The Jacksonville Jaguars returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 following four disastrous seasons. What lies ahead for Doug Pederson’s club?
From a combined 15-50 record from 2018-21 to a 9-8 finish and a division title this past season. Led by new head coach Doug Pederson and second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars overcame a 4-8 start by winning their final five games and the AFC South.
The club overcame a 27-0 second-quarter deficit vs. the Chargers in the wild card round and orchestrated the third-biggest comeback in NFL postseason history via a 31-20 win. The club’s season ended with a tough 27-20 loss at Kansas City but huge strides were made under Pederson.
What’s Next for the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Add more pieces to a defensive unit that made strides in 2022 but still has a lot of work to do. A season ago, the club finished 20th in the league in fewest total yards allowed. The Jaguars also came up with only nine takeaways, the fewest in the league. Jacksonville allowed 457 points and 46 offensive touchdowns.
This season, Pederson’s team surrendered only 350 points and 39 offensive TDs. That’s because the club forced three times as many turnovers (27). However, a pass rush led by Josh Allen (6.0) produced only 35 sacks in 17 regular-season contests and only three QB traps in the playoff split with the Chargers and Chiefs. Meanwhile, pass-rushers Dawuane Smoot (5.0) and Arden Key (4.5) could test free agency.
Biggest Offseason Concern?
While former Cardinals’ wideout Christian Kirk (84) and Zay Jones (82) were the team’s top two pass-catchers, tight end Evan Engram wasn’t far behind. The one-time first-round pick of the Giants totaled career-highs in catches (73) and receiving yards (766) and reached the end zone four times. He added a dozen receptions for 124 yards and one score in two postseason contests.
Engram signed a one-year deal last offseason and could enter the open market again if the club doesn’t re-up with him.
Before 2022, the last time the Jaguars reached the playoffs was in 2017. The team went all the way to the AFC title game but followed that up with four straight appearances in the AFC South basement. Pederson and company need to build on their impressive second-half performance. That could mean being aggressive in free agency once again.