The Jacksonville Jaguars' 2023 season concluded in disappointment, as a promising start devolved into a struggle for survival. After an encouraging 8-3 beginning, the Jaguars fell into a 1-5 slump, ultimately missing out on the AFC South division title and a playoff spot.
Injuries and Struggles
Injuries to key players significantly contributed to the Jaguars' decline. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, along with wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, were sidelined during crucial moments of the season. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, leaving the team scrambling for consistency and cohesion.
On the field, the Jaguars faced significant challenges. The offensive line struggled mightily, evidenced by the team recording the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss, totaling 120 runs. A startling 26.5% of the team's rushes resulted in zero yards or negative yardage, underlining the difficulties faced by the ground game throughout the season.
Defensively, the team recorded 126 missed tackles, placing them fourth in the league for this unenviable statistic. 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 12 weeks, showcasing a clear decline in their ability to stymie opposing offenses.
A Late-Season Collapse
The lone bright spot in the Jaguars' late-season slide was a 26-0 shutout victory over the Carolina Panthers. Notably, Trevor Lawrence missed this game due to a shoulder injury, yet the team managed to secure a decisive win. However, this victory proved to be an outlier in an otherwise bleak period.
The final nail in the Jaguars' 2023 coffin came in a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This defeat left the Jaguars with a final record of 9-8, a respectable tally but not enough to secure postseason play. Despite the setbacks, the 2023 season marked the Jaguars' second consecutive winning season, a milestone the franchise hadn't achieved since 2004-05.
Organizational Reflections
In the aftermath of the season, Jaguars owner Shad Khan was candid in his assessment. "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," Khan stated. His frustration was palpable as he reflected on the team's inability to capitalize on their strong start, saying, "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."
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the city are preparing for a massive renovation project for EverBank Stadium. The Jacksonville city council has approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan with a decisive 14-1 vote. The renovation cost will be split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, with each contributing $625 million. Additionally, the city committed an extra $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, resulting in the city assuming 55% of the total renovation costs.
Shad Khan reflected on the journey of the franchise, noting significant changes over the years. "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."
Mayor Donna Deegan echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism for the future. "I hope you all believe now," she stated, signaling a renewed confidence in the franchise and the community's support.
While the 2023 season concluded with unmet expectations, the Jacksonville Jaguars are setting their sights on a revitalized future, backed by a community committed to supporting their hometown team.