After their uncommonly successful run of four consecutive playoff seasons as
an expansion franchise, the Jaguars fell on hard, humiliating times in 2000,
finishing 7-9 and out of the playoffs.
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CAMP AT A GLANCE
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| Tom Coughlin runs a tight ship in Jacksonville. |
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Location:Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.
Rookies report: July 26
Veterans report: July 26
Preseason schedule:
Aug. 10: Carolina
Aug. 16: at New Orleans
Aug. 23: Kansas City
Aug. 30: at Dallas
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What followed was an offseason roster purge because of the team's poor
salary cap standing. Twenty-two players were either released or allowed to
leave via free agency. But Jags' coach Tom Coughlin believe the team kept
it's core in place.
Man in the spotlight
There have been a number of rumors swirling around
Coughlin in terms of whether he might jump ship and go coach in college again
(Notre Dame has been mentioned). Coughlin's army-drill style is often
questioned by some of his players, but the proof to his success was stated in
that the team did not quit last season after starting off 2-6. Many eyes will
be on Coughlin to see how he regroups his team in 2001.
Key position battle
With the Jags looking to upgrade their defense,
incumbent starting outside linebacker Lonnie Marts is expected to be pushed
by rookie third-round draft pick Eric Westmoreland out of Tennessee.
Biggest adjustment
How will Jacksonville rebound after a losing season? The
core of this team has been used to winning, so you wonder whether confidence
was shaken by 2000 or whether Coughlin has the team convinced that 2000 was
an aberration.
Rookie report
As mentioned above, Westmoreland, with his terrific speed,
could be a starter soon. Georgia defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, the team's
top pick, should be a starter soon and could be a key run stopper. With
veteran punter Bryan Barker let go via free agency, fifth-round pick David
Leaverton from Tennessee could immediately replace him.
Jaguars' complete offseason moves
