The Jacksonville Jaguars offense saw a lot of unexpected changes throughout the 2025 season. There were plenty of highs and lows through the first half of the season, and the offense at times seemed directionless.
After the trade for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, everything appeared to fall into place, and the offense took off. Over the final eight games, the Jaguars offense averaged 32 points per game, going a perfect 8-0 to finish the season.
The running game and penalties caused problems at times, but the passing offense was so lethal that it did not matter. Now, the question is whether the Jaguars can become a more balanced offense with a year of film for teams to study.
Can the Jaguars Offense Repeat Its Success?
In 2025, the Jaguars ranked 20th in rushing yards and 27th in yards per attempt, and committed the second-most penalties in the NFL. They were able to overcome this throughout the season, but consistently climbing out of holes is not sustainable year-to-year.
Head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone have made it no secret that they are shifting towards more heavy personnel and are adjusting their offensive identity to become a more physical team. The additions of tight end Nate Boerkircher, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Chris Rodriguez Jr are a step in the right direction towards becoming a more balanced running team, as well as being more physical at the line of scrimmage on every down.
Down the stretch, the penalties came less frequently, but were still a problem in big moments. In year two under Coen, this will have to be a point of emphasis. The Jaguars can put up points against anyone. Remaining disciplined will be key to repeating their success.
Balancing Skillsets
Despite the team’s prolific scoring output, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter were not able to find their footing. Thomas Jr. at times looked uncomfortable, did not fit into the system easily, and would go through long stretches without receiving the ball. Hunter was trying to balance learning both sides of the ball and fit into an offense where everyone was learning on the fly.
Hunter will be playing primarily on the defensive side of the ball, with limited snaps on offense. The question is: When do the Jaguars use him? Critical third downs and red zone trips seem to be the most obvious, but other scenarios could come into play as well.
If one of the starting receivers leaves with an injury, or the Jaguars fall behind and have to make a comeback, do they play Hunter more? Hunter clearly has the talent to impact the offense even in limited snaps, but managing his usage will be a key factor in how he impacts and fits into the offense.
Thomas had a turbulent season that raised a lot of questions about his playstyle and fit. His presence opens things up for everyone else, but his best attributes, yards after catch and vertical routes, are typically used more sparingly. The offense succeeded without him having a single 100-yard game, but he is very capable of taking over games.
Thomas’s usage will also be a big point of emphasis throughout the season. The 2025 Jaguars receiving room saw even distribution and feeding the hot hand in each game, rather than having one dominant receiver. With Parker Washington’s ascension to end the season, how will they balance Thomas Jr.’s and Washington’s targets? Do they continue to build on last year, or does one stand out and command a large chunk of the targets?
Heading into 2026, the Jaguars offense has the talent and coaching to not only repeat it’s success, but become even better than they were before. However, this often appears to be the case in the NFL, and things such as poor fit, ego, discipline, injuries, or being figured out are all things that have hindered teams from repeating that success, and is why teams continue to add and adapt new players and schematic philosophies. How they react and adapt to these things will determine whether they repeat their success or fail dramatically.
Main Image: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
