The Jacksonville Jaguars have not been viewed as playoff contenders for quite some time but are hoping that they can surprise the NFL in 2016. They have been building very well over the past few offseasons, and there is no question that they have made massive improvements.
Looking ahead at the 2016 season, there are many reasons to believe that they can make some noise.
Blake Bortles showed flashes of being a franchise quarterback for the Jaguars last season. He has shown major improvement since first coming into the league and Jacksonville will need him to step up more than ever this coming season.
Jacksonville has focused on improving their defense since hiring Gus Bradley as their head coach. They may not be hyped up as one of the top defenses in the NFL, but they certainly have a lot of talent put together. Defense will be what carries them this season in the AFC South.
All of that being said, what five bold predictions can be made for the Jacksonville Jaguars heading into the 2016 NFL season?
Blake Bortles Will Throw for 4,000 Yards, 30 Touchdowns, Under Eight Interceptions
This will be the season that the Jaguars are proven right for believing in Bortles and drafting him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He will throw for at least 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns while throwing under eight interceptions. Jacksonville has needed a franchise quarterback and they have their man.
Chris Ivory Will Rush for 1,150 Yards, 12 Touchdowns
Finding a legitimate ground game was a big deal for the Jaguars heading into the offseason this year. Chris Ivory ended up signing with the Jaguars and he will be a major impact player for the Jaguars. He will rush for at least 1,150 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season and will take a lot of pressure off of Bortles’ shoulders.
Davon House Records Five Interceptions, 15 Defensed Passes
Davon House was not a household name heading into last season, but he made a major impact for the Jaguars. He will step up once again this season and will record at least five interceptions and 15 defensed passes. Jacksonville needs their secondary to step up with quarterbacks like Andrew Luck, Brock Osweiler and Marcus Mariota in the division and House will do just that.
Myles Jack Wins the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award
Jacksonville was thrilled to select Myles Jack with their second round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Jack was widely viewed as a top-five pick in the draft class, but long-term concerns about his knee caused him to drop. He will come out looking to prove a point this year and will win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Jacksonville Jaguars Will Make the Playoffs as a Wild Card
Despite most of the media not believing the Jaguars will make the playoffs, they will find a way to shock the league. They have put together a lot of talent, and it will pay off for them. Jacksonville will get into the playoffs as a Wild Card team and their tough rebuilding process will finally pan out.
Expect to see the Jaguars be a much more competitive team this season and surprise a lot of people. They will not be a pushover anymore and will look to get revenge on some of the teams that have beaten up on them in recent history. Jacksonville fans should buckle up and get ready for a very entertaining season.
Do you think the Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to make the playoffs in the 2016 NFL season? What do you think their record will end up being this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
[AP Photo/Mark Zaleski]