The way that Jacksonville performed on the field last year reminded me, in a way, of the mid Marino-era Dolphins. I say that because both of those teams had glaring Achilles heels that they simply could not overcome. For Marino, it was the utter lack of any kind of running game. The team went through Running Back after Running Back and just couldn't find one who could produce. For the '15 Jacksonville Squad, it was Third Down Defense.

 

It just seemed that no matter what, the Defense couldn't get off of the field on Third Down. Maybe it was Pass Rush (this is my favorite culprit), maybe it was Coverage, maybe it was Scheme, but for whatever reason it was something that you just knew would not get fixed in-season. It was going to take talent infusion in order for the team to heal that particular wound.

 

I am as optimistic as I have ever been with this regime going into this season, and I agree with the OP's title. The team is ready to compete. They now have the pieces in place to compete with other teams, not so much the last few seasons. I'm also on board with the sentiment that the rookies are going to weak spots from time to time on Defense, and that the Offense is going to have to pay the freight for the greater part of the season, and that's okay. That's what the modern NFL is geared towards anyway.

 

Do I see them winning the Division? No. But I do see them being in the hunt until late in the season and to be competitive in every game that they're in. Not that they'll win, but no more of these 20-30 point blowouts.

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