It's the end of the 2008 season as we know it and I feel fine. I've gone through the seven stages of grief and I've come to the acceptance part of the journey to 2009. I've said my goodbyes to Mike Peterson, Reggie Williams, and Khalif Barnes while tipping a glass to the imminent departure of Jerry Porter. (5% chance of return, according to the Times-Union). This is also the probable last game for Gerald Sensabaugh, the only player who's had any fire in his performance over the last several weeks, at least on the defensive side of the ball.
Sensabaugh, to his benifit, will be pursued by many teams in the offseason, virtually guaranteeing that he leaves Jacksonville for (fiscally) greener pastures. It's our luck that the emerging player on our defense is one who's soon to be a free-agent. C'est la 2008 season.
As for the game against the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville can only play a spoiler role. It's sad though that the Jaguars will play the spoiler to the Ravens and not the Patriots, as a Ravens win combined with a Miami win over the Jets knocks them from the playoffs. Imagine the joy of all the non-Patriots fans at watching the 11--5 Pats staying home, the schadenfreude is priceless.
But I'd never, never, never under any circumstances root against the Jaguars, not even to see the Patriots suffer. No matter how badly they may deserve it.
So enjoy the game today, enjoy the Jaguars on the field, especially the ones that won't ever wear the teal and black again. Take a good look at the young players, it'll be a long time till they take the field. The offseason begins in less than seven hours. It's going to be a long ride.
Enjoy the games!
-Chris