2007 Jaguars Preview: Playoffs or Bust - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

To get you ready for the season, FanHouse is previewing all 32 NFL teams. Here's Jacksonville's outlook.

2006 Record: 8-8

2006 Offense: Well, the running game was pretty spectacular. Fred Taylor's new workout plan resulted in his best season in years, and he and Maurice Jones-Drew combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards and a lot of touchdowns. Unfortunately, Byron Leftwich's bum ankle led to a huge quarterback controversy, and when opponents stopped the run, it fell to David Garrard and a very suspect receiving corps. End result? The Jags lost their last three and missed the playoffs.

2006 Defense: The quarterback issues overshadowed one hell of a defense. In 2006, the Jags were ranked 2nd in the NFL in yards allowed per game (283.6), 4th in rushing yards allowed per game (91.3), and 4th in points allowed per game. (17.1) It's weak point, however, was forcing turnovers. The Jaguars' defense forced a league-low 3 fumbles, and its turnover margin was -1.

2006 Special Teams: The Jags drafted punter Adam Podlesh in the 4th round last April, so that ought to tell you something. They also offered a nice big contract to Josh Scobee, who made all his PATs and 26 of his 32 field goals. Five of those misses were from beyond 40 yards, where he was 14 for 19. Maurice Jones-Drew was an effective kick returner as well, averaging 27.7 yards a return, though it's unclear if he'll reprise that role in 2007.

Coaching: Jack Del Rio is clearly under the gun here. The failures of the offense late last season forced him to clean house and bring in lots of new coaches -- most notably new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, whom Del Rio hopes will revive the passing game. If these changes don't lead the Jaguars back to the playoffs this year, though, Del Rio may be taking a seat between Rich Eisen and Marshall Faulk in January.

Draft: 1st-round pick Reggie Nelson appears ready to start at safety, while linebacker Justin Durant has been leading the team in tackles during the preseason. The Jags are also hoping for big things from receivers Mike Walker and John Broussard, who may end up replacing their more expensive first-round picks from previous years.

New Additions: Dennis Northcutt was brought in from Cleveland to boost the receiving corps, and early indications are that he could earn a starting job. Tackle Tony Pashos should help keep Byron Leftwich upright, though he hasn't appeared to help much in the preseason. Tight end Jermaine Wiggins was brought in to push Mercedes Lewis and George Wrightster, and assistant coach Mike Tice got a lot out of Wiggins while they were both in Minnesota, but it's unclear if he'll have any impact.

Three Keys:

1) Can Byron Leftwich return to his 2005 form, when he led the Jags to a Wild Card berth? He was more committed to working out during the offseason, but Jack Del Rio's admission that he wanted to draft Brady Quinn speaks volumes.
2) Who's going to catch the ball? Reggie Williams and Matt Jones have been high-profile busts so far, and Maurice Jones-Drew can only do so much.
3) Can Gerald Sensabaugh and Reggie Nelson, both new starters at safety, anchor the secondary?

Prediction: It all hinges on the new offense. We know Taylor and Jones-Drew are likely to get another 2,000 yards between them, and the defense remains strong, but if Leftwich and the receivers falter, it could be another .500 season and a pink slip for Del Rio. Leftwich is in a contract year, though, so he has something to prove. Don't be surprised to see this team in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, but asking for more than 10 wins may be too much.

Gratuitous YouTube: Before he added the Jones, Maurice Drew was just as awesome.