them out of playoff contention.
An Unexpected Decline
The season's initial promise was overshadowed by a devastating 1-5 skid that plagued the Jaguars. This slump, characterized by a combination of offensive and defensive struggles, ultimately led to the team's inability to secure the AFC South division title and a coveted playoff spot.
Injuries played a significant role in the Jaguars' decline. Key offensive players, including receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined during critical moments of the season. These absences were detrimental to the team's performance, with ten starters or key players missing a combined total of 48 games.
Offensive Struggles
The Jaguars' offensive line also faced significant challenges. The team recorded the second-most runs in the league that resulted in either no gain or a loss, with a staggering 120 such plays. This accounted for 26.5% of their rushing attempts, underlining the issues they faced in maintaining a productive ground game.
Defensively, the Jaguars were equally beleaguered. The team struggled with tackling, recording 126 missed tackles, the fourth-highest total in the league. Over the final six weeks, their defense allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to the first 12 weeks, which further compounded their late-season woes.
Moments of Resilience
Despite the downturn, there were moments of resilience. The Jaguars managed their sole victory during the late-season slump against the Carolina Panthers, executing a commanding 26-0 shutout. Notably, this achievement came without Trevor Lawrence, who was benched due to a shoulder injury.
The season concluded with a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cementing the Jaguars' final record at 9-8. This loss marked a bittersweet end to the season, as it underscored the team's second consecutive winning season, a feat not accomplished since 2004-05.
Reflections and Future Prospects
The disappointing end led to somber reflections from within the organization. "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," admitted Jaguars owner Shad Khan. His sentiments were echoed in his remarks about the closing stretch of the season: "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."
However, Khan also took a broader view on the franchise's history and prospects. "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."
EverBank Stadium's Future
Amid the reflections on the season, the future of the Jaguars’ home venue, EverBank Stadium, also saw significant developments. The Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for the stadium with a resounding 14-1 vote. This agreement, pending approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners, will see the costs split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, each contributing $625 million. Additionally, the city committed an extra $150 million over the next two seasons for maintenance and repairs, resulting in the city shouldering 55% of the total renovation costs.
Mayor Donna Deegan encapsulated the renewed sense of optimism surrounding the franchise, stating, "I hope you all believe now."
As the Jaguars look to the future, both on and off the field, the foundations are being laid for what the organization and its supporters hope will be a period of sustained success and stability.