JACKSONVILLE – Eight Jaguars experts – Bucky Brooks, Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick and Kai Stevens – are breaking down the Jaguars as the 2023 NFL season approaches; today: The key to improving from 2022 season from 2023

Bucky Brooks, NFL Media and Jaguars Analyst/Sideline Reporter

• The key to improving from 2022 is: A consistent pass rush. The lack of pressure from the front line exposed the defensive backfield a season ago, and a repeat of that performance could derail the team's title hopes.

Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars

• The key to improving from 2022 is: Finishing. The Jaguars were in virtually every game last season with tons of close games all year. By midseason, they learned to finish. If the Jaguars start the season that way, they will have double-digit wins and win the division.

Jeff Lageman, Jaguars Analyst and Former Jaguars Defensive End

• The key to improving from 2022 is: The defense's ability to affect the quarterback and the opponent's passing game. Improvement from within must occur on this side of the ball with young players and the coaching staff.

Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director

• The key to improving from 2022 is: Playing from ahead. We can talk about the lack of pass rush, but the answer to sacking the quarterback is making the other team play catch up so you have more chances to sack the quarterback. The Kansas City Chiefs do it and the Jaguars could be in that position this year if they play with the lead.

John Oehser, jaguars.com Senior Writer

• The key to improving from 2022 is: Improvement from quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He took a dramatic step forward in the second half of last season, and that improvement helped the Jaguars win the AFC South and emerge as a team with potential to be good for the foreseeable future. The key now is further development: Lawrence has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. How far he moves toward that this season will go a long way to determining the team's level of success.

Brian Sexton, jaguars.com Senior Correspondent

• The key to improving from 2022 is: Second-year defenders. I have high expectations. I expect linebackers Travon Walker and Devin Lloyd to make a big jump in Year Two and I also expect the offense to give the defense a lead. That will matter a lot. It's difficult to rush the passer and create turnovers when the other team doesn't have to pass the ball and can play smart. The offense is going to set the defense up to make game-changing plays this season and there is enough talent to capitalize.

J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com Reporter/Editor

• The key to improving from 2022 is: Taking early leads and holding on to the ball. Can you imagine if the Jaguars took early leads and didn't turn the ball over as much as they did early last season? They wouldn't have needed a dramatic December rally to overtake the Tennessee Titans. Score early, take two-possession leads and hold onto the football on offense. If the defense can contribute a takeaway or two each week on top of that, this team shouldn't lose many games.

Kai Stevens, Team Reporter/Producer

• The key to improving from 2022 is: Playing with a lead. The dramatic comebacks make for a good movie script, but playing well for four quarters must take precedence. Digging themselves into a hole against the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills or Cincinnati Bengals this year won't end well.