2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Season Preview

The Jacksonville Jaguars have underachieved over the course of the last few seasons with respect to analysts picks heading into a season. This year however, looking ahead to the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Team Preview, the Jaguars aren't considered to be a favorite to finish high in the AFC South, though predictions are just that; predictions.

Last season, Jacksonville was sitting at 7-5 with four games remaining and well within playoff contention for a wild card spot, as the Colts had already wrapped up the division. The Jaguars proceeded to lose their remaining four contests and tab a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs in the AFC Conference.

Jacksonville ranked 10th or worse in every major statistical category in 2010, that included 18th in the NFL in total offense behind quarterback David Garrard. The Jaguars averaged 336 yards per contest, that included 210 through the air and 127 yards on the ground. Jacksonville ranked 24th in scoring, with an average of just over 18 points per game.

On the defensive side of the ball, Jacksonville ranked 24th in the NFL in total defense, surrendering 352.3 yards per game. They were better against the run than they were against the pass, ranking 27th in the NFL at trying to stop the throw, giving up 236 yards per game.

Last season the Jaguars had 17 new players to play significant roles in the 2009 season, which could be a reason as to the lack of team cohesion down the stretch in the finals weeks of the year. This year however that can not be a legitimate excuse, as the team looks for bigger years from the rookies, new additions and veterans players in 2010. It will be a big year for the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars and head coach Jack Del Rio and Garrard, for which both could experience their last season with the team if things don't go quite right.
2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Coaching Staff & ChangesDel Rio came to Jacksonville back in 2003, and has not yet brought the Jaguars to the level that some had thought he may be able to due during his tenure with the team. He has had the team in contention for the wild card playoff berths, but overall the AFC South division has been dominated by the Indianapolis Colts throughout the terms of Del Rio to date. Del Rio will need to have an impressive 2010 NFL Season if he hopes to hang around with the organizations on into 2011. The Jaguars are not picked to finish well by many analysts, but the team won 12 games in 05' and 11 in 07' when they were not picked to finish highly either.

Del Rio will take over the responsibility of play calling on the defensive side of the ball in 2010 , relieving coordinator Mel Tucker, though Tucker will stay on his in current position helping run the defense, but leaving that duty to Del Rio on Sundays.
2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Key Free Agency Acquisitions & LossesAcquistions
DE - Aaron Kampman from Green Bay Packers
WR - Kaslim Osgood from San Diego Chargers
LB - Kirk Morrsion traded from Oakland Raiders
LB - Freddy Keiaho traded from Indianapolis Colts

Losses
WR - Torry Holt to New England Patriots
DT - John Henderson to Free Agency
DE - Quentin Groves traded to Oakland Raiders
LB - Clint Ingram to Free Agency 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL DraftRound 1: Pick 10 - DE, Tyson Alualu (California)
Round 3: Pick 74 - DT, D'Anthony Smith (Louisiana Tech)
Round 5: Pick 143 - DE, Larry Hart (Central Arkansas)
Round 5: Pick 153 - DE, Austen Lane (Murray State)
Round 6: Pick 180 - RB, Deji Karim (Southern Illinois)
Round 6: Pick 203 - KR, Scotty McGee (James Madison)
2010 Jacksonville Jaguars QuarterbacksThis is a big year for quarterback David Garrard, who could be on the chipping block if he fails to have a successful year in a Jaguar uniform in 2010. Garrard threw for 3,600 yards last season to go along with 15 touchdowns. He threw 10 interceptions as well, which is high for Garrard who rarely takes risks by throwing the ball down field frequently. His commitment to the team was called out by the organization, beginning at the top and filtering own. Del Rio said that Garrard was an average quarterback who could be good. Garrard should have all the motivation he needs, and then some to try and develop a solid campaign in 2010. Behind Garrard is quarterback Luke McCown, who lacks experience could find himself with more playing time if Garrard doesn't make strides towards improvement.

