If Garrard Bounces Back, so Will Jaguars

I believe the majority of how the Jaguars’ upcoming season unfolds depends largely on how starting quarterback David Garrard bounces back from what was undeniably, a lackluster 2008 season, his first as the unquestioned starter in Jacksonville.

To improve in 2009, Garrard must first cut down his interceptions. However, that seems very likely as he has not had a track record of throwing interceptions.

He threw 18 touchdown passes and just three interceptions in 2007 while starting 12 games and compiling a 102.2 percent passer rating. But Garrard’s numbers dropped markedly last season as he threw just 15 touchdowns and a surprising 13 interceptions while compiling a poor 81.7 percent passer rating.

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One significant statistic you may want to look at when predicting how Garrard will do in 2009 is the fact that, prior to last season, Garrard had thrown just 16 career interceptions in 40 career games since 2002, throwing three interceptions or less in five of his seven pro seasons.

Another thing the Jaguars and Garrard may want to look at is taking a few more shots deep downfield. Garrard’s longest completion of the 2008 season went for just 41 yards, a pretty pathetic stat for any quarterback and offense.

Of course, Jacksonville’s offensive line also left a lot to be desired in 2008 as Garrard was rushed and hurried far too often, not to mention, sacked a whopping 41 times.

Garrard’s numbers and Jacksonville’s offense also suffered because of the team’s inability to run the ball effectively. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew and former running back Fred Taylor rushed for just 824 and 556 yards respectively after putting up 768 and 1,202 yards in 2007.

Jaguars will also need some improved play from an undistinguished group of wide receivers that left a lot to be desired last season.

Former wideout Matt Jones led the team with 65 catches and Jones-Drew was second on the team, catching 62 passes out of the backfield. Dennis Northcutt, Marcedes Lewis and Reggie Williams rounded out Jacksonville’s top five receivers with 44, 41 and 37 catches respectively.

While Jacksonville added veteran wide receiver Torry Holt to help boost the team’s passing attack, I’m going on record right now to say that Jacksonville’s wide receiving unit is shaky at best.

If the Jaguars can improve in all of the aforementioned offensive areas and they can shore up a defense that fell to 17th overall last season – Jacksonville could challenge for a better than .500 record while improving their uninspiring 4-12 ATS record.

It won’t be easy though, playing in the powerful AFC South with the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts as likely conference title contenders, the Jaguars will undoubtedly have their work cut out for them.

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