32 in 32: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars

Read the introduction here
Read the Redskins preview here
Miami Dolphins tomorrow

2011 Record: 5-11

Key Acquisitions: Chad Henne, Laurent Robinson, Aaron Ross, Lee Evans, Justin Blackmon, Andre Branch
Key Departures: Luke McCown, Matt Roth, Aaron Kampman, Drew Coleman, Deji Karim, Leger Douzable

Blaine Gabbert. Yeah, well at least Chad Henne is a serviceable QB once the Jags give up on Gabbert. Offense is alright outside of the quarterback, and the defense could be surprising. At the same time, they are the Jaguars, so they'll find a way to be hopeless.

Offense
Gabbert is just bad. Holds the ball too long leading to too many hits. Can't throw. He's not an NFL quarterback. Much like Christian Ponder, he's a 2011 Draft bust. I wouldn't be so critical of a young player normally, but Gabbert didn't even show me flashes of being mediocre. Whenever I saw him play, he was just bad. Chad Henne will be the starter by the end of the season. He's at least decent.

MJD's holdout is going to hurt him and this team. As with all holdouts, his conditioning won't be where it should be for a sixteen game NFL season. If he comes back before Week 3 of the preseason, I won't be concerned. He's arguably the best tailback in the league, and his dynamic runs will spur on this offense.

Justin Blackmon is a great young rookie receiver, his off the field problems may derail his progress, but for now he's ready to play and he could be a lethal weapon for this team. But of course, he needs a quarterback to throw him the ball. Next to him they have Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans. Robinson broke out last year as a really good receiver, and while he's obviously not repeating his 11 TD performance, he'll be solid. Lee Evans will never be able to live down his drop in the AFC Championship Game last year. They still have Mike Thomas too.

Marcedes Lewis is still overrated. He's a fine TE, but he's not great by any stretch of the imagination.

The offensive line is not impressive. At all.

Defense
Tyson Alualu is a nice piece in the middle, but I'm still looking for him to continue his development. Andre Branch can make an impact off the end of this line, so watch out for him. Not as big as other lineman, but he's quick. Terrance Knighton's eye injury could be a major problem. As long as Paul Posluszny is healthy, his toughness and smarts can only benefit this defense. He's a great linebacker. Clint Session has a knack for making tackles, which is a very valuable attribute.

I like this secondary. Rashean Mathis is a very underrated cornerback. He's elite. Dawan Landry and Dwight Lowery will do a good job covering the middle of the field.

Special Teams
Josh Scobee is a reliable kicker who can always be trusted to make the field goals that he should be making. Bryan Anger is a great rookie punter with a really powerful leg. I see a lot of long punts in his future. Mike Thomas seems to be their kick returner. Could be worse.

4-12, 4th in AFC South