Identity Check

A lot has been made of the Jaguars' ticket sales over the years. In the early years, it wasn't an issue. When it did become an issue, seats were covered, and the stadium was brought to a sustainable capacity. Since the then, the Jaguars have went from selling enough to blacking out games and back again.

When the Jaguars had their great defense from 2005 to 2007, I heard them called the "Pittsburgh of the South." When Jacksonville was awarded an expansion team, it was hoped that the city would become the "Green Bay of the South."

I don't quite understand the obsession from the media to dub teams and cities with labels already bestowed upon someone else, but my advice to fans is to ignore all of it. Here's an idea, let's make Jacksonville the "Jacksonville of the South."

Let's face it, the Jaguars still aren't an old franchise. The team isn't even 20 years old yet. The truth of the matter is that this team is still defined by its early success, and that just won't do. There are too many teams defined by what they have done instead of what they are doing. The NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business. The Jaguars will get there.

Teams in Florida have been having serious ticket sales problems. The Jaguars have been no exception, but the Jaguars are building a team that should pass the test of time. If that happens, the fans will come.

Right now, the best secret of the south is that the Jaguars are making great strides to become a contender. Sure, there are a lot of holes left to be filled before they're a true Super Bowl contender, but the Jags are quietly building an identity. Such a task takes time and effort. It took time for the Cowboys, Steelers, and Packers to build their identities. The Jaguars will get there, but it will take time. Right now, the focus is on just winning games. If you win games, all the other stuff will take care of itself.