The Jaguars season presses on, and their determination is unwavering. Head Coach Doug Pederson has emphasized, time and again, the resilience of his team, even in the midst of a challenging and frustrating stretch. Despite a string of narrow losses, Pederson sees no sign of surrender in his players. “They keep grinding,” he said, a sentiment echoed by Quarterback Mac Jones, who emphasized the fresh start each new week brings. As the Jaguars (2-8) prepare to take on the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (8-1), the team continues to focus on growth and persistence.
In their last three games, the Jaguars have lost by five points or less, each decided in the final minutes against top NFC teams like Minnesota, Green Bay, and Philadelphia. These losses mark a season where six of the team’s eight defeats have come in similar nail-biting fashion. Safety Andre Cisco, now in his fourth season, noted how familiar he is with this kind of adversity, and emphasized the importance of pushing forward despite the difficulties. “You just want to keep working and deal with adversity as you need to,” he shared, adding that the atmosphere in the locker room remains positive and resilient.
Pederson, in his third year as head coach, expressed pride in his team’s persistence. “Are we defeated, disappointed, discouraged? There are moments of that, obviously,” he admitted. But he highlighted that the players continue to bring energy and drive, striving for improvement each day. With seven games left, the Jaguars trail the AFC South-leading Houston Texans by four games. They know the road ahead is tough but remain focused on the possibility of a turnaround. Cisco believes that, by taking it “week by week, day by day,” they might still reach their goals.
Defensive end Travon Walker noted that although the team has dug itself into a hole, their schedule still leaves room for recovery if they can pull off a winning streak. Walker is confident in their abilities, stating that winning every remaining game is within reach, even if the path is now more challenging.
Pederson also shared plans for a continued defensive rotation, pointing to recent snap adjustments that include second-year safety Antonio Johnson and safety Andre Cisco, as well as cornerbacks and linebackers. This approach aims to keep players fresh amid the wear and tear of the season.
Reflecting on the Jaguars’ fight, Jones praised Pederson’s influence. “We’re all buying into what he’s saying,” he said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to working hard, trusting each other, and focusing on collective goals regardless of recent results. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has faced challenges adjusting, but Jones is eager to help him find his rhythm. He noted the difficulty of getting into a groove offensively in recent games but expressed confidence in Thomas’s abilities and his potential to make a significant impact as the season progresses.
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