Tag: ESPN’s

Jaguars find themselves at No. 28 spot of ESPN’s super-early power rankings

The Jags aren’t too high on ESPN’s power rankings but they at least have to options at quarterback.

The 2019 NFL season is officially over but that doesn’t mean it’s to early too start looking at next season. That’s exactly what ESPN did as soon as Super Bowl LIV ended by releasing their super-early power rankings.

Jacksonville Jaguars beat writer Mike DiRocco discussed the Jags’ outlook as they came in at the No. 28 spot. In a nutshell, he explained that one reason to be positive about the team was the fact that they have two proven quarterbacks heading into 2020, which is a problem other teams would gladly take in today’s type of league.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

2019 record: 6-10

Reason for optimism: The Jaguars have two quarterbacks who have proved they can win games in the league. Nick Foles won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia and Gardner Minshew won more games (six) than any other rookie QB in 2019. Foles struggled when coming back from a broken collarbone and got benched but has played well in long stretches before. Minshew could very well be the Jaguars’ QB of the future. Coach Doug Marrone will have to choose between the two — but that’s much better than trying to figure out ways to win games without having one reliable quarterback.

The Jags and both quarterbacks will have a new offensive coordinator after naming former Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden to the staff last month. However, for Nick Foles, it shouldn’t be an issue as he’ll be entering his ninth season.

Gardner Minshew II, who will be entering his second season, also will be ready for the change as he recently spoke out about this offseason’s upcoming competition at the Super Bowl.

“I got two and a half months right now to work my tail off to be as ready as I can be for my team,” Minshew said to Pro Football Talk. “We’ll show back up and I’m gonna try to prove I’m the best guy for my team and that I can help us win games. Anything beyond that is beyond my control.”

Once the Jags settle things behind center, they won’t necessarily be out of the clear though as either quarterback is going to need upgrades to the offensive line and some more weapons. There also needs to be upgrades at defensive tackle and linebacker.

Still, with how the league works, the key will be the quarterback position first and foremost. If either Foles or Minshew wins the job and can be a top-15 player at the position, that would be huge in improving the team in 2020.