2014 NFL Preview: Everything you need to know about the Jacksonville Jaguars

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Jacksonville Jaguars 

Schedule | Roster

The Jaguars had a historically bad start in 2013, beginning the year with eight straight losses by an average of over 22 points a game. Promising wide receiver Justin Blackmon returned from suspension and looked like the real deal, only to be indefinitely suspended for substance abuse issues. Compounding the team's problems, No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel played just five games before his season came to an end with a broken ankle.

The Jags looked destined for the 1st overall pick, but turned things around following their bye week. Jacksonville went 4-4 in the second half of the season. The team seemed to rally around head coach Gus Bradley, feeding off his enthusiasm.

Preseason Power Ranking - #29

The Jaguars aren't in a hurry to contend; they're building slowly so they remain a contender for years once they make the leap. The plan for this year is to establish a winning attitude by punishing opponents in the run game. More ...

Key Additions/Departures

Key Additions: G Zane Beadles, RB Toby Gerhart, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons, DT Ziggy Hood

Key Departures: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, QB Blaine Gabbert, C Brad Meester, G Uche Nwaneri

The Jaguars finally put an end to the Blaine Gabbert era by trading him to the San Francisco 49ers in March. Bradley came to Jacksonville after serving as the Seattle Seahawks' defensive coordinator, so it came as no surprise to see the Jags look to get stronger along the defensive line by adding a pair of ex-Seahawks in Chris Clemons and Red Bryant, fresh off their Super Bowl victory.

Gerhart will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to replace the face of the franchise in Jones-Drew. Jacksonville has been carried by running backs since pretty much the beginning of the franchise, most recently with Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor before him leading the way. Gerhart will be given the opportunity to carry on the tradition.

2014 Draft Class

The Jaguars made the first surprising move on draft day by selecting Bortles out of Central Florida, as there hadn't been much talk of Jacksonville looking in his direction. The Jaguars have said Chad Henne will start at quarterback this season, while Bortles - to borrow a college term - "redshirts" in order to prepare to be the quarterback of the future.

Jacksonville landed a pair of high-quality wide receivers in the second round in Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, an important position to address considering the ongoing indefinite suspension to 2012 fifth overall pick Justin Blackmon and the suspension to Ace Sanders. Bortles should be able to develop good chemistry with his young wideouts, plus he will also have a familiar face in the backfield, as the Jags selected his college teammate, running back Storm Johnson, with their final pick.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Gus Bradley
Offensive Coordinator: Jedd Fisch
Defensive Coordinator: Bob Babich

All three coaches are returning for their second season with the Jaguars. Bradley and company didn't have much talent to work with on the roster when they first arrived, but Bradley was able to bring a lot of positivity to Jacksonville, which seemed to help the second-half turnaround.

Bradley is the kind of coach players love to play for, and the Jags have done a good job in bringing in the type of players that are best suited for his style of roster.

2014 Schedule

The season gets off to a tough start for the Jags with road games at Philadelphia and Washington. Three of Jacksonville's first four games come against 2013 playoff teams, which could mean the Jaguars get off to a disastrous start for a second straight year.

The schedule looks to get a little less daunting as the season progresses, with three of Jacksonville's final four games coming within the division, including both matchups against the last place Texans.

Bold Predictions

Johnathan Cyprien makes the Pro Bowl. Cyprien had a rough start to the 2013 season (as did the entire team), but the rookie came on down the stretch and was arguably the Jaguars' best defender by the end of the season. Cyprien is a hard-hitting safety who can rack up the tackles (he had over 100 as a rookie) but has the quickness to be a difference maker in coverage as well. As long as the Jags don’t get off to another 0-8 start (which could happen), Cyprien will make a name for himself as people wonder about the identity of No. 37 making big plays, game in and game out. - Mike Dickson

Toby Gerhart will lead the league in rushing attempts. Now out from behind the shadow of one of the NFL’s all-time greatest running backs, Gerhart will prove what those who follow the Vikings closely have known for years: he’s a power back with surprising wiggle. He’ll be like Michael Turner circa 2008 for the Jaguars. Head coach Bradley will ask him to carry a huge load to mask the Jaguars’ offensive deficiencies in the passing game. Gerhart has a chance to lead the NFL in carries and could even contend for the rushing title if candidates like Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy and his former teammate up in Minnesota falter. - David Woods

Marqise Lee wins offensive rookie of the year. Lee would have been at least a top-10 pick had he declared for the draft a year ago, but a down campaign saw him fall to the second round. With Blackmon and Ace Sanders serving suspensions, look for Lee to be the benefactor with a big year. - Michael Amato