Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House has lived at both ends of the spectrum in the National Football League.
His first four years in Green Bay were laced with a bevy of high-octane victories and playoff appearances. Not the case in Jacksonville, though, where the cover man watched the Jaguars manage just five wins last season as a bottom-feeder in the AFC.
That's all about to change, according to House. The 26 year old told reporters this week that Jacksonville is finally ready to make the leap.
"It all starts off Week One," House said, per The Florida Times-Union. "If we make a statement in Week One, we're going to shock a lot of people in this league. How come we can't be the Carolina Panthers of this year? No one thought Carolina would be 15-1."
Nobody thinks the Jaguars will, either, but House has reasons for hope.
It's fair to be skeptical, but Jacksonville has plenty of talent, starting with an offense led by promising young passer Blake Bortles.
On defense, a horde of offseason additions will help a unit that repeatedly let them down in 2015. Tackle Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara can all make an immediate impact. Scanning the roster, there's talent -- or potential -- at almost every position.
Most importantly, owner Shad Khan has patiently refused to panic, giving general manager David Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley the time to develop a squad that looks ready to compete in the AFC. It's premature to ticket the Jags for January play, but House isn't the only believer in NFL circles.