Jacksonville Jaguars preview
Jacksonville Jaguars 2008 Preview ReportJuly 9, 2008
The Jacksonville Jaguars are just going to have to win a Super Bowl. That’s the only way they’ll get people to like them. Nothing else seems to be working.
In a sense, there’s a certain pureness to this. Almost like, isn’t this how it should be? Perhaps. But it’s not how it is for the 31 other teams in the NFL. If we are to believe the polls and statistics, all 31 of those teams are more popular than the team from Duval County. Despite having won 31 games since 2005 (tied for fifth most in the NFL), and not having finished below .500 since 2003, Jacksonville has ranked dead-last in size of fan base each of the past three seasons.
The Jaguars themselves have done nothing wrong. Poll Americans to find out which teams are most despised and you wouldn’t see Jacksonville’s name anywhere near the top of the list. But herein lies the problem. There is a cruel sense of apathy toward this team. Almost as if the Jaguars were in the NHL. Or even the WNBA. Rooting for Jacksonville has become like protesting discrimination against women at Augusta National: many appreciate the idea, but whatever.
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