The 2023 season ended in heartbreak for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they experienced a sharp decline.
Jaguar's Roller Coaster Season
The 2023 season was a tale of two halves for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team started strong, boasting an impressive 8-3 record, giving fans a reason to dream of playoffs and possibly more. However, hopes were dashed as the Jaguars hit a rough patch, sliding to a 1-5 record in their final six games. This late-season collapse resulted in the Jaguars missing out on both the AFC South division title and a playoff spot.
Injuries Take Their Toll
Much of the decline can be attributed to injuries to key offensive players. Wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined during critical moments in the season. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, severely impacting the team's performance. The offensive line also struggled, recording the second-most runs in the league that resulted in no gain or a loss, with 26.5% of the Jaguars' rushes either resulting in zero yards or negative yardage.
Defensive Setbacks
The defensive side of the ball fared no better. The team registered 126 missed tackles, finishing with the fourth most missed tackles in the league. Over the final six weeks, the defense allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to the first 12 weeks. This lapse in defensive consistency contributed significantly to the team's downturn.
Glimmers of Hope Amid Stumbles
Despite the late-season woes, there were moments of resilience. The Jaguars managed a 26-0 shutout victory against the Carolina Panthers, even with Trevor Lawrence missing the game due to a shoulder injury. However, this was their sole victory during the dismal 1-5 stretch. The season concluded with a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cementing the Jaguars' final record at 9-8. While disappointing, this record marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars, a feat not accomplished since 2004-05.
Voices of Disappointment and Optimism
The disappointment was palpable within the organization. Owner Shad Khan did not mince words, stating, "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure." Reflecting on the missed opportunities late in the season, Khan added, "Not to be able to win two out of the last six games, it still stings. Even though the season's over, it's like I still can't believe we couldn't do it."
However, Khan also recognized the progress made by the team over the years. He remarked, "A lot has changed from the inaugural season for the Weavers in 1995, to my first year in 2012, right through to today as we prepare to celebrate the Jaguars' 30th anniversary in the NFL. But there's been one constant throughout: Everyone wants to doubt Jacksonville. As of last night, that should no longer be the case. Not a good day for the Doubting Thomases."
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan echoed this sentiment of optimism, proclaiming, "I hope you all believe now."
Future Prospects: Stadium Renovation
Looking forward, the Jacksonville city council has approved a substantial $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium by a decisive 14-1 vote. The agreement now awaits approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners. The renovation cost will be split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, with each contributing $625 million. Additionally, the city has committed $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, undertaking 55% of the total renovation costs.
While the 2023 season may have ended in disappointment, the future holds promise both on and off the field, as the Jaguars look to build on their back-to-back winning seasons and usher in a new era at a renovated EverBank Stadium.