JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Eric from Jax Beach
In 2022 the team and culture felt fun, loose and exciting. Now it feels anxious, tense and frustrated. You can see it in Head Coach Doug Pederson, it feels like you can see it in how they play, and the results follow. Do you agree and is that just the losses piling or did something change?
Among the positives of the 24/7, stream-everything-live NFL world in which we now exist is that fans and observers see coaches and players talking seemingly constantly – and therefore get a chance to analyze everything. Incorrectly or correctly. Among the drawbacks of the 24/7, stream-everything-live NFL world in which we now exist is that fans and observers see coaches and players talking – and therefore get a chance to analyze everything. Incorrectly or correctly. As a result – and as might be expected – we've perhaps overanalyzed the reasons for the Jaguars' incredibly disappointing 2-8 start to the 2024 season. The Jaguars' 2022 culture indeed was fun, loose and exciting … AFTER they started winning late in the season. It was pretty darned anxious, tense and frustrated during a 4-8 start. As for the culture being anxious, tense and frustrated around the Jaguars now … yes, there's an element of that. That's how it usually gets when you're six games under .500. How to get rid of the tension, anxiety and frustration? Win your way out of it. It's the only path.
Hugo from Portland, OR
Trevor Lawrence had two years remaining on his rookie contract and could have been tagged for two more years after that, giving the Jaguars seven years before having to extend him. Re-signing him after Year 3, because they needed "to make an early decision" is why this organization is bad.
A lot of observers and fans have questioned the Jaguars' decision to extend quarterback Trevor Lawrence's contract this past offseason. Few teams would have handled the situation significantly differently. The Jaguars have been bad for a lot of reasons in recent seasons. How they handled Lawrence's contract this offseason isn't particularly high on the list.
DuvalJag95 from J-ville
I'm so sick of hearing that they've lost in the last two minutes by five points or less. Who cares? A loss is a loss. It doesn't matter when or by how much. I guess we should start giving out participation trophies. This team is a joke and the whole coaching staff should be fired at season's end. I don't write in too often but read daily and it's the same old broken record. John, thanks for letting me vent.
A loss indeed is a loss.
Jesse from Texas
In one of the latest Jaguars articles on Mac Jones being the starting quarterback this week, it quotes Doug Pederson as saying, "You guys know how I am with injuries: We don't want to put a player out there who's not 100 percent." So why did Trevor start every game but one in the second half of last season when he wasn't 100 percent?
Because Pederson and the Jaguars thought at that time and in that circumstance it was the best chance to win the games. That means Pederson thought it was the Jaguars' best chance to win. It doesn't mean he wanted that to be the case.
James from Palm Coast, FL
I'm so tired of the constant questions about how TL is not elite nor is he the best thing than sliced bread. Can anyone tell me if we got rid of TL who is the quarterback that is going to lead us to the promised land????
Good eye.
Tom from MONCKS CORNER
"The Jaguars have lost six games by five points or less and were very much in all six games." When are you going to stop making such ridiculous statements? Good teams would have won those games, and this team is not good. They are so bad that they are funny. Funniest thing since the keystone cops.
Saying the Jaguars have lost six games by five points or less and were very much in all six of those games is not ridiculous. It's a fact. It's just as much a fact that good teams would have won those games and that the Jaguars are not good. The 2024 Jaguars are not funny.
Bradley from Sparks, NV
In 2021, the Detroit Lions and Jaguars were the worst two teams in the NFL. In 2022 both teams started 3-6 before going on hot streaks to finish 9-8. The Lions narrowly missed the playoffs, and the Jags slipped in and won a game. In 2023 both teams started 8-3 and were considered serious championship contenders. That's 44 or so games of parallel growth, talent level, and wins. Detroit is 14- 4 since and is arguably the best team in the NFL while Jacksonville is 3-13 and arguably the worst team in the NFL. What happened?
The Lions kept getting better. The Jaguars did not.
Warren from Fort Worth, TX
O, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't we start 3-8 in the 2022 season and went on a heater and won our division.
You're wrong. The Jaguars were 3-7, 4-7 and 4-8 that season before winning their final five regular-season games to win the AFC South.
Brian from ROUND ROCK
This offensive scheme is putrid. Moving to a scheme that fits Trevor is job No. 1. Doing that alone will turn this franchise around in a hurry. Agree?
It's always schemes in the NFL.
Don from Marshall, NC
Everything seems to be so complicated for this team. So many mistakes and breakdowns. You rely on perfect execution for something the defense is showing you instead of running what plays you want to run regardless of what the defense shows you. There's just not enough time to focus on what they give you. All the focus needs to be on what you're going to do in my opinion. I don't want my quarterback thinking about all the formations the defense is showing I want him thinking about what he is going to do to them regardless of what they show. In football it's all right in front of you and it doesn't matter if it's raining freezing or the wind is blowing in your direction. The depth and velocity which Trevor throws is his strength all you need to give him is a decent pocket, a power running game and receivers who can catch the ball and you will win. Holy smokes bring in Peyton Manning and Tom Moore to teach an offense that nobody could stop. Players have to own what they are being taught and these players on the Jaguars have not shown that. Go Jaguars!
When it comes to making a point that feels correct but is perhaps a little too wordy to grasp every detail – or maybe I'm just tired – Don remains "all in."
Brendan from The Moral High Ground
How long has it been since a team has had the No. 1 pick in the draft three out of the past five years?
This never has happened in the NFL.
CJ from Fernandina
How are we feeling about Buster Brown? I think he's stepped up and played pretty darned well. Do you see him having a significant role in the coming seasons. Seems like he's earned at least a shot. I'd imagine as he plays more he'd just get better.
Brown, a third-year veteran corner, has played well in his opportunities this season. I expect him to have a chance at a significant role in the coming seasons.
Sam from Orlando, FL
There's also zero reason to put Trevor out there anymore this season because the line cannot block and we have absolutely nothing to play for. Also, is there another NFL general manager that has had three No. 1 draft picks and kept their job?
No.
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL
John - In a hypothetical fight between a jaguar and a lion, the lion has a serious size and strength advantage. The jaguar has the speed and movement advantage. The lion has bigger teeth, a wider mouth, longer claws, and more power. Based on these advantages, the lion should win the fight against a jaguar. However, a smart jaguar with a good offensive plan could potentially ambush a lion, but unless the jaguar landed a fatal bite right away, it is most likely not going to be successful. But since jaguars live in the Americas and lions are native to sub-Saharan Africa, such an upset will never happen in the real world. Could it?
The 2024 Detroit Lions are physical, tough, resilient and know how to win close games. They also believe they will win. The 2024 Jaguars lack enough of these traits just enough that it's fair to wonder if they have a chance to upset the Lions Sunday.
Gary from St. Augustine, FL
Wow. Even this godawful season, you still suck.
Onward ho.
