JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars must urgently rethink their strategy as they continue to struggle on the field. With a dismal record of 2-7, the Jaguars have been unable to score more than a field goal during their opening drives in nine games. Their lack of offensive success includes seven punts and one turnover on downs, combined with only a single field goal from plays that were meant to capitalize on their preparation and practice.
The team’s recent performance hit a new low during a 28-23 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles. Donning a struggling offense, the Jaguars managed a mere 31 yards from 18 plays in the first half, entering halftime with a considerable 16-0 deficit. Even this deficit could have been larger had the Eagles’ coach opted for points on two occasions.
This week, Jacksonville must tackle these persistent issues before their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings (6-2). They have repeatedly found themselves in double-digit deficits in their last four matchups, notably against teams like Green Bay, New England, and Chicago, leading to challenging situations. While the Jaguars came back to tie against the Packers and pulled off a win against the Patriots, the coaching staff recognizes the need for improvement in how they start the games.
Head coach Doug Pederson emphasized the importance of pushing the players to enhance their performance, stating, “I’m going to keep challenging players, and we have to get better. It is what it is, obviously. But we’re going to roll up our sleeves and go to work and try to keep it moving and try to fix it already.”
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence chimed in on the matter, acknowledging the need for a more effective game initiation. “How do we start better? How do we just move the ball, get in a rhythm?” he questioned, pressing for improvements in their offensive performance.
On the defensive side, the Jaguars managed one of the better displays against the Eagles’ famed “Brotherly Shove” by stopping quarterback Jalen Hurts on two separate attempts during 2-point conversions. These stops plus three sacks and two fourth-down stops were highlights amid a defense that surrendered a notorious 447 yards, placing them at 31st in total defense for the league and dead last in yards per play.
However, the defense continues to struggle with allowing big plays; all four touchdowns from the Eagles came on plays that exceeded 18 yards, including third-down conversions of 17 and 22 yards. Additionally, the Jaguars’ defensive unit has allowed 16 plays of 30 yards or more this season, with a worrying pattern showing most of these occurring in the latter half of games.
On a bright note, defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker had noteworthy performances despite the loss. Hines-Allen increased his season sack total to five, while Walker compiled seven tackles, returning a fumble 35 yards for a late touchdown that temporarily uplifted the Jaguars’ morale.
However, things took a downturn for running back Travis Etienne, who, in his first game after a three-week absence, caused an interception by bobbling a pass. He barely contributed in the second half, and when the game came down to a decisive moment, Lawrence ended up targeting third-string back D’Ernest Johnson, resulting in another interception.
Adding to the woes, second-year guard Cooper Hodges suffered a broken leg, requiring a hospital visit for evaluation. This incident marks Hodges’ second consecutive year facing significant leg issues after dislocating his kneecap in 2023’s preseason.
With only two wins, the Jaguars find themselves among nine NFL teams struggling this season. Currently, they hold the number two overall pick for the 2025 draft.
Considering the Jaguars’ considerable struggle with 12 losses in the last 15 matches, team owner Shad Khan may need to evaluate possible changes in leadership. Potential adjustments could involve re-evaluating Coach Pederson, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, general manager Trent Baalke, or broader restructuring that Khan might typically wish to circumvent.
The team’s recent performance hit a new low during a 28-23 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles. Donning a struggling offense, the Jaguars managed a mere 31 yards from 18 plays in the first half, entering halftime with a considerable 16-0 deficit. Even this deficit could have been larger had the Eagles’ coach opted for points on two occasions.
This week, Jacksonville must tackle these persistent issues before their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings (6-2). They have repeatedly found themselves in double-digit deficits in their last four matchups, notably against teams like Green Bay, New England, and Chicago, leading to challenging situations. While the Jaguars came back to tie against the Packers and pulled off a win against the Patriots, the coaching staff recognizes the need for improvement in how they start the games.
Head coach Doug Pederson emphasized the importance of pushing the players to enhance their performance, stating, “I’m going to keep challenging players, and we have to get better. It is what it is, obviously. But we’re going to roll up our sleeves and go to work and try to keep it moving and try to fix it already.”
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence chimed in on the matter, acknowledging the need for a more effective game initiation. “How do we start better? How do we just move the ball, get in a rhythm?” he questioned, pressing for improvements in their offensive performance.
On the defensive side, the Jaguars managed one of the better displays against the Eagles’ famed “Brotherly Shove” by stopping quarterback Jalen Hurts on two separate attempts during 2-point conversions. These stops plus three sacks and two fourth-down stops were highlights amid a defense that surrendered a notorious 447 yards, placing them at 31st in total defense for the league and dead last in yards per play.
However, the defense continues to struggle with allowing big plays; all four touchdowns from the Eagles came on plays that exceeded 18 yards, including third-down conversions of 17 and 22 yards. Additionally, the Jaguars’ defensive unit has allowed 16 plays of 30 yards or more this season, with a worrying pattern showing most of these occurring in the latter half of games.
On a bright note, defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker had noteworthy performances despite the loss. Hines-Allen increased his season sack total to five, while Walker compiled seven tackles, returning a fumble 35 yards for a late touchdown that temporarily uplifted the Jaguars’ morale.
However, things took a downturn for running back Travis Etienne, who, in his first game after a three-week absence, caused an interception by bobbling a pass. He barely contributed in the second half, and when the game came down to a decisive moment, Lawrence ended up targeting third-string back D’Ernest Johnson, resulting in another interception.
Adding to the woes, second-year guard Cooper Hodges suffered a broken leg, requiring a hospital visit for evaluation. This incident marks Hodges’ second consecutive year facing significant leg issues after dislocating his kneecap in 2023’s preseason.
With only two wins, the Jaguars find themselves among nine NFL teams struggling this season. Currently, they hold the number two overall pick for the 2025 draft.
Considering the Jaguars’ considerable struggle with 12 losses in the last 15 matches, team owner Shad Khan may need to evaluate possible changes in leadership. Potential adjustments could involve re-evaluating Coach Pederson, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, general manager Trent Baalke, or broader restructuring that Khan might typically wish to circumvent.