"Good Group" Looks to the Future | Game That Was

Jan 05, 2025 at 08:41 PM

John Oehser

Jaguars Senior Writer

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Now, the Jaguars move forward.

How that will look remains to be seen following a 4-13 season, with Head Coach Doug Pederson saying following Sunday's 2024 regular-season finale he wants to return. Whatever the nature of the leadership, players on Sunday left no doubt: Improvement can happen quickly – and it must happen.

"You have to put a better product on the field," Jaguars center Mitch Morse said. "The fans deserve it. The team deserves it."

That was the consensus among players speaking to the media following Sunday’s 26-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium – that the core of a potentially strong team is in place and the future can be bright whatever the structure.

"It's a good group," Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones said. "There are some great young pieces and guys under contract."

Jones started seven of the last eight games for injured starter Trevor Lawrence, with key offensive skill players such as wide receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis – and tight end Evan Engram – finishing the season out for the season on injured reserve.

"It was a tough year, but still fun in its own way," said Jones, who was acquired last offseason in a trade with the New England Patriots and who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. "Young guys stepped up for the last half of the season, so that has been impressive. It was good to see those guys make play throughout the year.

"They definitely have a bright future here. I'm looking forward to watching those guys. I feel like they have a good foundation here."

The Jaguars in 2024 were eliminated from AFC South contention with five games remaining in the regular season. They were 2-3 in the final five games, with both victories over the 3-14 Tennessee Titans, and the three losses – to the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders and Colts – by seven points or fewer.

"We had a lot of games where we were in the game and just couldn't finish," rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. said. "We'll be super-hungry [next season]. I know I will be for sure. We all have a chip on our shoulders. We'll come in, do the best we can and dominate."

The Jaguars this season lost 10 games by seven points or fewer.

"It was never a lack of effort and it could have been," Morse said. "We didn't quit on each other, and that's special. It wasn't all bad when it comes to fellowship and camaraderie. All we can do is appreciate that this was the last time this group of individuals will be together.

"Besides that, nothing else is on our mind tonight."

Added Morse, "We fought and now we have to carry that over along with execution."

Pederson, speaking in his final post-game availability of the season, spoke of a difficult day and "tough moments because it's the last time we're going to be together as a team taking the field together."

"Things change now," he said. "The offseason begins, and everything begins to change. You change for the better, and you try to get better and you try to improve. But for the moment right now, I appreciate every one of those guys in there.

"They work their tails off. They worked hard for me. They didn't quit on me. They didn't quit on each other. They battled to the end. These are hard moments."

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Thomas closed a strong rookie season with a strong performance in the regular-season finale, catching seven passes for 103 yards. He finished the season with Jaguars rookie single-season records in all major receiving categories – receptions (87), yards receiving (1,282) and receiving touchdowns (10). "It would be way better to win, to have a better feeling about how you played," Thomas said. "Just being able to finish out the season healthy meant a lot to me. Great start, more to come."