Salvaging a Season, Building a Future: The Jaguars' Path Forward | Pregame Quick Thoughts

Nov 28, 2024 at 12:09 PM

by John Oehser, Brian Sexton & Kainani Stevens

JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars as they prepare to play the Houston Texans in a 2024 Week 13 game at EverBank Stadium

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

A big challenge. Doug Pederson has accomplished much in eight seasons as an NFL head coach, winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles chief among them. The thought here is he's facing one of his biggest challenges in the next six weeks. Pederson, now in his third season as the Jaguars' head coach, must keep a team motivated and focused with the postseason all but lost – and with outside noise continuing to heighten in the wake of a four-game losing streak that included the worst loss in franchise history. Pederson on Monday addressed the challenge, saying among other things: "There's a lot of negativity around us and rightfully so. We understand that. Around me, I understand that. But I choose not to listen to it, and I choose to go the other way and be positive because you only get so many days and so many opportunities in this league, and then your days are done." Pederson's right, and the statement speaks to his professionalism and respect for the game. But playing through the noise and negativity in the coming weeks won't be easy. And if the Jaguars succeed in doing so, it will be credit to Pederson's connection with the team and locker room.
A big chance. The thought here is the Jaguars have a real opportunity Sunday. The thought here, too, is they may well take advantage of that opportunity and pull the Texans back further into whatever is left of the AFC South race. While the Texans (7-5) remain very much the AFC South favorites with a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts (5-7), they have lost four of six games and have yet to look like the Super Bowl contenders many projected before the season. Multiple factors could make the Jaguars dangerous Sunday. One is that quarterback Trevor Lawrence could play after missing the two games before the bye. Another is that they likely will play far better than they did in a pre-Week 12 bye loss to the Detroit Lions, a game in which players and coaches believe fatigue contributed to the worst loss in franchise history. A third is that the Jaguars believe they matchup well against the Texans, losing in Houston in Week 4 when Lawrence missed two open receivers on deep passes that could have all-but secured the victory. This has the pre-game signs of a close game – and maybe an upset. With the playoffs all but out of the picture, that's a reason to watch Sunday.

Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent…

The Jaguars are not playing for a wild card berth this year. But they could post their best division record since the AFC South was formed in 2002. They've never gone 5-1. But with a 1-1 record and games remaining against the Texans, Titans twice and the Colts it's possible. That alone wouldn't be enough to win the South, but it would be something this team could build on in an otherwise moribund season. It would require Lawrence to be on the field and to play his best football of the season, the offensive line to make room for the running game to find some traction and the defense to stop being so susceptible to the explosive plays that have been a problem since Week One. It might not mean much to you, but it would be a significant step that could set the table for a rebound in 2025. More importantly, it would give the young players who are the building blocks for this franchise something they can hang their hats on and believe in for the future.
The Jaguars' special teams have played at an exceptionally high level this season. Heading into this weekend, they're highly ranked in nearly every category. Punter Logan Cooke leads a unit that has held opposing punt returners to just 9.4 yards per return and a long of just 22 yards – and has consistently pinned the opponent inside its own 20-yard line. If only the defense had been good enough to flip the field as consistently. Cooke is currently the NFL's all-time leader in net punting average. He's an absolute weapon when the team around him is playing well enough to take advantage. Rookie Kicker Cam Little booted a franchise record tying 59-yard field goal in Detroit and has nailed 15 of 16 field goal attempts and all 16 extra points. The Jaguars' special teams are performing at an exceptionally high level, which is both exciting and a shame since no one really pays attention when neither the offense nor defense is playing worth a darn.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...

To play or not to play? Lawrence spoke to the media Wednesday about the extent of the injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Lawrence said he threw on Monday for the first time in three weeks and his shoulder is feeling better than three weeks ago. He said surgery is still on the table, but that he was going to do his best to be prepared to play this week against the Texans. I appreciate the team's conservative approach to allow Lawrence to rest up before trying to play hurt, which is something that Lawrence struggled with at the end of last season. It seems the fourth-year quarterback has learned from past mistakes when it comes to playing with injuries. "It's kind of a balancing act," he said. "You don't want to push it too hard and set it back, but you also want to get yourself ready to play." Looks like Lawrence will be a game time decision on Sunday.
My cause, my cleats. The annual initiative from the NFL allows player and coaches to wear customized shoes to represent charities and non-profits they support. I appreciate the "No Fun League" choosing to look the other way for a week to allow the players a chance to show their individuality and also support good causes. Among my personal favorites: Tight Evan Engram's teal and jaguar print cleats that support the North Florida School for Special Education. Also, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and outside linebackers coach Bill Shuey are both supporting breast cancer research in support of their wives who both recently finished treatment for the disease. It's always good to have the reminder that some things are bigger than football.

PHOTOS | 2024 Week 13 Practice: Monday, November 25th and Wednesday, November 27th

Divisional rival up next 🆙 Back from the bye week the Jaguars hit the grass at the Miller Electric Center to prepare for the Houston Texans. Swipe through some practice shots this week and be sure to check out our game center for all the most up to date news. Some players even broke out their 2024 'My Cause My Cleats' to practice in.

1 / 53

Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andre Cisco (5) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on November 25, 2024.