(01-03-2022, 10:47 AM)jaglou53 Wrote: This is a good question. Following a 50-10 shellacking from the Patriots and a combined 3 wins over the past 2 seasons, my initial answer would be "yes."  Having the 1st pick in consecutive years is an embarrassment and places us alongside the Browns, Lions and Jets as worst franchises in modern NFL history.

As an eternal optimist regarding the Jaguars, I can make a case that all hope is not lost based on the following:

1. A new general manager must be hired following this season. This team has failed due to its inability to draft the best players, especially in round 1. Regardless of how good the quarterback is, if he doesn't have a good supporting cast the team cannot win. Khan needs to listen to his fanbase and not show the patience with Baalke that he did with Caldwell. Hiring a competent general manager is at the top of my list.

2. Khan and the new general manager must pick the right guy as head coach. Hopefully the G.M. will be hired first and be part of this process. There are several very good candidates who would likely be interested. My main criteria is that they have adequate experience and strong leadership ability. If Peterson interviews well, he would be an excellent choice. If there are significant concerns regarding his departure from Philly, there are other good candidates who have been mentioned since Meyer was fired.

3. Trevor Lawrence has the potential to be an elite NFL quarterback. Those who have already called him a "bust" are not being reasonable. He has had very little help from his receivers this season and the offensive line got progressively worse. Add in the fact that rookie quarterbacks typically struggle and I have ZERO concerns that he can be a great quarterback. He has the physical tools and leadership ability to thrive in the NFL, but he still will need an adequate supporting cast.

4. No doubt, the 2021 Jaguars had the least talent of any team in the NFL. It will take at least 2 good draft classes and free agent acquisitions to challenge the Titans and Colts for the AFC South title. That being said, there are some current players I believe are capable of being part of the foundation of this team moving forwards. Cam Robinson played much better this season and should be franchised again and Walker Little is likely to take over at right tackle. Dan Arnold was the best receiving tight end we have seen in a Jaguars uniform in a long time. If James Robinson and Etienne both recover sufficiently, their running back position can be a strength. The draft and free agency must focus on revamping the interior of the offensive line and adding at least 2 receivers- one of which has the speed our current group lacks. On defense, Hamilton, Brown, Smoot, Jack, Griffin and Campbell, along with a healthy Josh Allen, have all shown enough to remain part of the 2022 team. Cisco also has the physical tools and should also be part of this defense alongside Jenkins at safety. Adding Thibodeaux or Hutchinson would give this defense a huge boost.

5. It goes without saying that Shad Khan has done a terrible job. However, I give him credit for firing Meyer, a guy he so badly wanted to hire. I believe he'll also fire Baalke following the wrath our fans have shown about the possibility of him being retained. Khan is also willing to spend a lot of money on free agents, more than any other owners during his time here.


These 5 factors allow me to still have hope that this franchise can be turned around. However, if Khan does retain Baalke, my hope will be gone and I will most likely no longer be a season ticket-holder. We will know the answer to this question no later than 24 hours after the season finale against the Colts.

And therein lies the largest source of angst in point #2. Khan should be doing that RIGHT NOW. Instead, he still has Baalke on the payroll potentially keeping away quality HC hires. There's been lots of rumor concerning the future of Baalke with no definite proclamation from Khan. This is what drives this madness. He does everything in half measures.

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