The Jaguars want to continue to take games to London.
They just don’t want to give up one of their best home games next year.
Jaguars president Mark Lamping said their game against the Packers in 2016 would not be going overseas, contrary to previous reports.
“We get the Packers here in Jacksonville so infrequently,” Lamping said, via Hays Carlyon of the Florida Times-Union. “They have such a national following. We have a lot of people here in Jacksonville that are Jaguars fans but also fans of the traditional NFL teams. So, we look forward to that game being played here in Jacksonville.”
Translated: We can sell that one here.
The Jaguars are expected to extend their deal to take a game a year to England beyond 2016 as well, and they may take a division game at some point. Their 2016 home schedule also includes the Broncos, Raiders Vikings and an AFC North foe to be determined.
“For our London initiative to have the desired result, which is a more stable financially strong franchise in Jacksonville, we have to make sure the game in London is successful,” Lamping said. “As the game develops over there, hopefully, the fan base for the Jaguars grows. Just having the Jaguars over there at the right time may well be enough to sell out Wembley Stadium. We’re not there now. So, we’re sensitive to making an interesting matchup for our U.K. fans.”
That’s led them to play some high-profile opponents there, as the 49ers and Cowboys were their first two opponents there, with the Bills going to play them this year.
While the appetite for football overseas has been strong, we’re not sure our friends across the pond are ready to stomach a Titans-Jaguars game.