2009 NFL Predictions Jacksonville Jaguars AFC South Betting Odds: Despite a disappointing 2008 campaign (5-11), the Jacksonville Jaguars are hoping for a resurrection in 2009. A wide array of injuries may have been the cause of their 2008 struggles and with a healthy line-up returning, the Jaguars are expecting to rebound. A rehabilitated offensive line will make all the difference in the world this year, but an unproven secondary could spell trouble on the defense. A productive defensive front can ease the growing pains of the young secondary core, but coming off a 29-sack season, the trench crew shows no hint of being capable. This will be crucial for seventh-year Head Coach Jack Del Rio, who may be fighting for his job. The 2009 NFL Predictions experts at online sportsbook SBG Global have the Jacksonville Jaguars +4500 odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – AFC SOUTH
2008 Season Record: 12-4, second in AFC South
Defense: 6
Offense: 7
Special Teams: 8
Coaching: 7
2009 NFL Predictions: 8-8
OVER 8 WINS: –130 odds
UNDER 8 WINS: EVEN
Pros: The Jaguars are excited to see what fourth-year running back Maurice Jones-Drew can accomplish as the every-down man in 2009. Jones-Drew has spent much of his career under the shadow of recently departed running back Fred Taylor (New England) and Del Rio is ready to see his young star’s potential unfold. With the return of a healthy offensive line, led by newcomer William Tra Thomas, who surrendered only 2.5 sacks of offensive tackles last season in Philadelphia, the Jacksonville front five is looking lean and deep. The return of Brad Meester at center and Maurice Williams at right guard will ease the transition for Jones-Drew and make quarterback David Garrard, who took 42 sacks in 2008, a much happier man. With a healthy front-five, Jacksonville will see Garrard, who threw 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last year, rebound from what was arguably his worst year as a pro. Snatching veteran wide receiver Torry Holt (796 yards and three touchdowns, 2008) from the free agent market was a steal.
Cons: Defensively, the Jaguars leave a lot to be desired. What was once one of the most feared crews in the league is now little more than a shadow of its former self and the losses of linebacker Mike Peterson (Atlanta), defensive end Paul Spicer (New Orleans) and defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (Miami) will hurt. The departure of cornerback Drayton Florence may be addition by subtraction, but the Jaguars will still need to find a suitable replacement. The Jaguars ranked 21st in points allowed last season (22.9 points per game) and that is largely due to a very porous pass defense that gave up 224.1 yards per game (24th in the NFL, 2008). Despite picking up a trio of safeties in Gerald Alexander (Detroit), Marlon McCree (Denver) and Sean Considine (Philadelphia), the Teal and Gold don’t seem to have addressed the issue properly.
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Outlook: A healthy offensive line will be a luxury that Garrard is not used to and with one, the once-prolific quarterback will flourish once again. With veteran Holt running routes, the quarterback has one of the most established receivers he has seen in years, and despite age concerns, the two will hook up to become a productive duo. In the wake of Taylor, Jones-Drew will prove a very versatile running back, and whether he’s catching passes out of the backfield or penetrating the line of scrimmage with blazing speed, Del Rio will see a lot of production from the running back. Defense will once again be an area of concern, but improved offense will make for a much better 2009.
Draft Overview: With their first selection in the 2009 draft, the Jaguars selected offensive tackle Eugene Monroe (Virginia, draft No. 8). Monroe adds depth to an offensive line that is returning from an injury-ridden season, so should someone go down, the rookie provides a valuable insurance policy. Jacksonville further bolstered its offensive line by picking another offensive tackle, Ebon Britton (Arizona, draft No. 39) in the second round, proving that a repeat of 2008 would be seen as unacceptable. Wide receiver Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers, draft No. 253) was a steal in the seventh round. Underwood, who ran the 40-yard dash at 4.41 seconds, is one of the fastest incoming receivers and his speed makes him a constant threat.
Overall Outlook: The Jaguars will be fighting for a playoff spot come late fall. The healthy offensive line makes them a threat in 2009, but it is ultimately their defensive shortcomings that will keep them out of Super Bowl contention. Either way, Jacksonville fans will be treated with an entertaining year and, following a successful season, Del Rio will be given the vote of confidence he need to feel comfortable.
Intangibles: Health will be a major factor for the Jaguars this year. If the offensive line can stay on the field, both Garrard and Jones-Drew will have big years.
SBG Global has posted their 2009 NFL Predictions odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl:Arizona CARDINALS: +2900
Atlanta FALCONS: +2000
Baltimore RAVENS: +2500
Buffalo BILLS: +8500
Carolina PANTHERS: +3950
Chicago BEARS: +2000
Cincinnati BENGALS: +8500
Cleveland BROWNS: +7500
Dallas COWBOYS: +1400
Denver BRONCOS: +6000
Detroit LIONS: +15000
Green Bay PACKERS: +2500
Houston TEXANS: +2000
Indianapolis COLTS: +1000
Jacksonville JAGUARS: +4500
Kansas City CHIEFS: +7500
Miami DOLPHINS: +3000
Minnesota VIKINGS: +800
New England PATRIOTS: +300
New Orleans SAINTS: +1700
New York GIANTS: +850
New York JETS: +3500
Oakland RAIDERS: +5500
Philadelphia EAGLES: +650
Pittsburgh STEELERS: +700
San Diego CHARGERS: +500
San Francisco 49ERS: +6500
Seattle SEAHAWKS: +3000
St. Louis RAMS: +8500
Tampa Bay BUCCANEERS: +10000
Tennessee TITANS: +2000
Washington REDSKINS: +4850
