JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be in disarray, leaving owner Shad Khan to assess the situation and determine the future of the team’s leadership. This decision may come sooner than expected.
Khan’s new luxury yacht, the Kismet, is currently anchored along the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. This 400-foot vessel serves as the owner’s serene getaway and might be the location where Khan contemplates the roles of head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke following a troubling season for the Jaguars.
With a record of 2-8, the Jaguars have stumbled significantly, losing 13 out of their last 16 games after a promising start where they held an 8-3 record last season and were in contention for a playoff spot in the AFC. Both Pederson and Baalke are now facing scrutiny for the team’s downturn.
In a statement made earlier this year, Khan proclaimed that this roster was the most skilled he had assembled during his ownership. With contracts for both the coach and the general manager extending through the 2025 season, the time may be ripe for Khan to ponder a fresh start, especially with a bye week approaching after Sunday’s matchup against Detroit.
Baalke’s performance in the draft over the past four years has drawn criticism, with disappointing selections ranging from first-round linebacker Devin Lloyd in 2021 to second-round defensive tackle Maason Smith in 2024. Additionally, his recent free-agent acquisitions have underperformed, costing nearly $90 million in guarantees without making a significant impact. Baalke’s decisions to pay quarterback Trevor Lawrence and cornerback Tyson Campbell like star players, despite their average performance, also raise questions.
Meanwhile, Pederson is struggling to find a player development success story from his time as head coach. Lawrence’s performance has seemingly declined under an offensive strategy that many perceive as stale and repetitive, leaving the team without a clear direction.
Frustration is evident as Pederson expressed concerns over Lawrence’s judgment and reliability. When queried about a non-throwing shoulder injury, Pederson’s response indicated uncertainty regarding how it might limit Lawrence, suggesting it might affect minor situations rather than his throwing effectiveness.
The Jaguars’ situation is concerning, evidenced by their lackluster performances. Despite Pederson claiming the team had competitive outings in one-score games this season — with a current record of 1-6 in such instances — the last two matches could’ve resulted in significant defeats.
In a closely contested game held on Sunday, the Jaguars lost 12-7 to the Minnesota Vikings, where their defense allowed 402 total yards. Despite three interceptions from Sam Darnold keeping them in contention, the Jaguars struggled to capitalize on opportunities.
“It’s not about one guy,” Pederson stated. “This is a team effort, and offensively we didn’t support Mac.” Nevertheless, the focus may fall on a single figure moving forward. Khan has previously met with players aboard his yacht to gather unfiltered opinions about the franchise’s status, making it an ideal time for him to do so once more.
On a brighter note, the Jaguars might have discovered a solution to their short-yardage challenges through quarterback runs, with Lawrence and backup quarterback Mac Jones combining for four rushing touchdowns in their last three games.
However, the team continues to struggle defensively, notably against tight ends. In recent weeks, various tight ends have excelled, with T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver being the latest to exploit Jacksonville’s weaknesses.
In terms of individual performances, punter Logan Cooke had a noteworthy outing, landing four of his five punts inside the 20-yard line, enhancing his position as a leading punter in the league.
In contrast, rookie Brian Thomas Jr. is enduring a challenging stretch, seeing significant double coverage due to the absence of fellow receiver Christian Kirk, resulting in minimal production.
As for injuries, Lawrence is anticipated to engage in more practice sessions this week in light of the impending game against Detroit. Nevertheless, with an upcoming bye week, there is a possibility that he might opt for a longer recovery period.
A crucial statistic highlights Jacksonville’s current position for the 2025 NFL draft, where they are projected to have the top pick if the season spirals further downward.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars are facing a daunting challenge, entering their matchup as 13-point underdogs against the Lions, the largest line seen during Pederson’s tenure, indicating the skepticism surrounding what was once touted as Khan’s most talented team.