While there wasn’t a lot for fans to cheer about on the field in 2011, the Jacksonville Jaguars did usher in a new era as the team introduced to its fans a new owner and a new quarterback. Change has continued into the early offseason with Mike Mularkey being named the Jags’ new head coach.

There’s even a new era at the Jaguars fan blog Black and Teal, where Luke Sims recently signed on as the new editor and lead writer. And he tells us Jacksonville’s future on the field may be on the way toward success sooner rather than later. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: What are your first impressions of new owner Shahid Kahn? Are fans getting behind his efforts to rejuvenate the team and keep it in Jacksonville?

Luke Sims: I think the fans have really begun to come behind Shahid Khan.  This was seen with mustache night at Alltel stadium.  Khan provides a young, energetic approach to the owner position.  Khan has comes off very charismatically and sounds greatly committed to the team and the city of Jacksonville.  Based on his previous success in life, it is pretty easy to get behind the man and he knows what it takes to be success in his work and understands that the Jaguars are a product in a competitive market and need to turn out a very good product in order to be worth his investment.  I think he will manage the Jaguars very well and won’t be afraid to take necessary actions if the product is not up to par.

Zoneblitz: What do you think of Mike Mularkey’s selection as head coach?

Sims: Mike Mularkey has a very strong resume behind him.  He has been a head coach, he has been a tight end coach, he has worked with young quarterbacks (and seen them mature into successful quarterbacks), and he has a lot of experience orchestrating teams into becoming better versions of themselves.  But beyond the success he has had in the past, he also comes off as a very strong, and well respected, presence.  He isn’t overly flashy, he isn’t overly boisterous, but he gains the respect of his players and the coaches on his staff as well as coaches around the league.  I think the Jaguars are very fortunate to have him, especially during a transition time that is guaranteed to have some bumps in the road.

Zoneblitz: Blaine Gabbert struggled quite a bit as a rookie. Do you think he’s the quarterback of the future or are the Jaguars going to have to draft another one?

Sims: Blaine Gabbert’s struggles are characteristic of a rookie.  Recently, a lot of emphasis has been placed on rookies who immediately succeed.  You saw this in 2011 with Andy Dalton and the Bengals.  Going into the draft, Dalton was my top ranked quarterback and he showed his maturity in the game throughout the season.  Gabbert is a considerably different situation.  Blaine came in at age 21 after putting up successful work at Mizzou.  He has growing to do in pro football, and that is apparent.  I think he will grow, and quickly.  Not just because of “flashes” of brilliance during specific games, which he did have, but because of his work ethic and demeanor.

Gabbert is calm, he knows the work he needs to do, and he understands that preparing for the game is more than just going out and doing what the coaches ask of him. This is important because he recognizes that there is a next level that he needs to get to it. I think he’ll get there.  As to drafting another quarterback, I don’t think it is in the cards any time soon.  Drafting another quarterback undermines confidence that Gabbert has developed and it doesn’t usually create a situation of pushing the current quarterback as much as hiring a veteran quarterback who is able to compete and also teach.  Don’t look for the Jags to draft a quarterback, but don’t be shocked by them signing a “mentor” type quarterback to push and help Gabbert in his development.

Zoneblitz: Maurice Jones Drew was great in 2011 but Marcedes Lewis fell off the map and the wide receivers were mostly non-factors. Is there any promise at these spots on the roster or do they have to be upgraded in other ways?

Sims: MJD and the rest of the Jags’ running back stable are stacked.  Losing Rashad Jennings early was difficult for the Jags’ plans when running the ball, but “Pocket Hercules” proved again why he is such an important part of the team.  So the promise at running back is high.

Wide receivers, however, will have to be revamped.  A lot of the players at the position aren’t good enough to make the passing attack competitive.  The best receiver, Mike Thomas, is best used in the slot.  In order to put him there, you need two better, more prototypical wide receivers on the outside.  I don’t see any of those on the Jaguars’ roster right now.  Gene Smith will have to be active in the offseason to upgrade the position.

As to Marcedes Lewis and the tight ends, I think you’ll see a return to success from him and the others in 2012.  Mike Mularkey was once a tight ends coach (and ex-tight end) in Pittsburgh. He knows what he needs to do to motivate the crew to perform as they once did.  2011 was a fluke.  Look for Marcedes Lewis to make a return to dominance in 2012.  He isn’t Anthony Gonzalez, but he’s a great talent and can play at a top level in the NFL.  Mularkey will make the Jaguars capitalize on him.

Zoneblitz: Several offseason additions seemed to get the defense on track. How do you rate the 2011 season on that side of the ball and how does the team improve the defense for next year?

Sims: I rate the defense as superb.  They were sixth in the league this year and have shown they can make the Jaguars competitive even when the offense can’t put up points.  Mel Tucker has made very good transitions and schemes for his personnel.  The team can improve by generating more turnovers.  A lot of emphasis has been placed on sacks the last two years, and that can contribute greatly, but if the defense doesn’t take advantage and isn’t opportunistic, a lot of those plays (fumbles or bad throws) aren’t capitalized on.  Look for improvement in the turnover battle.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Jaguars do in the draft and free agency?

Sims: Get some top flight wide receivers.  When you can’t catch balls you can’t be balanced.  The depth at cornerback was woefully shallow this year and needs to be addressed.  Starting players just signed off the street is not an option if you want to be successful.  The offensive line has begun to gel, though could use some depth, especially at guard and center.  The team needs a more competitive quarterback behind Blaine Gabbert and will probably get one.  Better pass rushing ends will also be a priority, as is depth behind Tyson Alualu and Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton at defensive Tackle.  I think some moves in those areas will be necessary.

Zoneblitz: How far away do you think this team is from being a contender in the AFC South?

Sims: We’re a season out from being a win away from taking the crown in 2010.  The Jags are close.  Count 2011 as a transition year and look for a stimulated performance throughout 2012.  The team knows how to compete and will look to be better in 2012.  It’s all about drive and vision.  Jack Del Rio was a players’ coach who held the locker room well.  But his vision had gotten murky, stale, and dry.  Mularkey will change that and Khan will provide enthusiastic backing.  Look for the Jags to compete for the crown.  If they aren’t in the running in 2012, I’ll be shocked.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything you would like to add?

Sims: I think the AFC South will become dominant again.  Back when the Colts were a perennial super bowl threat, the Jags sat below them on a bubble of good/above average.  As did the Titans.  In fact, three teams from the AFC South went to the playoffs in 2007.  The owners of the franchises are looking to return to success they once had.  The Titans, Jags, and Colts are all reformulating what it takes to return to the playoffs.  Based on past success by Jim Irsay and Bud Adams, and the unbridled enthusiasm of Shahid Khan, I think you can expect some very tough competition in the AFC South.  This is a good thing and will force the Jaguars to become even more competitive even more rapidly.

Follow Black and Teal on Twitter at: @blackandteal
Follow Zoneblitz on Twitter at: @ZoneblitzCom

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