The Jacksonville Jaguars faced a season of extreme highs and lows in 2023, ultimately ending in heartbreak for the team and its fanbase. Despite an impressive 8-3 start that sparked hopes of a playoff berth, the Jaguars were unable to sustain their early momentum. A series of injuries and performance issues led to a dramatic decline, culminating in a 9-8 record and the loss of both the AFC South title and a playoff spot.
"You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," admitted Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan, encapsulating the sentiments of many stakeholders involved in the team’s tumultuous season.
The Jaguars' promising beginning quickly unraveled as they fell into a 1-5 skid. Injuries played a significant role in the team's downfall. Key offensive players, including wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined for crucial games. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, severely hampering the Jaguars' ability to compete effectively.
The offensive line struggled noticeably, contributing to the team's issues. The Jaguars recorded the second-most runs in the league that resulted in no gain or a loss, with 120 such runs. Remarkably, 26.5% of their rushes culminated in either zero yards or negative yardage, highlighting the inefficiencies on the ground.
Defensively, the Jaguars were also far from robust. The team recorded 126 missed tackles, the fourth most in the league. Over the final six weeks of the season, the defense allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to the first 12 weeks, exacerbating the team's difficulties.
The team's sole victory during their late-season decline came with a 26-0 shutout against the Carolina Panthers. Interestingly, Trevor Lawrence missed this game due to a shoulder injury, but the team managed to rally without their starting quarterback. Despite this brief respite, the season's end was sealed with a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cementing the Jaguars’ final record at 9-8.
"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," Khan reflected, conveying the sense of disbelief and frustration felt by many within the organization.
However, there were silver linings to be found amidst the disappointment. The 2023 season marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars—a feat the franchise had not achieved since 2004-05. This back-to-back success offers a glimmer of hope and a foundation upon which the team can build moving forward.
Looking towards the future, the Jacksonville city council took a significant step by approving a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium. The plan, passed by a 14-1 vote, will see the renovation costs split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, with each contributing $625 million. Additionally, the city committed an extra $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, ultimately covering 55% of the total renovation costs. This agreement, however, awaits approval from 24 of the NFL’s 32 owners.
As Jacksonville prepares to celebrate the Jaguars’ 30th anniversary in the NFL, Khan offered a reflection on the franchise's enduring spirit against long-standing skepticism. "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."
Mayor Donna Deegan echoed a sentiment of renewed belief and optimism: "I hope you all believe now." This statement underscores a turning point for the city and its football team, signaling a bright future filled with potential and promise.
The 2023 season, with all its tribulations, will stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Jacksonville Jaguars. As the team looks to bounce back and capitalize on the foundations they've built, fans and stakeholders can anticipate a more robust and competitive presence in the seasons to come.