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Jacksonville Jaguars Oft-injured RB Taylor holds key to offensive success
Jacksonville opens its training camp at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on July 26. By Jarrod Breeze, CNNSI.com Just two short years ago the Jaguars were in the AFC Championship Game. But Jacksonville quickly became an also-ran last season as injuries and dissension abounded. With salary-cap problems looming, the Jaguars' window of opportunity is closing fast, as may be head coach Tom Coughlin's tenure. The Jaguars can make the playoffs if ... their explosive offense can stay healthy. Jacksonville ranked seventh in team offense last season. Mark Brunell passed for more than 3,600 yards and receivers Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell each caught more than 1,200 worth of yards. Smith may not be ready to start the season after spending time in the hospital in the offseason for complications from abdominal surgery. The key is Fred Taylor, who rushed for 1,399 yards despite missing three games with injury. Taylor was looking to end the season with 10 consecutive games of 100-plus rushing yards before a hip pointer knocked him out of the finale against the New York Giants. Pivotal games: The Jaguars won’t receive the full two-week layoff the bye usually provides. Jacksonville plays host to Buffalo on a Thursday night, four days after their Oct. 14 bye, then has consecutive games at Baltimore and Tennessee. Jacksonville plays host to Baltimore and Green Bay (Monday night) in consecutive weeks late in the season. On the hot seat: Relations between Coughlin and Brunell became strained as the season began to slip away. Since Brunell signed a four-contract in the offseason, any more problems could lead to Coughlin's dismissal. Besides, his disciplinary style doesn't make too many friends in the locker room. First sign of trouble could spell the end of the only head coach in Jacksonville history. Also, 2000 top draft pick R. Jay Soward struggled, dropping passes he should have caught. He got in Coughlin's doghouse early as injury, tardiness and inconsistencies led to only 14 catches in 13 games. Up-and-coming: The Jaguars have a pair of emerging safeties in Donovin Darius and Mike Logan. Both players tied with Rayna Stewart for the team lead in interceptions with two. Darius was second only to Kevin Hardy in tackles with 71. Logan was fourth on the team with 48. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
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