While the summer season brings much enjoyment to the average person, for an NFL fan, it represents a desolate wasteland where Sundays just aren't quite as vibrant as in the autumn months. However, with each passing day, we inch closer to the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, which officially kicks off on September 7 this year. Whether you've had your favorite team's tweet notifications turned on all summer or if you've decided to tune out all football news entirely, you'll be able to learn everything you need to know about your team going into the 2023-24 season right here. In today's article, I'll be discussing the Jacksonville Jaguars. I wrote a guidebook for every team in the NFL heading into the 2023 season. To check out an article for another team, click the link below: https://www.bucketsquadsportsreports.com/nfl 2022 Season Recap The Jaguars got off to a slow start in Doug Pederson’s first year, but exploded in the final stretch of the season to rattle off five straight wins and clinch a playoff spot as the top team in the AFC South. They then followed that up by pulling off an incredible comeback in the wild card round to beat the Chargers after falling down 27-0. Their magic ran out the following week after faltering 27-20 to the eventual Super Bowl champions. Jacksonville nearly matched their prior three seasons of cumulative wins in 2022, and ended their four-year streak of finishing last in their division. They finished above average in all team statistical categories except for pass yards allowed. Regardless, they’re set up in a good position for 2023 in a weak AFC South. Significant Roster Moves The Jags didn’t make many moves in the offseason and didn’t really lose that many key pieces with the exception of WR Marvin Jones and OL Jawaan Taylor. Riley Patterson will no longer serve as kicker, and has been replaced by former Broncos kicker Brandon McManus. 2023 Draft Class Jacksonville had 13 draft picks this year, and that’s where they added most of their necessary depth for 2023. First round OT Anton Harrison will start at right tackle immediately, and Brenton Strange, Tank Bigsby, and Ventrell Miller will all see lots of playing time immediately as well. They added a lot of guys on defense who will hopefully blossom into impact players down the road. Season Schedule The Jaguars will take on the AFC North and the NFC South in 2023 to go along with their six divisional games. Their other three opponents are the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. With an opponent prior season win percentage of .477, Jacksonville has the 10th easiest schedule in the NFL. Jacksonville’s primetime games include one Thursday night game at New Orleans, one Sunday night game versus Baltimore, and one Monday night game versus Cincinnati. They also play back-to-back games in London in weeks 4 and 5 against Atlanta and Buffalo, respectively. Depth Charts Offense Defense Special Teams The Jaguars return 20 of their 22 offensive and defensive starters from last year. All 11 starters on defense return from last year’s unit and are primed to build on their success from last season. The offense should get even better with Calvin Ridley eligible to play again following a year-long suspension. Coaching Staff Head Coach Doug Pederson returns for his second season in Jacksonville after a successful run in year one, along with all three coordinators: Offensive Coordinator Press Taylor (2nd season), Defensive Coordinator Mike Caldwell (2nd season), and Special Teams Coordinator Heath Farwell (2nd season). Betting Odds Oddsmakers have set the regular season win total for Jacksonville at 9.5 games. As of right now, the Jaguars are the favorites to win the AFC South and the 6th most likely team to win the AFC. At +3000 to win Super Bowl LVIII, they are tied for 12th among all teams in the league. Bucket Squad Predictions Bucket Squad Sports Reports predicts the Jaguars to finish 12-5 in 2023 to win the AFC South and end up 4th in the conference. They’ll be the final guaranteed playoff team ahead of the three wild card finishers.
What do you think? Will Jacksonville be better or worse than I'm projecting? What offseason moves made by the Jaguars surprised you the most? Leave a comment down below and be sure to check the "NFL" section of the website for more NFL team guidebooks as I finish them. Written by Nick Swatson
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AuthorExpert Nick Swatson discusses all the news, predictions, and outcomes surrounding the NFL. Archives
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