The 2023 season came to a harsh conclusion for the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking another year of what could have been. With a promising 8-3 start, the team looked poised to compete for the AFC South division title and a playoff berth. However, a significant downturn saw the Jaguars stumble with a 1-5 record over the latter part of the season, culminating in a 9-8 finish. This marks the second consecutive winning season for the franchise, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2004-2005, yet it was a bittersweet end.
Injuries played a pivotal role in the Jaguars' decline. Key offensive figures, including receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, found themselves sidelined, and the absence of quarterback Trevor Lawrence further exacerbated the team's struggles. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, underscoring the debilitating impact injuries had on the roster.
The Jaguars' offensive line faltered significantly, recording the second-most runs in the league that resulted in no gain or a loss, totaling 120 runs. A staggering 26.5% of their rushes ended with zero or negative yardage, a statistic that crippled their offensive momentum.
Defensively, the situation wasn't much brighter. The team struggled with tackling consistency, recording 126 missed tackles, which ranked them fourth in the league for the most missed tackles. 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, a clear indicator of their waning defensive performance.
The sharp decline led to a palpable sense of frustration within the organization. "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," said Jaguars owner Shad Khan. Reflecting on the missed opportunities, he 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 downturn, there were glimmers of resilience. The Jaguars managed one definitive triumph during their late-season woes, delivering a 26-0 shutout against the Carolina Panthers. Notably, this win came without Trevor Lawrence, who was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. However, their final game of the season ended in a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, sealing their record at 9-8.
Amid the disappointing end to the season, there was significant news off the field. The Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium by a 14-1 vote. The renovation costs will be evenly split, with the Jaguars and the city each committing $625 million. The city also committed an additional $150 million over the next two seasons for ongoing stadium maintenance and repairs, ultimately shouldering 55% of the total renovation costs. This agreement still requires approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners.
Looking back on the historical context, Khan remarked, "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."
Jacksonville's determination to reshape its future was echoed by Mayor Donna Deegan, who confidently stated, "I hope you all believe now."
As the Jaguars turn the page on a tumultuous 2023 season, the organization and its fans can look forward to significant improvements, both on and off the field. The investment in EverBank Stadium signifies a commitment to creating a sustainable, long-term vision for the franchise. Whether these changes will translate into on-field success remains to be seen, but the groundwork is undoubtedly being laid for a promising future.