When fans examine the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, they might wonder how they could be better now than last year.
For starters, they have a better coach in Doug Pederson.
The former Super Bowl champion head coach can give stability to Jacksonville.
That is something they didn’t have with former head coach Urban Meyer.
They also now have their franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence.
Coming into the 2022 NFL Draft, they also have the first overall pick, giving them the power to select whoever they want.
Or they could trade back and gain more draft capital.
But what else makes them better now than they were last year?
Jacksonville Focused On Building Around Lawrence For 2022
Lawrence is getting huge upgrades on his offense for 2022.
The team signed offensive guard Brandon Scherff, a well-known run and pass blocker.
Step in the Film Room for a detailed look at what Brandon Scherff brings to our offense.#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/SZ4CnPLNgP
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 21, 2022
They also signed wide receiver Christian Kirk, giving Lawrence a better receiver for 2022.
On top of these signings, Jacksonville signed tight end Evan Engram to a one-year deal.
He is known as a solid player in the passing game for teams.
This doesn’t include who the Jaguars will draft during the 2022 NFL Draft, which could help Lawrence even more.
However, Jacksonville is looking at more than players with their improvements from a year ago.
Jacksonville Wants To Ride The Wave Of The Last Game They Played
The NFL regular season ended in January 2022.
Jacksonville’s last game of the season was against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts were heavy favorites, and heading to the NFL playoffs with a win against Jacksonville.
Never forget: Carson Wentz and the Colts were a 15-pt favorite against the Jacksonville Jaguars the final week of the regular season.
They just needed to win to get into the playoffs.
The Jags beat the Colts by 15 points.
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) March 9, 2022
However, those playoff dreams were spoiled when the Jaguars shocked the NFL world with a win.
Lawrence played error-free ball with 223 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The defense also held one of the NFL’s best running backs to only 77 yards.
Without Meyer as coach, Jacksonville showed life in their last game of the season.
They can carry that drive over into the NFL 2022-23 season, giving them new hope for a better season.
Have The Jaguars Improved Enough To Win The AFC South?
While the team is improving in 2022, they won’t win the AFC South.
However, they can at least improve their record from last season.
They can also continue to spoil any hopes the Colts have in that division.
With the improvements they’ve made, they can leap over the Houston Texans and possibly the Colts.
If they want to wrestle the AFC South title away from the Tennessee Titans, they need them to melt down.
However, that won’t happen with Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill on Tennessee’s offense.
So Jacksonville could settle for a second-place finish in the AFC South.
Who knows, maybe a second-place finish might push them into a wild card spot.
But in reality, a Wild Card spot for them would take more improvement in other critical areas for Jacksonville.
However, a better season could boost their confidence.
They could then use that, and additional players, to take over the AFC South in 2023.
But for now, all eyes are on Jacksonville and who they select in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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