The Jacksonville Jaguars are eyeing a significant transformation as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The team, which finished 26th in rushing last season, seeks to rejuvenate its offensive lineup following a challenging year marked by injuries and predictable playcalling. With the appointment of Liam Coen as coach, replacing Doug Pederson, the Jaguars hope to revitalize their strategies and performance on the field.
The Jaguars' offensive struggles last season mirrored those of 2021, largely due to injuries and a decline in the run game. This prompted the organization to make strategic changes, including hiring Liam Coen as the new head coach. Coen's selection followed a thorough search that led team owner Khan to assert, "After we got done with that, it was very evident to me that Liam was the guy."
A critical upgrade for the Jaguars is at the center position. The team has replaced Luke Fortner with veteran free agent Mitch Morse, aiming to improve stability and experience in this crucial role. Alongside Morse, the running back duo of Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby is set to share the workload in 2025, with Bigsby poised to take over as the lead back in 2026. Etienne, playing on his fifth-year option unless an extension is signed, has missed 13 games due to groin and collarbone injuries over the past two seasons.
The Jaguars' offensive line faces additional scrutiny, having ranked 19th in pass block win rate and 25th in run block win rate last season. As the team looks to bolster its offensive line, addressing the left tackle position becomes imperative. Cam Jourdan Hodges's recent back-to-back severe knee injuries highlight the need for reinforcement in this area.
Furthermore, the Jaguars must consider their options at the tight end position. Evan Engram is entering the final year of his contract with the second-highest cap figure on the roster. If the Jaguars decide to release Engram to create additional cap space, Brenton Strange will step up as the primary pass-catcher. However, Strange himself has struggled with injuries, missing eight games over the past two seasons due to ankle, knee, shoulder, and concussion issues.
As part of their strategic planning for the future, the Jaguars are expected to address the center position in the mid-rounds of the upcoming draft. This move is crucial for building depth and ensuring long-term success in their offensive lineup.
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