NFL Predictions 2009: The Jacksonville Jaguars had a lot to think about this past off-season as they suffered through a dismal 5-11 2008. Many felt the Jags would contend for the AFC crown last year after going 11-5 in 2007 and defeating the Steelers on the road in the Playoffs, but Jack Del Rio's troops caved under the enormous expectations. 
Oddsmakers and fans alike seem to be viewing the team's fall from grace as an anomaly as illustrated by the Jaguars season win total coming in at 8 with the over drawing -130 odds (Sportsbook.com).
Jacksonville's 2007 efficient, ball control offense failed to appear last season as the team's rushing total dropped from 149.4 yards per game to just 110.9. Quarterback David Garrard, who hardly threw an interception in his first go round as starter, tossed 13 last year which helped produce a -7 in the club's turnover margin.
Garrard will get a chance to atone for is medicore performance under center and running back Maurice Jones-Drew will get an opportunity to be the man at halfback. Longtime Jacksonville stalwart Fred Taylor was released in the off-season and subsequently signed with the Patriots. Jones-Drew carried the bulk of the load last year, but Taylor still had 143 touches for 556 yards.
The team also lost wide receivers Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams, but signed former Ram Torry Holt to fill the void. Holt's numbers were down last season, but he still had 64 grads for 796 yards and three touchdowns, almost double Williams total of 37 receptions and 364 yards.
Garrard was sacked 42 times in 2008, a total over twice that of the previous season, but Jaguars brass snagged highly touted Virgina tackle Eugene Monroe with their first pick in order to curb that trend. They also picked up former Eagle Tra Thomas to help solidify a line that appeared to be digressing.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jacksonville performed adequately as far as yardage totals were concerned, ranking 17th in yards per game allowed (330.9), but they gave up 22.9 points per game (12th worst in the league and a four point increase from 2007).
This year could be somewhat of a rebuild on defense as they elected not to resign linebacker Mike Peterson, their leading tackler from last season, and defensive end Paul Spicer. However, core components remain at every level, including John Henderson (defensive tackle), Justin Durant (linebacker), and Rashean Mathis (cornerback).
The Jaguars should be in decent shape if they can get through a difficult first quarter of the season. Jacksonville will face Indy on the road in week one, host Arizona in week two, travel to Houston in week three, and return home to face the Titans in week four.
Sportsbook.com Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
Jacksonville Jaguars Season Win Total:
Over 8 (-130)
Under 8 (+100)
Jacksonville Jaguars Odds to Win the AFC South Division:
+225
Jacksonville Jaguars Odds to Win the 2010 AFC Championship:
+1500
Jacksonville Jaguars Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+3000
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