Jacksonville Jaguars Tickets

The Jacksonville Jaguars have long been criticized for being unable to take that next step, but they managed to do just that last season.

Interestingly enough, a controversial move before the start of the season might have allowed everything to fall into place.

The Jaguars announced that they had released starting quarterback Byron Leftwich right before the start of the season, meaning backup David Garrard was inheriting the job and would not have to look over his shoulder.

Garrard went on to have his best season in the NFL and helped lead the Jaguars to the second round of the playoffs.

The Jaguars finished with their best regular season record in several years and knocked off the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in the first round of the playoffs.

Jacksonvilles defense wasnt as strong as in past years, but the offense was much improved and the team adopted a certain physical style of play that had not been seen from them before.

The two-headed running back duo of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor helped to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. The Jaguars were able to beat Pittsburgh on the road twice in the last month of the season, a testament to their new-found toughness.

To take that next step in 2008, the Jaguars will need to see further improvement from Garrard. To improve, Garrard is going to need help from his wide receivers, which have been upgraded since last season.

The team signed Jerry Porter and traded for Troy Williamson in the offseason. There is no questioning either players talent, but neither has had a successful career in the NFL up to this point.

The Jaguars will also need to find someone to fill the void left by defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills in the offseason.

Jacksonville should be right there again competing with the Indianapolis Colts for the division title and are a virtual lock to make the playoffs.