I don't understand how everybody seems to be jumping on the Jaguars bandwagon all of a sudden. If history has taught us anything, it's that Jacksonville will find a way to not win the AFC South. The Win Machine in Indianapolis always manages to be a couple of wins better than them.
2007 saw a solidification of the Jags' front seven on D. They arguably fielded one of the most rough-neck squads in the league. But Indy's D was better. They were faster. They filled the gaps better. And they swarmed to the ball every time.
I won't even waste my breath on whose offense is better here. Garrard has been impressive, but he will never be able to win a shootout with Peyton and the boys. The ground game has been known to chew up the clock and put up some big numbers against Indy (MJD and Taylor definitely owned the Colts back in '06); but with the Colts' new look on rush D, they weren't able to put together any kind of respectable effort against the division champs in '07.
People will argue the strength of schedule angle; but for the most part, Indy and Jax have the same schedule. Indy has always had a slightly tougher schedule than the Jaguars. This is because they continue to win the division and get pitted against the Patriots year after year (in Foxboro up until last year). Yet somehow, the Colts always seem to overcome this little obstacle and post a better record than the Jaguars.
Bottom line: the Jags had better come up with a new game plan if they intend to win their first ever AFC South crown. Their current formula isn't hacking it, and the Colts keep finding their number. Until Jacksonville takes the field with something truly noble and revolutionary, I say we give them the respect they deserve-- second best in the AFC South. Wild Card team, who could easily win any of five other divisions in football with ease.
Colts will win their sixth straight division crown. Set your clock to it.
Anne V
DeLeah Caro
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Time is catching up to the Colts. While overall they are the 2nd youngest team in the NFL, look at their big time players: Reggie Wayne, Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Jeff Saturday, Booger McFarland, and Adam Vinatieri are all over 30. They also stand a chance to lose both of their starting guards in Free Agency. Why won't they over pay to hold onto them: because they can't afford to put more money on the cap than they have to. When those players, most of the the best and highest paid, start getting banged up and retire the Colts will be in Salary Cap Hell (under the current system).
Their defense is feisty, and while I think he is the best safety in football, how long can Bob Sanders' 5'8" frame stand up. He was healthy for most of 2007, but in previous year's he always have nagging injuries. WIthout Sanders on this defense they are average. The D-line is fast, but light in the pants. Their corners are above average, but nothing special.
Right now the Colts arrow, as far as roster strength, is pointing sideways. They can't afford to shell out money in Free Agency, whereas the Jags can.
The Jags offense was the most potent last year in team history. That is with a quarterback in a new system and did not become starting qb until 9 days before their first regular season game. The problem is on D, specifically defenseive end and safety. But here is where the difference is: the Jags have over $30 million in cap room. They will add a defensive end in free agency and the draft. And they will get another strong safety.
The Jags' big time players are all younger than the Colts' big time players, and in the next few years there will be a power shift from the Colts' to the Jags. And don't count out the Titans. While Vince Young is hit and miss, that defense was an imitation of the Jags 05 and 06 defense. Big, strong, fast, and physical. And also while the Jags were swept last year the Colts did not run the table through this division. Don't forget that. The talent gap has narrowed, but right now the Jags arrow is up. Don't forget that.
harperslaw
San Angelo , TX
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I disagree on a few points. First, the Jaguars front seven was in no way "solidified" in 2007. In fact, between age and injuries, the front four were the least capable group in the Del Rio era. DE is now a serious position of need, and the "twin towers" of Stroud and Henderson have their best playing years behind them.
Secondly, your comment that the Jaguars were unable to put up a
"respectable effort" against the Colts is false. The first game in which Garrard was injured was a lopsided one; however, the week 13 game was not. A three point loss on the road is not disgraceful. If you were refering specifically to the run game, 168 team yards on the ground is not a poor performance, nor was Fred Taylor's 100 yard game.
I am not ready to annoint the Jaguars the frontrunners in the division. They have serious work to do on the defensive line and in the secondary. A true number one receiver is still needed as well. But they seem to be a team on the rise, while age and the salary cap are starting to catch up to the Colts.
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