Pederson: "I Have A Job to Do..." | Game That Was

Nov 17, 2024 at 08:06 PM

John Oehser

Jaguars Senior Writer

DETROIT, Mich. – The question didn't surprise Doug Pederson.

The Jaguars on Sunday lost to the Detroit Lions, 52-6, at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. It marked the most one-sided loss in franchise history and marked the team's fourth consecutive loss.

Pederson, in his third season as the Jaguars' head coach, was asked about his job status considering the team's 2-9 record entering a Week 12 bye.

"I can't control that," he said.

The Jaguars went 9-8 in Pederson's first two seasons as head coach, winning the AFC South title following the 2022 regular season and losing the division on the final day of the 2023 regular season. They are 3-14 in the last 17 games, losing six games this season by five points or less with all six games decided in the final two minutes.

The Jaguars play host to the Houston Texans (6-4) in Week 13.

"I've been around this game a long time," Pederson said when discussing possible change. "If it's going to happen it's going to happen, obviously. At the same time, I still have a job to do and that's to get ready for a good division opponent here in two weeks."

The Jaguars on Sunday were outgained 645-170, managing three first-half first downs offensively and allowing touchdowns on the first seven Lions possessions. The Lions scored on every offensive possession until kneeling to run out the clock at the end of the game.

Sunday marked the second consecutive game the offense produced 170 or fewer yards after producing a season-low 143 yards in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week.

Pederson was asked about possible staff changes during the bye week.

"I don't know yet," he said. "It's something I have to think about. It's hard to put it all on one person. Coaches have to look at themselves. I have to start there, and look at myself, obviously, and this staff and how are we preparing our players.

"It's the same thing with the players. They have to look at themselves and be critical of themselves, then make the changes and the corrections we need to get better. I'll process a few things."

Pederson paused.

"I'm glad we've got the bye right now," he said.

Pederson said while motivation can be an issue late in a disappointing season, he doesn't think that will be the case this season.

"Not with this group," he said. "I think this group will continue to respond and do the things necessary to prepare for a football game. I've never sensed that with this group and don't anticipate it."

NOTABLE WEEK 11 GAME MOMENTS

Sunday's performance came after two games in which the team was dominated in time of possession, with the Minnesota Vikings holding a 42:19-17:41 advantage in a Week 10 victory over the Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles holding a 38:12-21-48 advantage in a Week 9 victory over the Jaguars. "We've been on the field way too long defensively the last two weeks," Pederson said. "The offense has to do its part, which we haven't been able to do – and that's to stay on the field and score points. We haven't been able to do that. I think there is some of that fatigue there, of playing a lot of snaps." Pederson added, "I feel like it's been a long season, 11 games – two weeks in London. I think the guys need a break. I'm sure if you asked them, they would say they probably feel tired. They feel drained a little bit. They need to refresh."
Pederson on Sunday addressed the possibility of starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence returning against the Texans in two weeks. Lawrence has missed the last two games with a left-shoulder injury sustained against the Eagles in Week 9. "We'll see," Pederson said. "We'll see how he does during the week of this bye. We'll see where he's at. I'm not going to commit right now. We'll see. We have time to figure that out."