Since winning the AFC South title and nearly reaching the Super Bowl in 2017, the Jacksonville Jaguars have seen a lot of futility. They followed that division title up with a 5-11 record in 2018 and a 6-10 record in 2019. And those records looked fantastic compared to 2020 and 2021, when the Jags won a combined four games. On Saturday night, they clinched the AFC South title, beating the Tennessee Titans in dramatic fashion.
In a way, the 2022 season and even Saturday night’s game mirrored Jacksonville’s recent play. Both started slow. The Jaguars were 3-7 heading into their Week 10 bye week and trailed for most of Saturday’s game against the Titans. In both cases, the Jags stormed back. After the bye week, Jacksonville went 6-1. And while the Jaguars trailed for most of Week 18’s game, they kept it close enough that one big play from the defense was enough to turn the game around.
JAGS FOR THE LEAD! 🏈🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZX4qZUWeZz
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 8, 2023
The Jaguars defense came through again on the ensuing possession, sealing the win for Jacksonville.
The Jaguars get the fourth-down stop, and they're going to win the AFC South! 🏈 pic.twitter.com/bzwONyXJfy
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 8, 2023
Rich Eisen of the NFL Network pointed out that the Jaguars did something that only two other teams have done since the 1970 merger.
“The 2022 @jaguars join the 2004 Chargers and 2008 Dolphins as the only teams since the merger to win their divisions after selecting first overall in the previous NFL Draft,” he said.
The 2022 @jaguars join the 2004 Chargers and 2008 Dolphins as the only teams since the merger to win their divisions after selecting first overall in the previous NFL Draft.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) January 8, 2023
That’s true, but it also misses one point. While the then San Diego Chargers were terrible in 2003, going 4-12, they were 8-8 the year before. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins were 1-15 in 2007, but 6-10 in 2008. No, 8-8 and 6-10 aren’t great records but both maybe point to a team not being as bad as the record said it was the following year.
But the Jaguars are a different story. They were awful in 2021, going 3-14 and even worse the year before, going 1-15. Unlike the aforementioned Chargers and Dolphins, Jacksonville entered the 2022 season coming off of picking first overall in back-to-back drafts.
The amazing turnaround was noted.
Ari Meirov tweeted:
“The difference a year makes:
- January 9, 2022: Jaguars fans dress up as clowns to see the team in the regular season finale.
- January 7, 2023: Jaguars fans see their team win the AFC South in the regular season finale.”
The difference a year makes:
January 9, 2022: Jaguars fans dress up as clowns to see the team in the regular season finale.
January 7, 2023: Jaguars fans see their team win the AFC South in the regular season finale. pic.twitter.com/wquoLRk6Df
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 8, 2023
JaguarGator9, a Jaguars fan and YouTube host that details NFL history, was overcome with emotion.
“I’ve been crying and hyperventilating for the last 5 minutes. No exaggeration This does not feel real. Nothing about this feels real From back-to-back #1 picks to AFC South champions. One of the greatest single season turnarounds in NFL history We freaking did it.”
Michael Signora, NFL Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications, congratulated the Jaguars.
“Congrats to @Jaguars , from last place to AFC South champs! At least one @NFL team has won division the season after finishing last or tied for last in an incredible 18 of the past 20 seasons.”
I’ve been crying and hyperventilating for the last 5 minutes. No exaggeration
This does not feel real. Nothing about this feels real
From back-to-back #1 picks to AFC South champions. One of the greatest single season turnarounds in NFL history
We freaking did it
— JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) January 8, 2023
Congrats to @Jaguars, from last place to AFC South champs! At least one @NFL team has won division the season after finishing last or tied for last in an incredible 18 of the past 20 seasons
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) January 8, 2023
We just witnessed history. The Jaguars are officially the first team to go from firing a coach because he kicked a player and also skipped a team flight to grind on a random lady and also maybe didn't know who Aaron Donald was to making the playoffs in just one year.
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) January 8, 2023
Roger Sherman of the Ringer, meanwhile, sent out a humorous but also stunningly accurate tweet, detailing the team’s last two seasons.
We just witnessed history. The Jaguars are officially the first team to go from firing a coach because he kicked a player and also skipped a team flight to grind on a random lady and also maybe didn't know who Aaron Donald was to making the playoffs in just one year.
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) January 8, 2023
The Jaguars are now the fifth team to qualify for this season after missing last year, joining the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Giants. That list could grow even bigger on Sunday if the Dolphins claim the final Wild Card spot in the AFC and either the Seahawks or Lions do the same in the NFC.
