The Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars both enter the 2024 NFL season under considerable scrutiny after their respective late-season downfalls last year. As kickoff approaches, both teams look to shed the disappointment of the past and validate their ambitious goals for the future.
The 2023 season saw both the Dolphins and Jaguars racing out to impressive 8-3 starts, igniting hope among their fanbases. However, as December rolled around, both teams faltered dramatically.
The Jaguars experienced a precipitous collapse, losing five of their last six games, thereby missing the playoffs and surrendering the AFC South title. Miami’s own unraveling occurred during the crucial final stretch, including a pair of regular season losses followed by a disheartening 19-point defeat in their playoff outing.
Heading into the new season, both teams have made significant adjustments. The Jaguars and Dolphins are both helmed by third-year head coaches and newly appointed first-year defensive coordinators. After extending contracts for their frequently criticized quarterbacks, the pressure is ramping up to prove that last year’s failures were mere aberrations.
In the lead-up to their week 1 clash, we consulted Zach Goodall from ‘Jaguars Wire’ for insights into what Miami should expect from the Jaguars:
- Patience in Jacksonville: Despite last year’s debacle, the sentiment towards coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence is mixed.
Injuries played a notable role in their downturn, with Trevor Lawrence and his top receiver Christian Kirk suffering significant setbacks. While the injury woes might be seen as fluky, the overall collapse has undoubtedly strained patience with Jacksonville’s leadership.
Owner Shad Khan has asserted an expectation of winning, describing this roster as potentially the best in franchise history.
- Defensive Changes: Under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, expect the Jaguars’ defense to showcase new looks and player rotations.
With a primary focus on a 4-2-5 alignment, versatility will be key, featuring players like edge rusher Travon Walker and defensive linemen Arik Armstead and Maason Smith in varied roles. The defense will also heavily incorporate man coverage, similar to Nielsen’s previous schemes.
- Offensive Weapons Shift: Calvin Ridley’s departure opens the door for first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. to become a central figure in Jacksonville’s offense. Though expectations for Thomas to instantly fill Ridley’s shoes may be tempered, his preseason performance suggests he’ll indeed be a significant part of the Jaguars’ offensive strategy.
- Players to Watch: On offense, running back Tank Bigsby is set for an expanded role in his sophomore year, while on defense, linebacker Chad Muma could be on the cusp of a breakout season.
Both the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars are on a mission to quash doubts and prove their true capabilities. As the new season dawns, the stakes are high, with redemption squarely in their sights.