When discussing the prospects of the 2015 Jaguars, most of the talk surrounds the development of Blake Bortles and the receivers, whether Luke Joeckel can develop into a good LT, the health of guys like SenDerrick Marks, and this year's rookie class.

 

All of the above and more are legitimate concerns for Jags fans, and the following is not intended to minimize the importance of all of the above.

 

Nevertheless, there is a concern I don't think has gotten enough attention-special teams.

 

As I look back on last year, I count at least three (3) winnable games off the top of my head that were lost in large part by special teams blunders: 

 

The first Tennessee game was lost when Bortles moved the team into FG range in the last minute, only to have Scobee's FG attempt blocked.  The Jaguars lost by two (2).  Granted it was a 55 yarder-certainly not a gimme-but within Scobee's range.

 

Cincinnati was a winnable game, but a blocked punt for a safety, a 27 yard punt giving Cincinnati good field position (starting @ Cin 38), allowing a 31 yard punt return by Pacman Jones giving Cincinnati good field position (starting @ Jaguars 23 yard line) were key plays in the game.  Those three plays directly led to a safety, and gave the Bengals a short field to add another FG and TD.  The Jaguars lost that game by ten (10).

 

Finally, the first score of the Baltimore game was a blocked punt returned for a TD in a game the Jaguars lost by 8.

 

On top of that, the team ranked 22nd in punt returns with a long of only 23.

 

Not only did the Special teams hurt the team specifically in three games, but it failed to turn the momentum to the Jaguars in any game.

 

If the special teams did their part in those games, instead of a 3-13 record, we are talking about 5-11 or even 6-10 if things bounced right-just by eliminating the breakdowns in the Tennessee, Cincinnati and Baltimore games.  Maybe the team ekes out another win with a positive play from special teams

 

Suddenly the Jaguars have an air of semi respectability going into this season.

 

This young team still has lots of growing to do.  The good news is that it appears there is a nucleus of young talent here from the last two drafts that gives this fan base some legitimate hope for a brighter future.  But in order for this team to take the step from picking at the top of the draft every year to respectability and some semblance of contention in November, special teams has to perform to at least an average level of competency.

 

Can any of you guys think of reasons why the team can or can't raise their level on special teams?

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