The Jacksonville Jaguars might face a crucial decision after their humiliating 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. With starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence sidelined and the team battling one of the NFC’s strongest contenders, head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke could be on the hot seat.
A Make-or-Break Game
According to the NFL, a “significant move” could be imminent depending on the outcome of this game. Heading into Week 11, the Jaguars held a disappointing 2-8 record. Their bye week in Week 12 could offer an opportunity for drastic changes if ownership deems it necessary.
Unfortunately for Pederson and Baalke, the game in Ford Field only highlighted the team’s struggles. Jacksonville dropped to 0-6 on the road, and since starting last season 8-3, they’ve posted a dismal 3-13 record. The team has already been eliminated from postseason contention well before Thanksgiving.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had a tough season, throwing for just 2,004 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions before suffering a shoulder injury. In his absence, backup quarterback Mac Jones, claimed off waivers from the Patriots, started last week’s 12-7 loss to the Vikings and again on Sunday.
Despite Pederson’s assurances last month that he hadn’t “lost the locker room,” the team’s continued decline under his leadership is stark. Owner Shad Khan set the tone in August, stating that “winning is now the expectation” for a Jaguars squad built around a $275 million franchise quarterback and bolstered by offseason additions.
Khan’s High Hopes Dashed
“This is the best team the Jacksonville Jaguars have ever assembled,” Khan declared at the start of the season, according to NFL “The best players, the best coaches. But most importantly, prove it by winning now.”
Just three months later, the team is far from meeting those expectations. Pederson, who led the Eagles to a Super Bowl title before joining Jacksonville in 2022, and Baalke, who has served as GM since taking over in 2020, might now face the consequences.
NFL suggests that a major shakeup “would not be a surprise,” especially given the growing sense of unease within the organization. This could mark the beginning of yet another overhaul for the Jaguars, who fired Urban Meyer after less than one season in 2021.
Following their bye, the Jaguars will host the Texans on December 1 before traveling to face the Titans. Whether Pederson and Baalke will still be at the helm remains uncertain, but it’s clear that significant changes may be looming.
