Despite the Tennessee Titans woeful start in 2009, they still managed to come back and usurp the Jacksonville Jaguars for 3rd place in the AFC South. With the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans ahead of them I'm not expecting any better results this year, especially given their tough schedule. On the bright side, their whole division faces a similarly tough schedule this season.
That said, for fantasy teams, there are still some productive players you'll want on your teams, so let's take a look at the best the Jaguars have to offer in that department.
Division: AFC South – Projected Finish: 4th Place
Strength of Schedule - #5 = 5th worst. The scheduling Gods have not been nice to the Jags this season
QUARTERBACK
David Garrard is the Jaguars defacto QB1. Despite offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter's suggestion in May that the Jag would open their quarterback position to competition, backup Luke McCown is under the impression that he's not getting a chance to unseat Garrard.
So most fantasy GM's are wondering, "who cares?" It's David Garrard. Well for the record Garrard was the 15th best fantasy QB in 2009 ahead of Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, and Carson Palmer; all guys likely to get drafted before David. It might be more surprising to know he was within less than 10 fantasy points of Kurt Warner, and within 2 of Donovan McNabb. Food for thought. I currently have him ranked at #19.
RUNNING BACK
Maurice Jones-Drew, the Pocket Hercules is the league's #3 RB, and he's the feature back in Jacksonville. No committee. He could even out perform Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson this season. Just remember to cuff him with Rashad Jennings.
WIDE RECEIVER
Torry Holt is gone so who is left to pick up the slack downfield for the Jags this year?
- Mike Sims-Walker - Walker sort of came out of nowhere last season to make a fantasy name for himself. This year he's the team's #1 WR. I currently have him ranked at #19.
- Mike Thomas - He's out of the top 50 going into 2010, but he could be a nice sleeper name to keep in your hat. He came on in his last few games last year.
- Troy Williamson - T.W. had a wicked pre-season last year then lost his year to an injury in week two. Is there still a spark there? Keep him on the radar.
TIGHT END
Marcedes Lewis is the man for the Jags, but that's not saying much. They don't use their TE's very much. He ended 2009 as the 21st best TE in fantasy. I have him ranked at 25th heading into 2010.
KICKER
Josh Scobee had a miserable 2009 going 18 for 28 in FG attempts, and he also missed a point after. You have to wonder how secure his job is. An easy decision to avoid him in 2010 in shallow leagues.
DEFENSE
The Jags defense were dead last in fantasy points last season. However, they do have some quality IDP names to know: Kirk Morrison, Justin Durant, Aaron Kampman and Derrick Harvey.
2010 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Wk Date Game Stadium Time (ET) 1 Sep 12 DEN @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM 2 Sep 19 JAC @ SD Qualcomm Stadium 4:15 PM 3 Sep 26 PHI @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 4:05 PM 4 Oct 03 IND @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 4:05 PM 5 Oct 10 JAC @ BUF Ralph Wilson Stadium 1:00 PM 6 Oct 18 TEN @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 8:30 PM 7 Oct 24 JAC @ KC Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 PM 8 Oct 31 JAC @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 1:00 PM 9 Bye 10 Nov 14 HOU @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM 11 Nov 21 CLE @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM 12 Nov 28 JAC @ NYG New Meadowlands Stadium 1:00 PM 13 Dec 05 JAC @ TEN LP Field 1:00 PM 14 Dec 12 OAK @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM 15 Dec 19 JAC @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM 16 Dec 26 WAS @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM 17 Jan 02 JAC @ HOU Reliant Stadium 1:00 PM
COACHING STRATEGY
OFFENSE
Coach Jack Del Rio said at a recent press conference that winning the division is their goal this year. Well isn't that every team's goal every year? The team made decided strides towards improving their defense this off-season, but the team isn't going to go very far if the crux of their offense has to be carried primarily on the shoulders of Maurice Jones-Drew. Garrard has to step up and some of the younger guys are going to have to exceed expectations for the team to stay out of the AFC South cellar.
DEFENSE
While a lot of blame gets heaped on David Garrard for the teams woes of late, the Jaguars defense was absolutely pitiful. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is moving the team to a 4-3 base scheme this season. The team brought in Kirk Morrison and Aaron Kampman, and spent their first four draft picks on rookie defensive linemen, including the exciting DE Tyson Alualu. Addressing their horrendous pass rush will be pivotal to the defensive success of the team this season.
