In a season marked by early promise but ending in heartbreak, the Jacksonville Jaguars faced a rollercoaster 2023. Their campaign began with much optimism, sporting an 8-3 record that had fans dreaming of playoff glory. However, a disastrous 1-5 skid dashed those hopes, leaving the team just outside the playoff picture.
Early Promise Turns to Despair
The Jaguars’ decline was a collective effort—or, rather, a collective failure, as owner Shad Khan put it succinctly: "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure." And fail they did, although the reasons were manifold and interconnected. Key injuries plagued the team, with top receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, spending significant time sidelined. An already fragile offense crumbled in their absence.
Injuries compounded with the Jaguars' existing woes on the offensive line. The unit struggled mightily, unable to carve out running lanes or protect the quarterback consistently. The team recorded the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss—a staggering 120 such plays. The stat sheet reflected these struggles plainly: 26.5% of the team’s rushes yielded zero or negative yardage.
Defensive Woes Add to the Misery
Defensively, problems were just as pronounced. The Jaguars missed 126 tackles throughout the season, earning them the dismal distinction of having the fourth-most missed tackles in the league. As the season wore on, cracks widened. Over the last six weeks, the defense allowed an additional 44.4 rushing yards per game compared to the season’s first twelve weeks. The Jaguars’ sole highlight during this dismal period came with a 26-0 shutout victory over the Carolina Panthers—a game notable for Trevor Lawrence's absence due to a shoulder injury.
Reflecting on the six-game slump that ultimately cost them a playoff berth, Shad Khan expressed profound disappointment: "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 Jaguars' lackluster finish was sealed with a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, leaving them with a final record of 9-8.
Mixed Emotions Over Righted Ship
Despite the emotional weight of the season’s end, there were glimmers of positivity. The 2023 season marked the first time since 2004-05 that the Jaguars have posted back-to-back winning seasons. This consistency offers a foundation upon which the team could potentially build.
Moreover, the Jaguars' future prospects received a significant boost off the field. Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium, with a decisive 14-1 vote. As part of the agreement, the total renovation cost will be divided equally between the Jaguars and the city, with each party contributing $625 million. Additionally, Jacksonville has committed $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, taking on 55% of the total renovation costs. The agreement still requires approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 team owners, but the groundwork for modernizing the stadium is set.
Looking Ahead
The Jaguars are on the verge of their 30th NFL season, and Shad Khan reflected on the journey with a renewed 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."
Echoing this sentiment, Jacksonville's Mayor Donna Deegan said, "I hope you all believe now." With a city rallying behind the team and significant investments being made in its future, the Jaguars have an opportunity to turn the page and perhaps finally shed the underdog label that has long been part of their identity. The challenge will be to translate these off-field victories into on-field success, an endeavor those loyal to the teal and gold will be following with keen interest.
As the Jaguars prepare for what comes next, their 2023 season remains a vivid reminder of the thin line between triumph and despair in the NFL. The organization has much to ponder and more to prove, to themselves and to the fans who have stuck with them through thick and thin.