The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 11 loss to the Detroit Lions was nothing short of catastrophic. To say they were beaten would be an understatement—they were thoroughly dominated in every aspect of the game. The defeat was so overwhelming that it has sparked speculation about head coach Doug Pederson’s future with the team. Linebacker Devin Lloyd, fully aware of the gravity of the situation, has already begun preparing for the possibility of significant changes ahead.
Following the humiliating 52-6 loss, Lloyd spoke candidly with the media. He expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to perform but also acknowledged the Lions’ strong showing. “At the end of the day, there’s no excuse for us not being able to execute,” Lloyd remarked. “But they’re a great team. They played great.”
When asked about Pederson’s potential job security, Lloyd admitted it’s not the outcome anyone wants but recognizes it as a harsh reality of the NFL. “Obviously, it’s not something anybody wishes for. You’ve got so much love for everybody in this locker room and on this team. It’s not something you wish for, but it’s the reality. We’re not winning, and so, it is what it is,” he stated.
While Lloyd’s individual performance wasn’t disastrous—earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 65.1, the third-highest among Jaguars defenders—it wasn’t enough to influence the game’s outcome. On a day when the Jaguars desperately needed standout performances on both sides of the ball, Lloyd’s contributions failed to make a significant impact.
This season, Lloyd has accumulated 79 total tackles, one sack, and two passes defensed. Although his play has shown signs of improvement, fellow linebacker Ventrell Miller has arguably outperformed him. Despite this, the Jaguars’ coaching staff has maintained confidence in Lloyd, keeping him as a starter alongside veteran Foyesade Oluokun.
The Jaguars and Lloyd would undoubtedly prefer to erase the memory of this brutal loss. Just a week earlier, the defense appeared to be turning a corner after holding the Minnesota Vikings to 12 points and preventing them from scoring a touchdown. However, against the Lions, the team’s defensive unit completely unraveled. They allowed 52 points, over 38 first downs, and a staggering 644 total yards. The -475 total yards differential marked the worst single-game performance since 1979—a humiliating statistic for any team.
Ultimately, this disastrous showing has placed both players and coaches under scrutiny. While Lloyd and the defense have had moments of promise, their inconsistency has been a significant factor in the team’s struggles. If team owner Shad Khan decides to part ways with Doug Pederson, this game may be seen as a defining moment in that decision.
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