The 2023 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars ended in heartbreak, marked by an unexpected and sharp decline. The team, which started the season with a promising 8-3 record, fell into a demoralizing 1-5 skid, ultimately missing out on both the AFC South division title and a playoff spot.
This collapse was exacerbated by injuries to key offensive players. Receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, alongside quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined, significantly impacting the team's performance. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games. The offensive line struggled immensely, with the Jaguars recording the second-most runs in the league that went for no gain or a loss—a staggering 120 runs. This amounted to 26.5% of their rushes resulting in zero yards or negative yardage.
Defensive Woes
Defensively, the Jaguars were also plagued with issues, recording 126 missed tackles—one of the highest 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. Despite these struggles, the team did secure a victory during their late-season decline with a 26-0 shutout win against the Carolina Panthers, notably without their quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who missed the game due to a shoulder injury.
The final game of the season, a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cemented the Jaguars' final record at 9-8. This loss was a hard pill to swallow for the organization, placing a sharp contrast to the optimism of the early season.
Reflecting on Season Challenges
Jaguars owner Shad Khan candidly expressed his disappointment with the season’s outcome. "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," he remarked. Khan's frustration was palpable as he continued, "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."
Nevertheless, it wasn't all doom and gloom for the Jaguars. The 2023 season marked their second consecutive winning season—a significant milestone for a franchise that hasn't achieved back-to-back winning seasons since 2004-05.
Future Prospects and Stadium Renovation Plans
Amidst the on-field struggles, the Jacksonville city council approved a substantial $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium, which passed by a 14-1 vote. This ambitious project is set to rejuvenate the stadium, with costs split evenly between the Jaguars and the city at $625 million each. Additionally, the city committed an extra $150 million over the next two seasons to stadium maintenance and repairs.
The renovation agreement requires approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners. The city will take on 55% of the total renovation costs, demonstrating a significant civic investment in the franchise.
Mayor Donna Deegan expressed optimism about the future, stating, "I hope you all believe now." Khan echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the team's journey from its inception. "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," he said. "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, while ultimately disappointing, showcased moments of promise and sets the stage for future aspirations both on and off the field. As the team prepares for a crucial offseason and the anticipation of a stadium overhaul, the hope is that these steps will fortify their path to becoming perennial contenders.