This offseason will define the Jaguars future in Jacksonville
The Super Bowl is in the history books and the off season no one really wanted to think about is upon us. From now until early March (and possibly longer) all we’ll be hearing about is the NFL vs the player’s union. All of the good feelings and recording ratings the league has been getting will be put to the test should this potential lockout become a prolonged issue.
In particular, it is going to present special challenges to Jacksonville. Tony Boselli and Team Teal began the process of bringing the Jaguars back from the brink last season and it was a successful first season. However, part 2 may well end up being harder. They are now going to be charged with convincing people to invest in football when there is a chance football won’t even happen in 2011.
In a blue collar town like Jacksonville, millionaires fighting with billionaires will never go over well. In times when the city has double digit unemployment and many of the better jobs are leaving town, it could lead to outright mutiny. Wayne Weaver will need to conjure up some good PR to keep the organization in a positive light if a lockout does happen.
Whether a lockout happens is more or less out of the Jaguars control. However, several other major pieces are. Most importantly will be getting a quarterback for the future.
Whenever Gene Smith makes the call to get a QB, it is going to be one of the most crucial picks in the history of the franchise. Get the pick right, and I believe most of the ticket issues will disappear. The Jaguars will never get out of the perennial 7-9/8-8 hole if they can’t find a quality QB. If and when that happens, this team could once again be a fixture in the playoffs.
Winning creates a buzz which creates a demand for tickets. Look at the Packers and the Steelers. Would they have their insane fan bases and waiting lists if they haven’t been amongst the NFL’s most successful teams for almost 50 years? With the stadium capacity reduced, there is no excuse for the stadium to be sold out if the Jaguars become a consistent winner.
If the Jaguars miss on the pick, well, we only need to see what happened with Byron Leftwich. That pick still haunts this franchise in multiple ways. However, the major issue is that pick began a movement of fan disenchantment that culminated in the dismal 2009 attendance. If whoever the Jaguars pick doesn’t work out, will fans stick around for another chance?
-Jonathan Loesche
