Today, “Football Numbers” examines the stats behind the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2013 season and what they need to do going forward. “Football Numbers” examines the compelling numbers in the NFL. Follow the column on Twitter @nflnumbers
50.0
Number of sacks allowed by the Jaguars in 2014. Only the Miami Dolphins allowed more sacks. Jacksonville’s struggles in pass protection were a main reason for their poor offensive performance overall, as they ranked 31st in total yardage. However, the addition of former Denver Broncos guard Zane Beadles should bolster the offensive line. Beadles is at his best in a zone blocking scheme, a system which the Jaguars implemented last year and are looking to improve in 2014. However, it still wouldn’t hurt to draft at least a few more offensive linemen this May.
31.0
Speaking of sacks—this is the number of sacks racked up by the Jaguars’ defense last season, the lowest total in the league. Jacksonville has broken the bank this offseason to mend this problem, signing defensive ends Chris Clemons (4 years, $17.5 million) and Evander Hood (4 years, $16 million). Clemons and Hood will join Jason Babin in the Jags’ front seven, giving the team a formidable pass rush. Clemons was a key contributor in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run; Jacksonville pulled off one of the best moves of free agency by signing him. Also, the addition of former Buccaneers outside linebacker Dekoda Watson will help to sure-up the team’s suspect linebacking corps. Improving the pass rush has been a key focus of the Jacksonville Jaguars Offseason.
3.3
The team’s yards per carry average in 2013, good for 31st in the league. With Maurice Jones-Drew likely signing elsewhere this offseason, a new era will begin in the Jags’ backfield. They wasted no time by nabbing the former understudy of Adrian Peterson in Minnesota, Toby Gerhart. While Gerhart might not be the ideal every-down back, he is one of the more underrated players in the league and will be eager to prove himself in a bigger role. To add some depth, the Jaguars may consider drafting a back like De’Anthony Thomas or Devonta Freeman in the middle rounds. If the Jaguars grabbed Thomas to complement receiver Ace Sanders, they would easily have one of the speediest offenses in the league.
3
Number of seasons without a Jacksonville quarterback throwing more than 14 touchdowns. Nobody expects Chad Henne to impersonate Peyton Manning, but come on, the Jags’ passing attack needs improvement. Badly. The pieces are almost there at wide receiver, with Justin Blackmon, Cecil Shorts, Ace Sanders, and the latest addition, former Raven Tandon Doss. However, a proven veteran would really help push this unit to the next level. The Jaguars should think about inking a guy like Kenny Britt, Danario Alexander, or Jason Avant that would make a difference in the red zone.
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