Jaguars buck the Broncos, buck Attendance Trends! We are Jaguars!
// September 13th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
The Jacksonville Jaguars, considered the NFL’s most vulnerable franchise, opened a crucial season with a gritty 24-17 victory over the Denver Broncos that served as a reminder of their place in the game.
Over 63,000 people were at EverBank Field in temperatures that topped 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius), sending a clear message to those who have questioned whether the city has a future as an NFL franchise.
The Jaguars had one of the worst attendance records in the league last year, finishing 30th of 32 teams, and there have been suggestions that moving the franchise to Los Angeles, currently without a team, would make sense for the league.
“It was a huge game for us. I didn’t try to downplay it to the team,” said head coach Jack Del Rio.
“I told the guys we need to start fast. I believe the community stepped up around this football team and this team has stepped up in this community,”
While many fans surely came to watch former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow make his much anticipated NFL debut, the overwhelming number of teal-colored jerseys showed the game mattered most to the Jacksonville fans.
There were still empty seats, mostly in the pricey and more centrally-located sections, but outside the old-school stadium, the tailgate parties were buzzing in true American style.
The post-match mood was even more upbeat after an important win for the AFC South team.
Jaguars quarterback David Garrard threw two touchdowns, to tight end Marcedes Lewis, which were both cancelled out by the Broncos.
Denver’s Jabar Gaffney caught an eight-yard pass from Kyle Orton before Knowshon Moreno ran it in from a yard out to level the score in the third quarter.
Jacksonville got out in front with when Josh Scobee nailed a 45 yard field goal, but dark clouds that turned into thunder and lightning forced a 33-minute delay in the game.
When play resumed, the Broncos tied the game at 17-17 on a 54 yard field goal from Matt Prater.
But the Jags ensured a winning start to the campaign when Garrard found Kassim Osgood in the end zone with a 24-yard pass.
It was a much-needed display from the oft-criticized Garrard and Lewis said he was proud of his team mate.
“This is big for him … big for his confidence and everyone around him. David is going to be great and everyone has to be great around him,” he said.
1. David Garrard – Garrard needed to bounce back after his lackluster showing against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first preseason game, and he did just that. Yes, the offense went three-and-out on the game’s opening drive, but Garrard was outstanding in leading the team down the field for a touchdown on the second drive. Garrard finished the game having completed six of eight passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. He had a passer rating of 145.3 on the night. It is unfortunate that Garrard had the wind knocked out of him on the third series, resulting in an early exit from the game, but while he was in there, he looked sharp. Let’s hope that trend continues against the Buccaneers in preseason game number three.
3. Safety – On a defense that is starting to worry some people, safety is the position of most concern. Anytime you give up two touchdown passes to the tight end, especially one in which he runs untouched for 40 yards, you have to wonder about the safety play. Hopefully, the Jaguars will be able to find a solution before the regular season kicks off.
The Jaguars don’t have the most productive pass attack in the league, but fantasy owners should still be aware of the wide receiver battle between Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard in training camp. If Thomas can hold off Dillard and win the job, he’ll have low-end sleeper value in larger formats. Troy Williamson is also in the mix, but injuries have hurt his appeal. 
When I watched David Garrard at Pro Bowl practice he was impressive with top-flight receivers. He takes a lot of heat in Jacksonville, but he completed 61 percent of his passes and threw for more yards than Donovan McNabb and Matt Hasselbeck, among others. As much as he needs to improve, Garrard also needs his receivers and tight ends to step up and make more plays. Last year he had two rookie tackles protecting him, which partially explains why he was sacked one in every 12 attempts. Garrard has never had a 20-touchdown passing season, but he doesn’t throw many interceptions either (39 for his career). The starting QB job is Garrard’s to lose. During camp, one thing worth watching is his fumbling. He had 14 last year, and that can’t continue.
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