Just a month and a half ago, the Jaguars were at the top of their division with a record of eight wins and three losses. A spot in the playoffs was all but assured barring disaster. The season just ended with five losses in six games and this team is redefining the term “shocking.”
In sports it is well known that a team “shocks” is used to explain that it is collapsing under pressure. In the case of the Jaguars, we simply speak in good French of a landing of epic proportions.
Since the record was 8-3 as of November 26th, the various probability models put their chances of making the playoffs at around 96 to 99%. It was necessary for the Jaguars to thwart such strong chances!
At the end of November, no one was talking about the playoffs in Jacksonville. Instead, we dreamed of first place in the conference and home-field advantage with a bye in the first round. Take a vacation, but not just for a short week, but until next September.
Their last mistake was fatal, against the Titans, who finished their season with a 6-11 record and were not dominant. That 28-20 loss not only confirmed their elimination from the race, but also the American Conference South Division title for the surprising Texans.
It also allowed the Steelers and Bills to secure playoff spots.
Ironically, the Titans were 7-3 a year ago before collapsing and being knocked out of the playoffs by the Jaguars in Week 18. A year later the roles are reversed.
Tough end to the season
Trevor Lawrence couldn't find a solution to the Titans' defensive plans. Photo Getty Images via AFP
The Jaguars therefore lost five of their last six games of the season. The only win came from the woeful Panthers (2-15), the worst team in the league. There's plenty to think about for the coming months.
Some will say that Trevor Lawrence has played the last few games despite various injuries, including the one against the Titans with a shoulder injury. That's true, but the excuse doesn't hold water.
The Texans were without quarterback CJ Stroud for two games and will be in the playoffs. The Browns had to use five quarterbacks and will be in the playoffs. The Steelers are juggling three quarterbacks and will be in the playoffs. Such is life in the NFL…
Questionable decisions
Head coach Doug Pederson will certainly face criticism in Jacksonville. Photo Getty Images via AFP
Lawrence, who appeared to be on his way to becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the league after his stellar finish last season, hasn't been quite up to par this season.
In an inconclusive duel he was the victim of two interceptions. The offense has committed twelve turnovers in the last five games.
However, he is not the only culprit and head coach Doug Pederson will be held responsible. The Jaguars' game management in the final sequence left a lot to be desired and the offense did not convert on any of its three fourth down attempts. Only one of the three presences in the pay zone resulted in a touchdown. That's still a lot of points on the field.
With a critical fourth down and just over a yard to go before reaching the end zone, it's quite surprising that Lawrence attempts a long sneak from the quarterback. This game, apart from the Eagles, who have mastered it perfectly, is mainly used when there are only a few centimeters left to gain.
Pederson said after the game that the decision came from Lawrence, who himself would have changed the play at the line of scrimmage. Still, the result was pathetic.
One thing is certain: The Jaguars won't sit idle and convince themselves that they're betting on a potential prodigy in Lawrence.
A few weeks ago we thought the Jaguars were alone in this division. We have forgotten that they are no better at getting tangled in their own bootstraps than they are.