In early December, few expected the Jacksonville Jaguars to rise to the No. 3 seed in the AFC. Those who did are likely not being honest.
The Jaguars have stealthily gone 9-4, clinching first place in the AFC South after a remarkable 36-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. It’s worth noting that the Colts’ Daniel Jones was sidelined, easing the challenge for the Jaguars, yet the outcome speaks volumes.
Coach Liam Coen deserves accolades for his work, potentially earning him Coach of the Year accolades. The Jaguars are set to finish their season with home games against the Jets and Titans, along with road encounters against the Colts without their starting quarterback and the Broncos.
A two-week win against the Broncos could solidify their chances at a No. 2 seed, something unimaginable given the circumstances Coen faced last February.
Coen’s leadership has transformed an offense ranked ninth in scoring (25.2 points per game), which has been firing on all cylinders recently, posting an average of 29.3 points over the last three weeks.
Trevor Lawrence, initially questioned for a slow start to the season, has shown marked improvement, throwing for 244 yards with two touchdowns against the Colts.
On defense, coached by Anthony Campanile, they rank tenth in scoring defense, allowing 20.9 points per game and leading the league in rushing defense at 82.9 yards per game.
While their roster might not dazzle on paper, it highlights the coaching staff’s effectiveness. Additionally, General Manager James Gladstone has made key acquisitions, such as Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders, significantly bolstering the offense.
Sitting at No. 6 in the Power Rankings this week, the Jaguars continue to surprise many observers. In a year lacking overwhelmingly dominant teams, could they find their stride for a playoff run? It’s plausible. We will have clearer insights after their match against the Broncos in two weeks. With an accommodating schedule ahead, they could possibly qualify for the playoffs unless a drastic downfall occurs.
If the Jaguars secure the division and clinch a top-two or top-three seed, Coen will undeniably merit consideration for Coach of the Year. And let’s face it, anyone who claimed they anticipated this success is likely not being truthful.
