The 2023 season concluded with heartbreak for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who faced a sharp decline despite a promising start. The Jaguars began their campaign with an impressive 8-3 record, but momentum swung dramatically as the team fell into a 1-5 skid, dashing their hopes for an AFC South division title and a playoff berth.
Injuries played a pivotal role in the Jaguars' downfall. Key offensive players like receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined during critical moments of the season. Overall, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, leaving significant gaps in the roster that the team struggled to fill.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Setbacks
The impact of these injuries was felt acutely on the offensive line, which struggled to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. The Jaguars recorded the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss, totaling 120 such runs. Alarmingly, 26.5% of their rushes either resulted in zero yards or negative yardage, a clear indicator of the offensive line's woes.
Defensively, the Jaguars were equally troubled. The team recorded 126 missed tackles, ranking fourth in the league for this 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, exacerbating the team's issues.
The Jaguars' sole victory during their late-season decline came in a 26-0 shutout against the Carolina Panthers. Notably, Trevor Lawrence missed this game due to a shoulder injury, highlighting again how injuries affected the team's performance. The season ended with a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cementing the Jaguars' final record at 9-8.
A Mixed Bag of Achievements
Despite the disappointing ending, the 2023 season marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars, a feat they had not accomplished since 2004-05. Owner Shad Khan remarked on the season's end, candidly stating, "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure." He continued, "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."
The Future of EverBank Stadium
On a more optimistic note, significant changes are on the horizon for the team's home ground, EverBank Stadium. The Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for the stadium by a 14-1 vote, a project that requires the approval of 24 of the NFL's 32 owners to move forward. The renovation costs 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, taking on 55% of the total renovation costs.
As Khan reflected on the journey and the upcoming renovations, he noted, "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."
The sentiment was echoed by Mayor Donna Deegan, who expressed her support and belief in the team's future, stating, "I hope you all believe now."
While the season may not have ended as hoped, the Jaguars' resilience and strategic planning for the future provide a foundation upon which they can build. The commitment to improving both the team's performance and their home stadium symbolizes a renewed sense of purpose and ambition in Jacksonville.