Don Pierson

The big question for the Jaguars is the same question: can quarterback Byron Leftwich get the job done?

And there's another part to the question: can Leftwich stay healthy enough to show whether he can get the job done?

After missing 16 of the team's last 21 games with injuries and clashing with coach Jack Del Rio over whether he or David Garrard should play, Leftwich was named the starting quarterback soon after the season, leaving little room for offseason speculation.

Nevertheless, the Jaguars also showed interest in Miami's Daunte Culpepper and were second-guessed for passing up Brady Quinn in the draft, so Leftwich is nowhere close to answering the questions just because he retained the job.

Adapting to the new, simpler offense of new coordinator Dirk Koetter is the first order of business for a team in desperate need of upgrading a passing game that ranked 24th. It's the only major element of the Jaguars' offense or defense that didn't rank in the top half of the league.

To jump start the passing game, which faltered when Jimmy Smith suddenly retired before last season, the Jaguars added Cleveland slot receiver Dennis Northcutt and Minnesota tight end Jermaine Wiggins, drafted promising Mike Walker in the third round, and hope second-year tight end Marcedes Lewis and third-year receiver Matt Jones continue to develop.

A lot of uncertainties have to come together to raise the passing game to an acceptable level. It's not like the Jaguars have ignored the problem. Fourth-year receiver Reggie Williams, Jones and Lewis are all former first-round draft choices. Williams led the club in catches last season and started to realize his potential, but a total of 52 receptions for an average of just 11.8 yards and only four touchdowns is not going to overwhelm many defenses. Williams and Jones both nursed offseason injuries and need to get well fast in camp.

Ernest Wilford and Jones had bigger averages than Williams. The rookie Walker looked good enough in mini-camps to provide hope for a more consistent deep threat. Del Rio wants to increase overall team speed and Walker is a big part of the plans. If he can emerge as something anywhere close to last year's rookie second-round phenom, running back Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars could finally be on their way to unseating the Colts.

Jones-Drew was simply spectacular, averaging 5.7 yards rushing while sharing time with Fred Taylor, catching 46 passes as the primary third-down back, and averaging 27.7 yards on kickoff returns.

The Jaguars expect this year's top draft choice, safety Reggie Nelson, to make a similar impact on a defense that finished second overall only to Baltimore. As good as the defense is, Nelson was handed the free safety job vacated by departed Deon Grant. The Jaguars also surprisingly released safety Donovin Darius, leaving the job to Gerald Sensabaugh. The presence of Pro Bowl cornerback Rashean Mathis alone makes the secondary better than average, but Del Rio sees the possibility of big improvement.

With pressure from pass rusher Bobby McCray and a stout front anchored by tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, the Jaguars should be able to come up with more turnovers. But McCray sat out the offseason before signing a one-year tender and will need camp to round into condition. Stroud will work on avoiding nagging injuries. They are hoping Reggie Hayward can return from an Achilles injury.

Hotseat
Easily Leftwich. He's in his fifth year now and will be playing for a new contract. Escaping from past injuries and learning a new offense will no longer serve as excuses as Del Rio and vice president of player personnel James Harris must find out for sure whether Leftwich can cut it long term. If Leftwich comes through, the Jaguars could go a long way in the playoffs. If not, they may find themselves starting over in 2008 when they can only hope the defense and running games can keep their window open. Leftwich's first concern is health and he has adopted a weight-loss and conditioning program with renewed purpose.

Overheard
In mini-camps, second-year pass rush prospect Brent Hawkins, whose rookie season was cut short by injury, was so impressive the Jaguars can't wait to put on pads. The fifth-round pick in 2006 out of Illinois State displayed great explosiveness. He had two sacks in a limited role before a groin injury ended his season in early November. Wide receiver Charles Sharon, who didn't play much as a free agent rookie, also has opened enough eyes in the offseason for him to be a candidate for more action. Veteran free agent Tony Pashos was signed from Baltimore to start at right tackle and help stabilize an offensive line critical to Leftwich's health.

Outlook
The Jaguars have the good fortune of playing division rivals Tennessee, Houston and Indianapolis in the first seven weeks-all at home. The Jaguars lost twice to lowly Houston last year and finished 2-4 in the division, a shortcoming they must correct if they expect to do anything in the playoffs.

Prediction
Second.

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