Jags Hoping Winning Culture from NCAA Transfers to NFL
Looking at the Jacksonville Jaguars record from 2020, the number 1 will be attached to the left side of the column indicating the number of wins. But the Jags also had one other big win last season — the No. 1 draft pick. “Winning” the top pick of the 2021 draft was also known as winning the Trevor Lawrence lottery. Now the question is, how far can Jacksonville climb with its new franchise quarterback?
According to BetUS, one of the top sportsbooks at Online Betting Sports, the Over/Under total for wins this season is set at 6.5. Bettors taking the over will have current odds of +120, while those taking the Under will have -150 odds.
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Out With The Old, In With The New
Jacksonville said there would be a quarterback competition during training camp and throughout the preseason between Lawrence and Gardner Minshew. But it came as no surprise to anyone that Lawrence was announced as the NFL Week 1 starter just ahead of the Jags final preseason game, which promptly resulted in Minshew being traded to Philly. Even if Minshew would have played perfectly in the first two preseason games and dazzled in camp, it would have been hard for the Jags not to go with the guy they selected as the face of the franchise with the No. 1 pick.
Can College Success Translate to NFL
Between Lawrence and new Head Coach Urban Meyer, the two new faces of the Jags have a total of four national championships between them. Lawrence finished his impressive career at Clemson with a 34-2 record and a national title, while Meyer’s mark in the college ranks was 187-32 with three national championships. Whether or not that same success can continue in the NFL ranks is to be seen, but there’s no question they both know what it takes to win and a championship pedigree is not a bad thing to have on your team at the two most important leadership positions.
Other Key Players
James Robinson returns as the top running back for the Jags after totaling 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Carlos Hyde comes over from Seattle. Lawrence’s teammate at Clemson, Travis Etienne was lost for the season during training camp.
Marvin Jones and DJ Chark will be Lawrence’s top targets this season while Laviska Shenault looks to build off a 58-reception, 600-yard season from a season ago.
Chris Manhertz and James O’Shaughnessy are listed as the top two tight ends on the Jags depth chart at the end of the preseason.
Quick Start
The Jags’ only win last season came in the very first week when they stunned the Indianapolis Colts. This season could see another NFL Week 1 win as Jacksonville faces Houston in the opener. According to Bovada, the Jags open as a 3-point favorite with -105 odds to cover the spread. Bettors taking Jacksonville on the Moneyline have -150 odds.
Divisional Odds and More
According to Betonline, another one of the top sportsbooks at Online Betting Sports, the Jags’ odds of winning the AFC South stand at +600. Betonline also has the Jags odds of making the playoffs at +300, while bettors can also make the option of the team not qualifying for the postseason at -400.
According to BetUS, Lawrence’s odds of winning Rookie of the Year stand at +350, tied with New England’s Mac Jones.
Prediction
There may be some magic between Lawrence and Meyer leading the way, but they are not miracle workers. Although it’s not saying much, the team should see a significant improvement from last season. However, reaching the projected win total of 6.5 may still be a stretch for this season. One step at a time, but no doubt the team is headed in the right direction.
Final 2021-22 Season Record: 4-13, 3rd in AFC South