2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback Depth Chart
QB - David Garrard
QB - Luke McCown2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Running BacksMaurice Jones-Drew anchors the running back corps for the Jaguars again in 2010. Jones-Drew rushed for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2009, to lead the way for Jacksonville. The organization is expecting a similar performance for the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars and perhaps better, hinging on the pass-production on offense. Still, Jones-Drew is a play maker and when he gets his hands on the ball, he can make things happen. Rashad Jennings will be the back up behind Jones-Drew, as a seventh round pick in the 2009 draft. Jennings is progressing and the team likes the way he has improved. Greg Jones at fullback also provides a run option for the offense.

Projected 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back Depth Chart
RB - Maurice Jones-Drew
RB - Rashad Jennings
RB - Greg Jones2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Wide ReceiversMike Sims-Walker had the best season of his young career in 2009, hauling in 63 receptions for 863 yards and seven touchdown receptions. He will be the No.1 receiver for Garrard in 2010 and will look to have another solid year for the team providing a serious pass threat. Alongside Sims-Walker will be Troy Williamson, who suffered a season-ending shoulder surgery in 2009, and comes into 2010 looking to help out Sims-Walker and become another pass threat for opposing defenses. Slot receiver mike Thomas rounds out this receiving corps that should be a strength for the offense, especially with the addition of Williamson.

Projected 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Wide Receiver Depth Chart
WR - Mike Sims-Walker
WR - Troy Williamson
WR - Mike Thomas
WR - Jarret Dillard

Projected 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Tight End Depth Chart
TE - Marcedes Lewis
TE - Ernest Wilford2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive LineThe Jaguars used their picks in the 2009 NFL draft to try and solidify their offensive line unit up front. With the drafting of Eugene Monroe and Even Britton they did just that. While both endured tough rookie seasons, they improved throughout the course of the season and the Jaguars expect big year's out of the duo in 2010. The guard position for the Jaguars struggled last year and needs to improve and help with run blocking and pass protection. Vince Manuwai with handle left guard while Uche Nwaneri will fill the right guard position. Center Brad Meester anchors the line.

Projected 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Starting Offensive Line
LT - Eugene Monroe
LG - Vince Manuwai
C - Brad Meester
RG - Uche Nwaneri
RT - Eben Britton2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive LineThe Jaguars spent the majority of their first picks in the 2010 NFL Draft on the defensive front, beginning with 10th overall pick Tyson Alualu and third round selection D'Anthony Smith. The Jaguars recorded only 14 sacks all year long which was not only last in the league, but the fifth-worst sack total in the history of the NFL. So there is much room for improvement and a cause for concern. But, the organization has made moves to try and bring in the players to fill the voids. Aaron Kampman came in from Green Bay in the off-season and will occupy the Defensive end position alongside Alualu. Terrance Knighton will fill in on the interior and on the other end will be Derrick Harvey. Harvey was a first-round selection in the 2008 draft and Jacksonville will look for improvement from him, or he may not be a part of the Jacksonville Jaguars Season Preview for next season.

Projected 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Starting Defensive Line
DE - Aaron Kampman
DT - Tyson Alualu
DT - Terrance Knighton
DE - Derrick Harvey2010 Jacksonville Jaguars LinebackersThe linebacker corps has several questions coming into 2010 after having been a strength in years past. Without stalwarts like Mike Peterson, the Jaguars will be dependent on Daryl Smith will anchor the unit while Justin Durant will play from the outside linebacker position after occupying the inside in 2009. Del Rio will likely implement the 4-3 base defense and a lot of cover 2 scenarios play a premium on solid linebacker play.

Projected 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Starting Linebackers
SLB - Daryl Smith
MLB - Kirk Morrison
WLB - Freddy Keiaho
2010 Jacksonville Jaguars SecondaryThere is a lot of depth at the corner back position for the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars. Beginning with Rasheen Mathis and Derek Cox at the corner, the Jaguars outside defenders look to be strong. Mathis is a very solid cover-corner while Cox has shown a lot of improvement during his rookie season. Looking at the safety position, the Jaguars do not have much depth or talent. It will be a cause of concern throughout the season. Look for Reggie Nelson to try to reclaim a starting position after his career looked promising early but has fizzled out.

Projected 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Starting Seconday
CB - Derek Cox
CB - Rasheen Mathis
SS - Gerald Alexander
FS - Anthony Smith

2010 Jacksonville Jaguars Preview