Three Biggest Games: Jacksonville Jaguars

The post-draft period of the NFL offseason should be one of boundless optimism for fans for every franchise. This time last year, Jacksonville supporters were riding high on the wave of hype facilitated by a passionate, new owner and a college quarterback expected the lead the lowly Jaguars out of a decade of misery. Apparently the football gods don’t take kindly to over-exuberance, as, only twelve months later, the team is still reeling from news that third overall draft pick, Dante Fowler, Jr., will not take to the field in his rookie season. Still, can the Jags improve on last year’s dismal 3-13 record? Here are three tests that will define the 2015 Jaguars.

Week 3 at New England Patriots

Provided Tom Brady’s four-game suspension still stands by the beginning of the regular season, this contest will feature an unlikely clash between two 2014 early-round draft picks at quarterback. But where Blake Bortles scratched and clawed his way up a very steep learning curve in his rookie year, Jimmy Garoppolo was lucky to take snaps even during garbage time in New England. The confines of Gillette Stadium have long served as an automatic win for the Belichick-era Pats, and even without his apprentice under center, Bill will lean on his playmaking defense for a close win.

Week 10 at Baltimore Ravens

For whatever reason, the Jags have always brought the fight to the Ravens in recent seasons. Whether it be through a power running game, a stout defensive showing or just plain taking advantage of Baltimore’s mistakes, matchups between these two teams have consistently produced final scores that are often closer than they deserve to be. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, this one will be played in Baltimore, where Joe Flacco is an altogether more accurate, efficient, comfortable quarterback. The Jags, meanwhile, failed to win a single game away from home in 2014, and this will be no cakewalk either.

Week 11 vs. Tennessee Titans

There won’t be many 2015 games in which Blake Bortles is the most experienced quarterback on the field, but this meeting with expected starter Marcus Mariota will be one of them. Last year’s Titans-Jags primetime game introduced the nation to Jacksonville’s impactful D-line, led by the endearing Sen’Derrick Marks, and to the Jags’ passionate, charismatic coach, Gus Bradley. The front office truly believes it has something special in this fresh core of playing and coaching staff, and strong showings on national television are exactly the type of goals the franchise must achieve to keep heading in the right direction. Expect underrated linebackers Paul Posluszny and Dan Skuta to suffocate Mariota all night en route to a morale-boosting win.