Bet the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars

The offense ranked 10th in rushing, 19th in passing and 24th in scoring for NFL betting odds  last season but now Dirk Koetter now has total control as offensive coordinator. Quarterback David Gerrard has taken heat for inconsistent play and a less than stellar work ethic as he enters his 4th year on the job. His job could be in jeopardy with a bad start and Luke McCown is the alternative. Maurice Jones-Drew had a fine season at running back with almost 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 53 passes. Bet the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars 75-1 as longshots to win the Super Bowl in NFL predictions with a 10% bonus.

It's the new home of the Jaguars, still right here in Jacksonville.

In a news conference this afternoon, Jaguars jerseys owner Wayne Weaver announced the signing of a five-year deal with Jacksonville-based EverBank.

This "important day for the Jaguars" has been a long one, according to Weaver, who said the deal was finalized at 1:22 this morning.

The Jaguars have played in unsponsored Jacksonville Municipal Stadium since the previous deal with Alltel expired after the 2006 season.

"Great partnerships...are essential for a sports franchise to be successful," Weaver said.  He also said the deal with EverBank is a sign that the team will "be here for many, many years to come."

EverBank Chairman and CEO Robert Clements called today, "Arguably one David Garrard of the most exciting milestones in the evolution of EverBank," a company that has been in Jacksonville for nearly 50 years.

Clements spoke about the importance of the team to the city, calling the Jaguars franchise "integral...to the continued growth and development of our city."

Mayor John Peyton was on a previously scheduled trip, but City Council President Jack Webb spoke on behalf of the city, saying the deal shows "the tremendous support for the Jaguars that we have seen in this offseason."

Financial terms of the deal have not been released yet.  Weaver said that will happen tonight at the city council meeting, but sources have said it is expected to be in the $3 million range each year for five years.

Misty Skipper with the mayor's office said today that the contract, which must be approved by the city council, calls for the city to forego its 25 percent, and that the Jaguars will get that money.

Skipper cited two reasons: It would help sustain the viability of the team, and they haven't gotten any money anyway for several years.  Also, she said the money would not be able to help city services such as libraries, but would have to go back to the sports complex.

Weaver also said the Jaguars have been "painted with a broad brush in the national media," and said this deal shows the commitment the team has to the area.

The city council will hold public hearings on the contract next week, and will vote on it in two weeks.

Clements also spoke about why the new name is "EverBank Field" and not "EverBank Stadium."

"We think it's pretty cool," he said, adding they talked about it at great length.

"I think it's great," Tony Boselli, a former Jaguar, said. "Really excited that a local company like Everbank would put their name on the stadium."

Boselli and others are hoping the new stadium sponsor will boost ticket sales.

Last year, slumping ticket sales met what Macky Weaver, Jags senior vice president for sales and marketing, calls the worst ticket sales in the team's history.

"It certainly will be a pat on Jacksonville's back to go from the negative publicity that we received last year, based on the decline in season tickets, to come back this quickly because of a community-based effort, local business effort, a company that's based out of Jacksonville stepping up to put their name on this building," Weaver said.

"I think the good news ... whether it reminds or encourages and just puts it at the top of mind again for people to get out there and buy their season tickets," Boselli added.

Boselli says this move sends a message that the team is here to stay.