The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Doug Pederson, is working to prevent the development of a losing culture within the team amid their ongoing struggles. Following a disappointing 35-16 defeat against the Chicago Bears in London, Pederson referred to the situation as a “slippery slope.” This game marked Jacksonville’s tenth loss in twelve matches, prompting both players and staff to undertake a challenging week of introspection and regrouping as they remain overseas. The Jaguars now stand at a disappointing 1-5 record and are preparing for a “home game” against the New England Patriots, who share the same record, set to take place at Wembley Stadium this Sunday.
“I don’t want them to feel sort of mentally defeated, if that makes sense,” Pederson remarked. “Because that’s where the slippery slope comes in. If you feel like you’re going into a game where you don’t have a chance, then you’re not going to have a chance. You’re not going to give yourself an opportunity to win that game.”
Keeping the players mentally positive and supportive of one another throughout the week is essential, according to Pederson. This approach reflects the reality the Jaguars face, as they find themselves essentially out of the playoff race before Halloween. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence provided strong feedback after the game, emphasizing the need to overcome fragility during tough times. Defensive back Andre Cisco expressed concerns regarding a lack of unity in the defense after halftime and noted a disturbing level of disengagement.
Pressing too much has been a challenge for the team, as Lawrence pointed out. “You don’t have to do more than your job. That’s a big part of it,” he stated. Lawrence stressed that trying to compensate for mistakes often leads to more issues, highlighting the importance of simply focusing on one’s own responsibilities.
On the bright side, the Jaguars managed to halt a streak of four consecutive games in which they allowed opponents to score touchdowns on their opening possessions. They even forced the Bears into two three-and-out series during the first quarter. However, the situation quickly deteriorated, allowing Chicago to score touchdowns on five out of their next six drives.
Team owner Shad Khan may need to reconsider his public statements regarding the team’s direction. His comments, likening the present roster to the “best team assembled by the Jacksonville Jaguars ever,” sound exaggerated in light of previous proclamations, including his remarks following the hiring of Urban Meyer as head coach and his assertions about having “cracked the code” with the current leadership team.
Tight end Evan Engram’s return from a four-game absence showed promise as he caught ten passes for 102 yards, proving his value as one of Lawrence’s premier targets. However, he fumbled during the second half’s opening play, allowing the Bears to capitalize and extend their lead.
On the downside, the defense is a major concern. Potential candidates for benching include Cisco, safety Antonio Johnson, and linebacker Devin Lloyd, particularly with veteran Tashaun Gipson returning from suspension and other players nearing a comeback from injuries. Furthermore, defensive lineman Arik Armstead has been underwhelming since joining the team last season, offering limited impact following a significant contract.
Injury updates show running back Travis Etienne is dealing with a hamstring strain and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Right tackle Anton Harrison’s knee injury has him labeled as day-to-day, while cornerback Tyson Campbell, who has been sidelined for five games, is expected to be activated for the upcoming match against New England.
A notable statistic reveals that it’s the third time in five years the Jaguars have started a season 1-5. The previous occurrences in 2020 and 2021 led to coaching changes, with Doug Marrone and Urban Meyer both losing their jobs.
Moving forward, spending time together in London could provide an opportunity for team cohesion amid these struggles, and facing the Patriots could potentially provide a much-needed chance for redemption.