The Jacksonville Jaguars need to construct upon a really robust first yr below head coach Liam Coen. Jacksonville would go 13-4 and win the AFC South title.
Nonetheless, ESPN’s Invoice Barnwell believes that the Jaguars will take a reasonably large step backward.
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In his annual article, Barnwell projected the 14-team playoff subject, however he didn’t embrace the Jaguars.
Barnwell’s causes for pessimism embrace the protection’s excessive takeaway charge, which generally is a risky stat and troublesome to copy from yr to yr. He additionally factors out that the Jaguars confronted a variety of second- and third-string quarterbacks throughout their eight-game profitable streak to finish the season.
“The playoff push was actually pushed by a protection that ranked sixth in DVOA, and the Jaguars will not be as wholesome or power as many turnovers this season,” wrote Barnwell.
Over on offense, Barnwell is worried with the Jaguars’ run recreation and offensive line play. He additionally notes the heavy highway schedule that Jacksonville faces.
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“I’ve severe reservations concerning the operating recreation and the offensive line, and enjoying a league-high 11 video games away from their dwelling stadium will not assist issues,” he wrote. “This may very well be a consolidation yr for Jacksonville.”
All that mentioned, there are causes to be optimistic as effectively, together with the continuity of being in the identical offensive and defensive techniques for a second season. Quite than studying and implementing new schemes, the Jaguars have the power to construct off the muse they established final yr.
This summer season, we have additionally seen Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr.’s connection develop, to not point out the litany of pass-catching choices across the Jaguars’ quarterback. Along with that, the secondary performed very effectively in camp, Travon Walker has been totally wholesome, and the go rush depth got here on robust on the finish.
Maybe this text from Barnwell will flip into some new materials for Coen to indicate to the workforce.
This text initially appeared on Jaguars Wire: ESPN predicts Jaguars miss playoffs in 2026 NFL season