JACKSONVILLE – So far, so good.
Doug Pederson on Friday spoke to the media for the final time before the 2024 regular-season home opener. He likes how the Jaguars have prepared this week. He likes the overall feel.
"Mentally, they've turned the page," he said.
Pederson, in his third season as the Jaguars' head coach, spoke two days in advance of the team's Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns (0-1) at EverBank Stadium Sunday. The Jaguars (0-1) lost the regular-season opener to the Miami Dolphins, 20-17.
"I feel good, they feel good," Pederson said. "Obviously, No. 1 for me is just getting them back physically because of the heat [against the Dolphins], so making sure that the bodies will be fresh for Sunday.
"They're obviously focused on this week and they're trying to bounce back."
With cornerback Tyson Campbell on injured reserve with a hamstring issue sustained against the Dolphins, Pederson on Friday discussed third-year cornerback Montaric Brown.
Brown, a seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, started six games last season and one in 2022. He played 19 snaps in Week 1.
"It's a lot of confidence (in Brown)," Pederson said. "I can't say enough good things. He has done a nice job when he has been in there, whether he has started or come in off the bench. He gets an opportunity this week to play a lot. He just continues to grow as a young player."
NOTABLE
- Safety Darnell Savage on Friday was ruled out for Sunday's game with a quadriceps injury sustained in practice Wednesday. Savage missed practice Thursday and Friday. Safety Daniel Thomas, who missed Week 1 with an Achilles issue, practiced full Friday after working limited Wednesday and Friday. Left tackle Cam Robinson (knee) also practiced full Friday after practicing limited Wednesday and Thursday. Thomas and Robinson are expected to play Sunday. Linebacker Caleb Johnson (back) and defensive lineman Tyler Lacy (toe) were listed as questionable entering the weekend after practicing limited Thursday and Friday.
QUOTABLE
- Pederson: "Things change and teams aren't in September where they want to be in December or January. Everybody's kind of working through those things, and we're doing that as well. You just try to improve each week."
