Doug Pederson, who has celebrated victories as both a player and coach in the Super Bowl, now finds himself in the troubling position of leading a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars team. Following a devastating 52-6 defeat to the Detroit Lions, Pederson is acutely aware of the implications for his tenure with the team.
After the monumental loss, which marked one of the team’s worst showings ever, Pederson acknowledged the precariousness of his situation as the Jaguars head into their bye week. With an overall record of 2-9, the owner Shad Khan may consider making significant changes if he sees fit. Pederson expressed that he might contemplate personnel adjustments within his coaching staff while also emphasizing the importance of focusing on the tasks at hand. “I can’t control that,” Pederson stated. “I’ve been around this sport a long time, and if it is going to happen, it is obviously going to happen.”
This staggering 46-point defeat not only shattered the team’s record but also underlined how far the Jaguars have fallen since their inception. Previously, their largest loss was by 44 points against the Lions back in 1995. As time progresses, it remains perplexing how a well-established team can suffer such a staggering defeat.
“We’re disappointed, we’re frustrated and we’re angry,” Pederson expressed. He conveyed the emotions encapsulated within the organization after the disappointing performance, highlighting the dedication the athletes invest during a game week only to see it lead to such a result.
The Lions, now in their 95th season, not only recorded a record margin of victory but also set new benchmarks with 38 first downs and 645 yards of total offense. The Jaguars were significantly outgained, trailing by 475 yards, a figure that ranks as the third-largest differential in NFL history. The Lions could have extended their lead even further, had Coach Dan Campbell not opted to give backup quarterback Hendon Hooker some playing time, along with other bench players. Even that unit managed to drive deep into Jaguars’ territory.
Missing his star quarterback Trevor Lawrence due to a shoulder injury, the backup quarterback Mac Jones struggled under pressure, facing minimal sacks yet unable to make substantial gains per play. He completed 17 passes but managed an average of just 8 yards per completion while throwing an interception when the Jaguars were nearing the end zone.
“We need to stop focusing on scoring points,” Jones reflected on the situation. “It is hard to say that, but you have to focus on doing your job one play at a time. There were definitely some plays that I didn’t do my job today.”
As the Jaguars enter their bye week after 11 consecutive games, including two played in London, Pederson welcomed the time off. The team has struggled recently, dropping their last four games following a string of initial losses. “Our break obviously comes at the right time,” said Pederson. He emphasized the importance of regrouping and re-evaluating both players and coaching strategies as they look ahead to their remaining games, especially with four division matchups remaining.
While the return of Trevor Lawrence from injury would certainly boost the team’s chances of recovery, Pederson has yet to make any commitments regarding his quarterback’s availability post-bye. “I’ll see,” he stated cautiously. “We’ll see how he does during the week of this bye and see where he’s at.”