The Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up the 2023 NFL season with a 9-8 record, falling short of making it to the playoffs after a defeat against the Tennessee Titans. The big question on everyone’s mind now is whether the Jaguars have made enough improvements during the offseason to secure a spot in the playoffs this year. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence seems to think so.
As Lawrence heads into his fourth season with the Jaguars, he is filled with optimism about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. In an interview with NFL Network, Lawrence expressed his belief that the Jaguars are poised for success. He also mentioned that he feels he has yet to reach his peak performance as a player, indicating that there is still room for growth and improvement.
The Jaguars have been busy in the offseason, bringing in several talented players through free agency to bolster their roster. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead, wide receiver Gabe Davis, corner Mitch Morse, left guard Ezra Cleveland, safety Darnell Savage, running back D’Ernest Johnson, defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter, cornerback Ronald Darby, wide receiver Devin Duvernay, linebacker Trevis Gipson, offensive lineman Blake Hance, and safety Daniel Thomas are among the new additions to the team.
However, the Jaguars also saw some key players depart, with Calvin Ridley leaving for the Tennessee Titans after the 2023 season. Additionally, linebacker Dequan Jackson and wide receiver Wayne Ruby were waived with injury designations. Despite these losses, Lawrence remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
During the previous season, Lawrence had some impressive moments on the field, completing around 66% of his passes and throwing 21 touchdowns. However, he also faced multiple injuries throughout the season, including a left knee injury, an ankle injury, a concussion, and a shoulder A/C joint sprain.
In light of Lawrence’s positive outlook on the 2024 Jaguars squad, there have been differing opinions on whether the team has truly improved. On The Carton Show, Craig Carton expressed skepticism about the Jaguars’ offense, questioning Lawrence’s position as the top quarterback in the AFC South. Carton pointed to C.J. Stroud’s standout performances with the Houston Texans, suggesting that the Texans might now have the upper hand in the division.
Carton also highlighted the impact of losing Calvin Ridley on the Jaguars’ offense, casting doubt on Lawrence’s assertion that the team is heading towards better days. He emphasized that this season is crucial for Lawrence to prove himself, especially as the team enters its third year under the Pederson System.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars to see if they can live up to the quarterback’s optimistic predictions and secure a spot in the playoffs. With a mix of new talent and experienced players, the Jaguars will be looking to make their mark in the highly competitive AFC South division.