Jacksonville Jaguars
We’re calling it. This is the season an ultra talented Jaguars team will overcome recent struggles to contend for a playoff spot in the AFC. Sure most of the focus is going to be on Blake Bortles and his inability to progress as a young quarterback. But Jacksonville has given him everything possible to succeed on offense.
It starts with rookie top-five pick Leonard Fournette at running back. He immediately takes over as the team’s primary ball carrier after Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon struggled in a committee situation last season.
That balance should help Bortles overcome the turnover issues that have plagued him in the past. Add in Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns at receiver, and this could very well be a dominant unit in 2017.
We also have to look at a defense that improved leaps and bounds last season. Jalen Ramsey put up a Pro Bowl caliber performance at corner as a rookie. He also let everyone know just how confident he is in his game. That’s absolutely huge for a Jags team that has been missing attitude on defense.
More so than even Bortles’ performance under center, the ability of Jacksonville’s defense to take the next step will dictate the team’s success in 2017. That includes a talented Myles Jack proving himself at linebacker.
It also includes free-agent signing Calais Campbell teaming up with fellow veteran Malik Jackson to form a consistent pass rush with youngster Dante Fowler Jr. Should it all come together in 2017, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jaguars contend for the AFC South title. The time is now. It’s all about putting this talent together and excelling on the field.