The 2023 season ended in heartbreak for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that had shown immense promise early on. The Jaguars began their campaign with an impressive 8-3 start, only to face a dramatic turn of events that led them to a 1-5 skid in the latter part of the season.
This decline resulted in the Jaguars missing out on the AFC South division title and a playoff spot, a devastating outcome for a team that had shown so much potential. Injuries played a significant role in the Jaguars' downturn. Key offensive players like receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined at critical moments. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games.
The offense was not the only aspect affected by injuries. The Jaguars' offensive line struggled significantly, often unable to provide the necessary protection and push. The team recorded the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss, with 120 such runs. This staggering statistic meant that 26.5% of their rushes resulted in zero yards or negative yardage, further hampering their offensive efficiency.
Defensively, the Jaguars faced their own set of challenges. Throughout the season, the team recorded 126 missed tackles, ranking them fourth in the league for missed tackles. This defensive frailty became even more pronounced over the final six weeks of the season, during which the defense allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to the first 12 weeks.
The Jaguars' only bright spot during their late-season decline came in a 26-0 shutout victory against the Carolina Panthers. Notably, Trevor Lawrence missed this game due to a shoulder injury, adding to the list of challenges the team faced. Unfortunately, this victory was a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing end to the season.
The final game of the season epitomized the Jaguars' struggles as they suffered a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cementing their final record at 9-8. Despite the tough finish, it is worth noting that the 2023 season marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars, a feat they had not achieved since 2004-05.
In reflecting on the season, Jaguars owner Shad Khan remarked, "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure." His sentiment was shared by many, including the Jacksonville faithful who had high hopes for the season. Khan further added, "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."
Despite the on-field disappointments, there were significant developments off the field. The Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium by a 14-1 vote. This ambitious project requires approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners. The renovation cost will be split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, each contributing $625 million. Additionally, the city has committed an extra $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, ultimately taking on 55% of the total renovation costs.
Mayor Donna Deegan's optimism shone through in the wake of the city council's decision. She remarked, "I hope you all believe now," emphasizing a renewed sense of faith and commitment to the team's future in Jacksonville. Echoing her sentiments, Shad Khan reflected on the past and future: "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."
The Jaguars' 2023 season may have ended without the glory many hoped for, but the future holds promise with the upcoming stadium renovations and a roster poised for a rebound. As the team looks ahead, they do so with the backing of a city that believes in their potential and a fanbase eager for success.