Well my fellow Jaguars fan, it may have been a rough season, but we made it to the end. Even though it was a disappointing season, we have to look at the bright side, at least we can learn from this year. Here’s just a few things I think we learned in 2o12.

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1. Blaine Gabbert is NOT the answer:

In case you were giving him the benefit of the doubt during his rookie season, I hope you learned your lesson.  While this may be a huge let down… At least everyone is aware of the issue & we can move forward. I better not see him sneak up the depth chart EVER again. While he may be right when he said during his post-season interview that he has not had the easiest time in the NFL considering his two years in the league consistent of an owner & coaching change plus a serious injury. However, in my opinion Gabbert is not starting QB quality.

2. The Jaguars without Maurice Jones Drew is as painful as we imagined:

If there’s one player Jaguars fans NEVER want to see go down, that’s MJD. He is the heart & soul of the Jags. Unfortunately, our worst nightmare came true this season & it was painful. If there was a shining light on the Jacksonville offense, it was MJD. Just one year ago, Mojo was the NFL leading rusher. Without him Jacksonville went from having the 12th ranked rushing game in 2011, to the 30th ranked rushing game in 2012.

3. (2-14) teams still have dedicated fans:

If you don’t believe me, check out the fan base on Twitter…. Or take a look at this picture from EverBank this season. Keep in mind, the Jaguars only won one home game this season.

4. People who hate on Jacksonville’s fan base are simple uneducated:

I hear about it all the time… “Aren’t all the Jaguars game blacked out”… “Are you two the only people in the stands”… “The Jags are going to LA” … Let me tell you how hard I laugh every time .. NOT. Let me shed a little light on this situation… Did you know that in 2012 Jacksonville had an average stadium attendance higher than teams like Pittsburgh, Chicago, & Detroit. In fact the Jaguars finished 20th in the attendance rankings for 2012. That means there’s 12 franchises that had less fans turn out this season than the 2-14 Jaguars.

» Continue reading “What Jaguars Fans Learned In 2012″

If yesterday’s Jaguars-Texans game didn’t get your blood pumping, you won’t understand this post. If you didn’t get way too crazy in a local bar, or your living room, to the point you felt like you were at EverBank, you probably won’t understand this optimistic post the day after a Jaguars game. However, if you are like me & scared half your neighborhood due to all the screaming & commotion going on in you house between 1:00- 5:00 pm yesterday, then you will complete identify with the fact the Jaguars made me proud… For the first time, in a long time.

Yesterday’s matchup may have not ended the way Jags fans had hoped, but that’s no reason to be upset. At the end of OT, I couldn’t help but be proud of what the Jaguars had accomplished. Here are the top 5 things I’m most excited about from yesterday… In no particular order:

1. Gabbert Was Replaced:
   Chad Henne… Chad Henne… Chad Henne…He could be half my list. I mean what a phenomenal game from Henne. Anyone remember the last time Gabbert threw 4 TD passes? … I’ll wait. Oh, never? That’s right. Let’s not forget Henne also didn’t throw any interceptions or have any pathetic fumbles, or as I like to call these things “Typ Gabs”… Short for Typical Gabbert’s.
2. First Round Draft Pick Paid Off:
   Justin FREAKING Blackmon ended yesterday’s game with 236 yards, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Where have you been sunshine? Just when critics started calling this first round draft pick a bust, he shows America isn’t not his lack of talent… It’s his lack of a QB. Week 11 was just the beginning of a successful career in Jacksonville. [Gabbert's position on the depth chart pending.] Blackmon proved he is a player maker & can get his job done. 
   
