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Will Jags' Fans Respond?

An interesting question was asked last week in the local Jacksonville paper regarding the Jaguars and their fans: “What has this team not done to legitimately pursue a Super Bowl and earn the allegiance of ticket-buyers?” In light of the fact that the Playoff Jags have seen ticket sales lag for the’08 season, the debate will continue on whether Jacksonville is a viable NFL market. Obviously the economy is bad right now, but it’s not like this team was selling out a few years ago when things were financially better. I won’t go down the possible ‘move to Los Angeles’ road, but instead will look why this successful team (40 regular season wins in the last 4 years) is not connecting with the fans in a football-crazed area.

When looking at the Jaguars and the Jacksonville market, there is an interesting comparison to be drawn with the Titans and Nashville. Both places are traditional college football areas that have adjusted to also having a professional team over the last decade plus. The Titans have flourished in Tennessee because their fans believed in their leadership (Jeff Fisher) and their stars (Steve McNair, Eddie George, and now Vince Young). Jacksonville fans have never had the same connection with their coach or quarterback. Additonally, style of play has been an issue. In a state known for exciting players, the Jaguars have never had much flash, even when successful. There tends to be a lack of interest when fans see inconsistent 9-7 seasons with no star power.



Another huge factor for the lack of ticket sales has to be the Jaguars’ record against divisional foes. You have to beat your rivals to make a connection with the fans. When Jacksonville was on top of their game in 1999, all three of their losses were against AFC Central rival Tennessee, including a 33-14 shellacking at home in the AFC Championship Game. More recently, the Jaguars have never been able to win a division crown in five seasons in the AFC South. While Jack Del Rio has a solid overall record of 45-35, his mark in the Division has been a less than stellar 12-18. During his five-year tenure, Del Rio has gone 4-6 against the Houston Texans. That’s not the way to inspire confidence with your fans.

I believe this exchange between the Florida Times-Union and Jags’ owner Wayne Weaver (quoted in Swampland Sports' “An SPF Tale of Two Waynes” piece) says a lot about why the team has been successful on the field, but not off of it.

FTU: Does Del Rio have to make the playoffs to save his job?

Weaver: No. We really believe we're building the right way. You've got to be patient. If you look at our last three seasons, we're seventh in the league (in the regular season). That's not a bad record.

FTU: But isn't it all about the playoffs?

Weaver: I want to be in the playoffs, but when you're in the top quartile in the NFL, you're doing something right.
I agree that being in the “top quartile” of NFL teams is good, but I don’t see it selling tickets in Florida. Think of all the playmakers and Championships that your fans have seen over the last 10-20 years with Florida, Miami, and Florida State. Do you really think that “grind-it-out” on defense and “finish in the top quartile” football will sell to those same fans? I just don’t see it. I do believe the Jaguars can make a serious Title run this year and can have some success in the Division, but if they do not, the franchise could be faced with major issues.

- Patrick Snow

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