Three Questions: When will Blake Bortles make his debut? There have been rumors that Bortles could sit out the entire year as he tries to learn the nuances of adjusting to a pro-style offense as compared to the spread offense he was used to in college. Also hindering an appearance this year is an inexperienced offensive line. But, if the line comes together quickly, Bortles could make a brief appearance towards the end of the season. Have the Jaguars done enough to shore up their passrush? With the addition of established veterans Clemons and Ziggy Hood, along with the defensive mindset that coach Gus Bradley brought with him from the Seahawks, it’s conceivable that they have done enough to ensure that their pass-rush will be better than last year. In addition, Branch will need to take another step forward this year after an impressive final seven games to his season. Can the Jaguars make a run at the division? The short answer is probably not. But this is a team on the rise after a strong draft to fill needs at the skill positions. In reality, this is more of a transition year for Bradley’s team, but with the return of Blackmon from suspension, additional offensive line depth, and a piece or two in the secondary over the next year, this team could make a run at a playoff spot in a season or two. slightly last year, he will need to allow his punt team a chance to make a play downfield without putting it in the end zone. Prediction The Jaguars will improve in several areas of their team, especially in the pass-rush. Also expect a solid season out of Gerhart, as he will be the focal point of the offense until Bortles is ready to take control of the team. Week Day Time Opponents 1 September 7 1:00PM ET @ Philadelphia Eagles 2 September 14 1:00PM ET @ Washington Redskins 3 September 21 1:00PM ET Indianapolis Colts 4 September 28 4:05PM ET @ San Diego Chargers 5 October 5 1:00PM ET Pittsburgh Steelers 6 October 12 1:00PM ET @ Tennessee Titans 7 October 19 1:00PM ET Cleveland Browns 8 October 26 1:00PM ET Miami Dolphins 9 November 2 1:00PM ET @ Cincinnati Bengals 10 November 9 1:00PM ET Dallas Cowboys 11 Bye Week 12 November 23 1:00PM ET @ Indianapolis Colts 13 November 30 1:00PM ET New York Giants 14 December 7 1:00PM ET Houston Texans 15 December 14 1:00PM ET @ Baltimore Ravens 16 December 18 8:25PM ET Tennessee Titans 17 December 28 1:00PM ET @ Houston Texans and even scored a touchdown from the defensive side of the ball. More of the same will be expected out of the former Dick Butkus award-winner if the Jaguars defense is to improve as a unit. One area where management will have to make a decision is in the secondary. Who will the starting cornerbacks be? This situation will sort itself out, but rookie Aaron Colvin should make an appearance in the secondary once he is fully recovered form an ACL tear he suffered just before the draft at a Senior Bowl practice. He could turn out to be the lock-down corner the team has been searching for, as long as he returns to his old self. Defensive Player to Watch While the Jaguars brought in Clemons for his pass-rushing expertise, the 32-year old is coming off of a 4.5 sack campaign due in part to an ACL tear he suffered in a 2013 playoff game against the Washington Redskins. He played in 14 games, but started in only eleven as he was not yet fully recovered. For the Jaguars to be successful, Clemons has to be the player he was in his first three years with the Seahawks when he compiled 33.5 sacks for one of the top defenses in the league. If he returns to that level, his impact could cover up a glaring weakness in the defensive backfield while also allowing Andre Branch some freedom on the opposite side. Jaguars Special Teams One area where the team doesn’t need to worry is at kicker where Josh Scobee has been a stalwart on the team for the last 10 years. He will be an important piece for the offense again this year after last year’s impressive performance when he made 92 percent of his kicks with five of those coming from 50-yards or more, including a 55-yarder against the Buffalo Bills. If the offense can’t cross the goal line, Scobee will be leaned on heavily to put the ball through the uprights. Coming back for his third year with the team, Bryan Anger will handle the punting duties once again in 2014. He showed off a booming leg last year as he averaged 45.7 yards per punt while putting 31 inside the 20. His touchback percentage increased 2014 SCHEDULE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
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