3. We’re A Road Team:
   This team does NOT like to play at home. I don’t know what it is about EverBank that makes them perform terribly. Maybe it’s the lack of fans cheering, step it up DUVAL. Whatever it is, it’s clear the Jaguars would rather be on the road. That’s why they beat the Colts in Indy, just to turn around & be embarrassed at home. Or why they were destroyed in week 2 by the Texans, just to score 37 pts and send the game into OT when in Houston. Who knows why this is happening… But at this rate I’d rather them stay on the road. At least I won’t have to drive 6 hours to watch them lose.
4. Jacksonville Has A Tight End:
   I have a love-hate relationship with Marcedes. Most of the time I’m hating on him, but it’s just because I love him & expect more. Yesterday, that’s what I want out of him EVERY game. 2 TDS, that is what I’m talking about! Now if we could only step up the yardage a little bit, I’d put you on my fantasy team. A girl can dream right?
   
5. Their Level of Ability:
   This team may be 1-9, but that has nothing to do with the level they are able to compete on when they actually get it together. We caught a glimpse of what the Jaguars were capable of in week 1 vs Minnesota. Then in week 3 they managed to pull out a win. However, very bright moment seems  to be overshadowed. In week 8 they held the Packers to a 9 point lead, which gave fans hope. Yesterday’s matchup proved they can compete with a 9-1 team, even if there record does not reflect such.

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12 hours ago I decided to put this post off until I had slept, relaxed & possibly even articulated something that was uplifting & bright.

Needless to say, that didn’t happen.

How could it after your team drops it’s 3rd straight home game in a devastating blow-out. Rather than trying to recap that disaster, I’ll just leave you with a few FUN [Depressing] Facts.

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2012 Jacksonville Fun Facts

- In the first five weeks the Jaguars have had 138 points scored against them, only to score less than half of that on their own.. racking up 65 points of their own.

- In five games, first round pick Justin Blackmon has only recorded 13 receptions for 119 yards. Meanwhile fellow rookie WR & 20th overall pick by the Titans in the 2012 draft, Kendall Wright has managed to record 27 catches for 214 yards. That’s twice the amount of receptions as Blackmon.

- At home this season, the Jaguars opponents have scored 95 points against them, with only 20 points scored by Jacksonville.

- Gabbert has started off the 2012 season with 5 touchdowns & 6 turnovers; 3 fumbles & 3 INTs. Not to mention he managed to complete 80 passes out of his 146 attempted passes for a total of 796 yards.

- At home the Jaguars have acculumated 518 total offensive yards, while their opponents have racked up 1,294 offensive yards.

- Since December 12, 2010 Jacksonville fans have only been able to celebrate 6 wins.

- Sunday’s game versus the Bears had a score of 3-3 with 5:45 left in the 3rd quarter…. We were only down by ONE measly field goal with TWENTY minutes left in the game.

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You’re welcome Jaguars fans.

Feel free to add your own “Fun Facts” below…

As we enter the fifth week of the NFL season, things are already looking pretty depressing. With a 1-3 record, that consists of two games that weren’t even close, things aren’t looking bright in Jacksonville. This week the Jaguars prepare to host the Bears on Sunday.

After this week’s MNF game, Jacksonville fans know that their team better come to play on Sunday. The Bears defense destroyed Tony Romo… That makes me beyond pessimistic for Sunday’s matchup.

Can’t wait to see how our boy Blaine Gabbert performs versus a defense of that caliber.

Is it too soon for me to start chanting “Henne… Henne…Henne”….

In the meantime, here are the top new stories circling Duval this week.

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Florida Times-Union: Jaguars’ Laurent Robinson sitting out

Washington Post: Jaguars have managed a total of 329 yards in home losses against Texans, Bengals

SB Nation: All-22 Analysis – What is the Jaguars defense doing wrong?

CBS Sports: Eben Britton and Michael Brewster battling for starting LG job

SB Nation: Josh Scobee could tie Jaguars field goal record vs. Bears

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For more News From The Jungle, make sure to follow me on Twitter.

After another devastating loss on Sunday to the Bengals, it seems the Jaguars season is heading further & further into the wrong direction. For the fourth time in the franchise’s history they are heading into week 5 with a record of 1-3.

The Jaguars will host the Bears on Sunday and are eager to win their first home game of the season. Don’t worry, us fans feel the same way!

Let’s take a look at what Jags fans are thinking about the 2012 season so far…

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Follow me on Twitter for more news from the Jaguars Nation.