2008 Jacksonville Jaguars Preview

Offense
Seven year Soccer jerseysveteran, QB David Garrard (325 ATT, 208 COMP, 2,509 YDS, 18 TDs, 3 INT), was on target last season. He was not only a fine passer, but he proved to be an excellent runner. This season, his targets include experienced and solid wideouts Troy Williamson and Jerry Porter. The running game features Fred Taylor (223 ATT, 1,202 YDS, 5.4 AVG, 5 TDs) and Maurice Jones-Drew (167 ATT, 768 YDS, 4.6 AVG, 9 TDs). The O-line has to step up and cut down on the 31 sacks they allowed in 2007.
Defense
The linebacking squad includes a trio of top performers—WLB Clint Ingram, MLB Mike Peterson and SLB Daryl Smith. In 2007, Smith notched 71 tackles. Free agent corner Terry Cousin and safety Sammy Knight have both fled to other teams. Former Pro Bowl corner Rashean Mathis is a premium player. New DB coordinator Donnie Henderson has established a different system, which should help solidify the group. D-line tackles—John Henderson and Rob Meir—are both fine players. Defensive ends Darrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, both 2008 draftees, will play immediately.
Special Teams
Josh Scobee is a good field goal kicker, but he missed eight contests in 2007. Health is primary for him. Rookie punter Adam Podlesh was off and on in 2007. Jones-Drew was electric on returns.
Overview
Is 2008 the year of the Jaguar? This team could top the division when all is said and done. But in order to get there, Jacksonville must finally beat Indy. Two games versus the Colts and one game each with the Bengals and Browns will define this team's season.
Sunday, August 24, 2008 -- The Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) have been to the playoffs three years straight.
Under coach Jack Del Rio, the team has earned an average of 10.3 wins per season from 2005-2007.