Could Jaguars be a threat to win AFC South over Colts?
With a revamped roster and new coaching staff, could the Jacksonville Jaguars upset the Indianapolis Colts and win the AFC South.
The Indianapolis Colts have probably been having nightmares about the Jacksonville Jaguars for the last six months. Jacksonville ended Indy’s playoff hopes after embarrassing the Colts in Week 18 of last season. But, in a way, Indianapolis should thank the Jaguars. The loss fueled the Colts to have a productive offseason.
An offseason that saw Indy trade away Carson Wentz and trade for Matt Ryan and Yannick Ngakoue. The Colts also signed Stephon Gilmore, and several other solid veterans, and put together a good draft class highlighted by athletic pass catchers Alec Pierce and Jelani Woods.
However, while Indy was building, so was Jacksonville, and the Jaguars put together their own productive offseason. They sprinted out of the gate in free agency throwing money at players like Christian Kirk, Brandon Scherff, Evan Engram, and many more. Jacksonville also has a new coaching staff led by Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson.
With all of the improvements, many believe the Jaguars will be a better team next season, some even feel they may make noise in the AFC South. Recently, in an article for NFL.com, Bucky Brooks referred to Jacksonville as the chaos team of the AFC South. By chaos, Brooks was looking for the team that answered the questions, “Who might be this year’s Bengals? Or, at least, who could unexpectedly flip a division race on its head?”
Could Jaguars really challenge Colts?
Jacksonville should certainly be better than its 3-14 record of last year and should avoid a third-consecutive top-overall pick, however, they shouldn’t challenge Indianapolis for a division crown. The Colts are still ahead of the Jaguars and should demonstrate that this season— better than they did last year.
While all the money the Jaguars spent should make a difference, it may not win them the AFC South as soon as next year. This division race should still come down to Indy and the Tennessee Titans. With all the additions Indianapolis made as well, Indy should win the AFC South and finally sweep Jacksonville.
