The 2023 season ended in heartbreak for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that started strong but ultimately stumbled in the second half of their campaign. The Jaguars kicked off the season with an 8-3 record, only to fall into a devastating 1-5 skid, missing out on the AFC South division title and a coveted playoff spot. The reasons for their decline were manifold, with injuries to key personnel being a significant factor.
Receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, as well as quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined at critical junctures of the season. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, a statistic that undoubtedly took its toll. The offensive line, struggling to maintain consistency, added to the Jaguars' woes. Jacksonville recorded the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss, with 26.5% of their rushes resulting in zero yards or negative yardage.
The defensive side of the ball didn't fare much better, as the team was plagued by missed tackles. Over the course of the season, the Jaguars recorded 126 missed tackles, ranking them fourth in the league in this unfortunate category. In the final six weeks, the defense allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to their performance in the first 12 weeks, exacerbating their slide.
Amidst this downturn, the Jaguars managed to secure a single victory against the Carolina Panthers, triumphing in a 26-0 shutout. However, this lone bright spot came without the services of Trevor Lawrence, who was nursing a shoulder injury. Unfortunately, the season's low point came in their final game, a 28-20 defeat at the hands of the Tennessee Titans. This loss sealed the Jaguars' fate, leaving them with a final record of 9-8.
Despite the disappointing finish, it marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars, a feat they had not achieved since the 2004-05 seasons. Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan candidly reflected on the season's outcome, stating, "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure." The late-season collapse clearly stung, with Khan remarking, "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."
Infrastructure Developments
While the on-field results left much to be desired, the Jaguars did experience a significant off-field development. The Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium by a 14-1 vote, a major step forward for the franchise. The renovation cost will be split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, with each party contributing $625 million. Additionally, the city has committed an extra $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, assuming 55% of the total renovation costs. This agreement, however, requires the approval of 24 out of the NFL's 32 owners to proceed.
As the franchise prepares for its 30th anniversary in the NFL, Khan emphasized the resilience and spirit of the team, stating, "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 of optimism and belief, Mayor Donna Deegan added, "I hope you all believe now."
The Jaguars, despite their challenges, continue to build both on and off the field. With substantial investments in their infrastructure and a clear acknowledgment of the need for improvement, they look to turn the corner and return to their winning ways.