For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2023 season was one of high hopes and crushing disappointment. After a promising start, where the team posted an 8-3 record, the Jaguars hit an unexpected skid, losing five of their last six games. This late-season slump cost them both the AFC South division title and a playoff spot, ending their campaign with a 9-8 record.
Injuries played a significant role in the Jaguars’ dramatic decline. Key offensive players, including receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, as well as quarterback Trevor Lawrence, found themselves sidelined. In total, ten of the team’s starters or key players missed a combined 48 games. The offensive line also struggled, contributing to the team recording the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss, amounting to 120 runs. Remarkably, 26.5% of the Jaguars’ rushes either resulted in zero yards or negative yardage, a statistic that underscores the inefficiency of their ground attack.
The Jaguars' challenges weren't confined to the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, the team recorded 126 missed tackles, the fourth most in the league. Over the final six weeks of the season, the defense allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to the first twelve weeks, signaling a marked decline in their ability to stop the run.
The only bright spot during the Jaguars' late-season slide came courtesy of a 26-0 shutout victory over the Carolina Panthers. However, even this win came under less-than-ideal circumstances, as Trevor Lawrence missed the game due to a shoulder injury. The season’s final straw came in a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cementing the Jaguars' record at 9-8. This defeat meant the team failed to secure a spot in the postseason, falling short of the lofty expectations set by their early-season performance.
Reflecting on the season, Jaguars owner Shad Khan didn't mince words. "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," Khan stated. The disappointment was palpable: "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," he added.
Despite the setback, there were reminders of progress. The 2023 season marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2004-05. Khan noted the historic milestone with a sense of optimism: "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."
Adding to the city's football narrative, the Jacksonville city council approved a massive $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium by a decisive 14-1 vote. The renovation cost will be split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, with both parties contributing $625 million each. Moreover, the city has committed an additional $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, ultimately covering 55% of the total renovation costs. This agreement is still pending approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners, but it marks a significant step forward for the franchise and the community.
"I hope you all believe now," said Mayor Donna Deegan, capturing the sentiment of renewed hope and belief in the Jaguars' future. As the team and city look forward to celebrating the Jaguars' 30th anniversary in the NFL, there's a collective determination to brush off the doubts and set sights on a brighter and more successful 2024 season.