Courtesy Jaguars.com

Maurice Jones-Drew burst onto the NFL scene in 2006, as if he were shot from a cannon. This may sound a bit cliche, but it's appropriate, since Jones-Drew looks like a cannonball, when he runs.

Jones-Drew solidified arguably the best tandem of backs in the NFL and helped Jacksonville become an elite scoring team and finish the season at 8-8, one game out of the playoffs.

While feature back Fred Taylor had another fine season, with over 1,100 yards rushing, rookie Jones-Drew ran for 941 yards, averaging a startling 5.7 yards per carry. Jones-Drew also caught 46 pases and scored 16 touchdowns.

This remarkable duo is back this season, but Jones-Drew will play a much larger role -- a frightening prospect for opposing defenses.

Meanwhile, quarterback Byron Leftwich, injured in 2006, adds veteran leadership to a steady offensive unit that includes solid, if unspectacular, receivers Ernest Wilford, Reggie Williams, Matt Jones and newly-acquired Dennis Northcutt.

Although the Jags offense is not explosive, it doesn't have to be. The defense is one of the best in the NFL, with a deep defensive line and strong linebacking corp. This group held opponents to just 17 points per game and sacked opposing quarterbacks 31.5 times.

The addition of rookie safety Reggie Nelson strengthens one of the defense's few weaknesses.

More action for budding superstar Maurice Jones-Drew and a comeback season for Leftwich should mean one to two more wins for the Jaguars and a playoff appearance.

With great running and a stellar defense, anything is possible from there.

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