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At one point last season, Jack Del Rio could be included among the head coaches most likely to be fired. But Jacksonville rallied to just miss the playoffs, and now Del Rio is talking big -- for his team, and his players.
In an interview at the team's web site, Del Rio says the Jaguars "expect to take control of" the AFC South next year. He also sees a breakout season coming up for Mike Thomas, who as it currently stands could be the team's No. 1 wide receiver a year from now.
"We just want to see more guys take the next step – like Montell (Owens) did and like Marcedes (Lewis) did," says Del Rio. "Mike Thomas is that kind of player. He's on the verge of really breaking out big."
Jacksonville's nominal No. 1, Mike Sims-Walker, is headed for unrestricted free agency, and the team doesn't seem interested in bringing him back. Thomas was better last year anyway (66-820-4 compared to 43-562-7 for Sims-Walker).
The team will retain tight end Marcedes Lewis via the franchise tag, unless it locks him up to a long-term deal; he should be the main weapon in the passing game. The other starter might be someone new or former 49er Jason Hill, who impressed down the stretch last year. At 6-foot, 202 pounds, Hill looks the part of a No. 1 more than the smallish (5-8, 198) Thomas.
In any case, there's definitely an opportunity here for some wideout to step up and put up No. 1 numbers next year.
--Andy Richardson
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