Jacksonville overcomes early injuries, heals, rallies and grabs elusive ring before its repeated toying with salary-cap rules sets in like it has in San Francisco. This team will be better than the 1999 Bengals. How much better is the question. Running back Corey Dillon is distracted by domestic violence case and hurts his knee. Rookie receiver Peter Warrick is injured running one too many crossing patterns against Ravens linebackers.
Defensive line gets no pressure on opposing quarterback.
Cornerbacks Tom Carter and Artrell Hawkins get beat too often. Record is 5-11. Smith makes plays, doesn't try to do too much. Dillon finds refuge from off-field problems and runs for 1,400 yards behind an improved offensive line. Warrick makes all-rookie team with 80 receptions and 10 touchdowns.