Where Doug Pederson and the Jaguars Had Problems

Where Doug Pederson and the Jaguars Had Problems

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 NFL season with high hopes after a promising 2023 campaign under head coach Doug Pederson. With a young, dynamic quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and a roster bolstered by talent on both sides of the ball, expectations were lofty. However, despite glimpses of brilliance, the Jaguars faced several challenges that prevented them from reaching their full potential. This analysis explores the key areas where Pederson and the Jaguars encountered problems and what these issues reveal about the team’s trajectory.

1. Offensive Inconsistencies

One of the Jaguars’ most glaring issues was inconsistency on offense. Under Pederson’s leadership, Jacksonville had developed a reputation for its creative play-calling and aggressive schemes. However, during critical moments of the 2024 season, the offense faltered, struggling to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

A. Trevor Lawrence’s Growing Pains

While Lawrence showed signs of growth, his performance was marked by periods of inconsistency. Turnovers, particularly in high-pressure situations, became a recurring problem. Interceptions in the red zone and fumbles in critical moments cost the Jaguars several games.

Part of Lawrence’s struggles could be attributed to the offensive line, which often failed to provide adequate protection. Opposing defenses exploited these vulnerabilities, forcing Lawrence to make rushed decisions or absorb unnecessary hits. While his talent is undeniable, Lawrence’s development hinges on better support from his line and improved decision-making under pressure.

B. Lack of a Reliable Run Game

The Jaguars also struggled to establish a consistent ground attack. Travis Etienne, the team’s primary running back, flashed brilliance but was unable to deliver consistent performances. Injuries and ineffective blocking schemes hampered the run game, leaving Jacksonville overly reliant on Lawrence’s arm.

Without a balanced offense, defenses were able to key in on the passing game, further exacerbating Jacksonville’s offensive woes. Pederson’s play-calling, while creative, occasionally leaned too heavily on the passing game, making the Jaguars predictable in certain situations.

2. Defensive Breakdowns

Despite showing promise in the early part of the season, Jacksonville’s defense often struggled to maintain its form, particularly against high-powered offenses. The unit’s inability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and its vulnerability in the secondary were significant factors in the team’s struggles.

A. Lack of a Dominant Pass Rush

The Jaguars’ pass rush, led by Josh Allen and Travon Walker, underperformed for much of the season. While Allen had standout games, the lack of consistent pressure from the defensive line allowed opposing quarterbacks to pick apart the secondary.

Walker, the former No. 1 overall pick, faced criticism for his inconsistent production. Though his physical tools are undeniable, his development as a dominant edge rusher remains a work in progress. The Jaguars’ inability to disrupt opposing offenses at the line of scrimmage put immense pressure on their secondary, leading to breakdowns in coverage.

B. Struggles in the Secondary

The Jaguars’ secondary emerged as a significant weak point, particularly in games against elite quarterbacks. Miscommunication and blown assignments led to big plays, often at the worst possible times. The lack of a true lockdown cornerback became evident, as Jacksonville struggled to contain top-tier wide receivers.

Safety play was another area of concern, with the team failing to generate turnovers or provide reliable support against deep passes. Pederson and defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell faced mounting criticism for their inability to address these recurring issues.

3. Penalties and Mental Errors

Discipline, or the lack thereof, was another recurring problem for the Jaguars. Untimely penalties, ranging from false starts to defensive pass interference, frequently derailed drives and extended opportunities for opponents.

A. Offensive Penalties

The offensive line was a primary offender, with holding and false start penalties becoming routine. These mistakes often put the Jaguars in long-yardage situations, forcing them to abandon balanced play-calling and rely on high-risk passing plays.

B. Defensive Penalties

On the defensive side, unnecessary roughness and pass interference calls proved costly. These infractions frequently negated otherwise strong defensive stands, allowing opponents to extend drives and score critical points.

Pederson acknowledged the team’s discipline issues during press conferences but struggled to implement effective solutions. The lack of accountability and attention to detail in these areas frustrated fans and analysts alike.

4. Coaching Decisions

While Pederson is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds, some of his decisions during the season drew criticism. From questionable fourth-down calls to clock management issues, Pederson’s strategic missteps contributed to Jacksonville’s struggles.

A. Aggressiveness Gone Awry

Pederson’s aggressive approach, while often a strength, occasionally backfired. The decision to go for it on fourth down in unfavorable field positions led to turnovers that shifted momentum in critical games. While aggression can pay dividends, poor execution and situational misjudgment undermined the effectiveness of these calls.

B. Clock Management and Game Situations

Another area of concern was Pederson’s clock management. Several late-game scenarios were mishandled, resulting in missed opportunities to secure victories. Whether it was failing to properly utilize timeouts or questionable play-calling in two-minute drills, these mistakes highlighted areas for improvement in Pederson’s game management.

5. Injuries and Depth Issues

Injuries are an inevitable part of football, but the Jaguars were hit particularly hard during the 2024 season. Key players on both sides of the ball missed significant time, exposing the team’s lack of depth in critical positions.

A. Offensive Line Injuries

The offensive line, already a weak point, was further decimated by injuries. The loss of key starters forced Jacksonville to rely on inexperienced backups, exacerbating their protection issues and limiting the effectiveness of the run game.

B. Defensive Injuries

On defense, injuries to key players in the secondary and linebacker corps left the unit vulnerable. The absence of depth was particularly evident in games against playoff-caliber opponents, where Jacksonville struggled to contain dynamic offenses.

Pederson and the front office faced criticism for not adequately addressing depth during the offseason, leaving the team ill-equipped to handle the rigors of an NFL season.

6. The Pressure of Expectations

Finally, the weight of heightened expectations may have contributed to the Jaguars’ struggles. After a strong 2023 campaign and a playoff appearance, the team entered 2024 with aspirations of contending for a division title and making a deep postseason run. However, the pressure to deliver may have amplified the impact of their mistakes.

A. Young Team Adjusting to the Spotlight

With a young roster, the Jaguars were still learning how to handle the demands of competing at a high level week in and week out. The inexperience of some key players showed in high-pressure situations, where mental lapses and execution errors often proved costly.

B. Managing the Narrative

Pederson and the coaching staff also faced challenges in managing the narrative around the team. While they preached patience and resilience, the fanbase’s growing frustration highlighted the need for more immediate results. Balancing long-term development with short-term success remains a delicate task for Pederson and his staff.

Looking Forward

Despite their struggles, the Jaguars have reasons for optimism. Trevor Lawrence’s potential as a franchise quarterback, the presence of talented playmakers like Travis Etienne and Christian Kirk, and a promising young defense provide a strong foundation.

To overcome their problems, the Jaguars must address key areas:

• Reinforcing the offensive line to better protect Lawrence and establish a reliable run game.
• Improving defensive depth and pass coverage to compete against top offenses.
• Focusing on discipline to reduce penalties and mental errors.
• Evolving Pederson’s game management to ensure better decision-making in critical moments.

As Jacksonville heads into the 2025 season, the lessons learned from their 2024 challenges will be crucial in shaping their path forward. While the road to sustained success is rarely smooth, the Jaguars have the pieces to build a competitive and resilient team under Pederson’s leadership.