The 2023 season began with high hopes for the Jacksonville Jaguars, boasting an 8-3 start that seemed to promise a strong finish. However, what followed was a precipitous decline that left the team, its owners, and its fans grappling with frustration and disappointment. The Jaguars ultimately ended the season with a 9-8 record, missing out on the AFC South division title and a playoff spot.
One of the primary reasons for the team's decline was a spate of injuries to some of its most crucial players. Receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, along with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, were sidelined during key moments of the season. In total, ten starters or key players missed a combined 48 games, contributing significantly to the team's woes. The offensive line also struggled markedly, with the Jaguars recording the second-most runs in the league that resulted in no gain or a loss. An astonishing 26.5% of the team's rushes either went nowhere or lost yardage.
Defensive challenges also mounted as the season progressed. The Jaguars recorded a staggering 126 missed tackles, the fourth highest in the league. Over the final six weeks, the defense allowed an additional 44.4 yards per game on the ground compared to the first 12 weeks. Despite these setbacks, the team managed one bright spot during their decline – a 26-0 shutout victory against the Carolina Panthers, although Trevor Lawrence missed this game due to a shoulder injury.
Reflecting on the season, Jaguars owner Shad Khan did not mince his words. "You fail as an organization. I look at it as an organizational failure," he stated, emphasizing the collective disappointment. "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." The season's final game, a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, cemented their final record at 9-8. This marked the second consecutive winning season for the Jaguars, a first since the 2004-05 seasons.
Despite the on-field disappointments, the future holds potential off the field. In a significant development, the Jacksonville city council approved a $1.4 billion renovation plan for EverBank Stadium by a 14-1 vote. The agreement, which requires approval from 24 of the NFL's 32 owners, will see the renovation cost split evenly between the Jaguars and the city, with each contributing $625 million. Additionally, the city has committed $150 million over the next two seasons for stadium maintenance and repairs, taking on 55% of the total renovation costs. Mayor Donna Deegan voiced her optimism, "I hope you all believe now," signaling a positive outlook for the Jaguars' future home.
Owner Shad Khan also looked back at the franchise's journey from its inaugural season to the present day. "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."
As the Jaguars prepare to turn a new page, the combination of a revamped stadium and lessons learned from this challenging season may provide the foundation for future successes. While the 2023 season ended in heartbreak, the commitment from both the team and the city to move forward signals hope for better days ahead.