FanPost

Expectations for 2014-2015

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Going into the 2014-2015 season, the Jaguars are getting a lot of mixed feelings. Theres a small group of people who believe the Jags could be an 8+ win team. There's also a small group of people in and around the league who see another 2-14 to 4-12 for next year. Then there's the majority, including myself, that believes the jags will win 5-8 games this year.

What I expect from the defense:

The Jag's offense has been getting a lot of attention from the media, but I think the defense will be backbone of this team. I expect this defense to be Top 15, earning high marks in run defense. The addition of Red Bryant should help this defense more than anything. Red was the first move the offseason, and potentially the smartest. The Defensive line is now arguably what one would call "stacked" with Bryant, Alualu, Marks, Hood, Clemons and Davis. Behind Bryant, is former starter Tyson Alualu. I think we will see a "Second Team" worthy campaign from Alualu. Last year he played so many snaps, he was too tired to really have a great impact. Now being a role guy, he will have fresher legs, and his play should elevate.

Another reason why I think the defensive run game will get a big boost, is because of the 2nd year Safety, Johnathan Cyprien. You know the narrative; he was bad in the first half, and better in the second half of the season. Cyprien was a stud in the run game. This should limit the amount of game-breaking runs the defense allows. Hopefully Alan Ball can continue his high level of play and earn himself a long-term contract. When it comes to the other safety position, I think Winston Guy gets the nod. I'm really high on this guy, and apparently so is the coaching staff since he's been getting 1st team reps. I love the aggressiveness he plays with. He laid a few receivers out last year, and even had a sack-fumble. Keep an eye out for him.

What I expect from the offense:

Many people believe the success of the Jags next year, depends on how many games Blake Bortles plays. While there's no denying he will give us a great boost, I think the most important piece of this offense for next year, outside of the OLine, is Toby Gerhart. If Gerhart has a nice season, it should make things a lot easier for the offense, and open things up for Chad Henne and our receiving corps. If we can successfully establish a run game on offense, it'll force opposing teams to put extra men in the box. With the young, dynamic, and talented receiving corps of ours, Henne could have a "Josh McCown" like season. With men in the box focusing on Toby, covering a receiving corps consisting of Cecil Shorts, Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, and Marcedes Lewis, it would be a tough task for even an elite secondary such as the Seahawks to contain. I expect Gerhart to get about 200 carries and around 1100 yards in 2014.

Wins and Losses + Playoffs??

Despite facing the Eagles high powered offense and the Redskins' RG3 and DJax week 1 and 2, the Jags play a lot of mediocre teams throughout the middle of the season. If things turn out nicely I think we can expect wins against the Chargers, Steelers, Dolphins, Titans, Browns, Cowboys, Colts (Week 3), Giants, and Ravens. None of those teams really scare me, except maybe the Chargers. The Steelers's defense is certainly not what it used to be, and their offense outside of Big Ben isn't really the explosive minus Antonio Brown. The Dolphins defense is pretty good, in fact maybe in next level, but their Offensive Line is god-awful, and the run-game is meh. Jarvis Landry and Mike Wallace pose a threat to our secondary, but with Tannehill behind center you never know what you're getting.

The Browns in week 7, should be a W. Will Josh Gordon even be playing then? Ben Tate is a mediocre RB, and Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel won't be lighting anyone up if Jordan Cameron is the go-to guy. Haden is a beast, but after seeing Cecil Shorts make him "Bite Like a Mug", an improved group of WRs should get open against them. The Cowboys had the worst defense in the league last year, and on top of that, Sean Lee is injured and they lost Demarcus Ware, and replaced him with Jeremy Freakin' Mincey. The Romo + Dez combo is definitely something to watch out for, but if it comes down to the wire, we know what Romo will do.

The Colts in week 3 will be without Pro-Bowler Robert Mathis, so that should make things easier for the offense, so we should be able to squeeze out a win in the home-opener. Last Year, the Giants were a bad team, and were with us as one of the winless teams for the first 5 weeks. Not to mention Eli Manning lead the league in interceptions. This game isn't a guarantee, but we've got a great shot. A win against the Ravens may come as a bit of a surprise, but I believe this is a winnable game. I watched a majority of the Ravens game, including the game Toby Gerhart plowed through them. This defense just isn't what it used to be. Flacco is decent and adding Steve Smith to go along with Torrey Smith was a nice move, but if you go and watch Ray Rice's game film from last year it'll make you cringe. Chris Clemons vs Eugene Monroe will be a nice matchup to watch.

Obviously my optimistic prediction could be completely wrong and we could get embarrassed in every game, but we will definitely get more than 4 wins this year.

Now, on to the playoffs. I don't believe we'll make the playoffs, but like I said before, I think our logo will be up there in Week 14-17 of the teams still in the hunt. Don't be surprised if they surprise you. Not only because we were still mathematically in the hunt last year with a shit record, but because our division is relatively trash. Yes, the Texans added Jadeveon Clowney to JJ Watt, and yes they're getting Brian Cushing and Arian Foster back, but how can you expect to advance to the playoffs when your QB Depth chart consists of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tom Savage, and Case Keenum. Sorry, Im not sold. The Titans didn't really make any splashes in the offseason. Their biggest offseason signing was Dexter McCluster, the "Offensive Weapon" from the Chiefs, but then again they lost CJ2K to free agency. They took Tyler Lewan with the 1st Round pick, and while I don't believe it was a bad move, I don't believe Lewan is a difference in terms of wins and losses. Their QB situation is Zach Mettenberger and Jake Locker. Again I'm not a believer. On to the Colts. Indianapolis is pretty much a lock for the post season simply because they have Andrew Luck. They added Hakeem Nicks to HOFer Reggie Wayne and a future star in TY Hilton. Once they get Mathis back they'll be in good shape. I think we finish 2nd in our division, because to be honest, If you take the QBs away from each team in our division, we have the 2nd best roster. The Colts without Andrew Luck, win about 3 games.

Thoughts?

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