According to a report, an AFC South opponent may outperform the Jacksonville Jaguars due to advancements in coaching in critical positions.
The AFC South division has been a battleground in the NFL, with the Jacksonville Jaguars rising to the top in recent seasons. However, a new report suggests that an AFC South rival could be primed to surpass the Jaguars in 2025, thanks to key advancements in coaching, player development, and roster construction. This shifting dynamic in the division could signal a new era of competition within one of the NFL’s more unpredictable divisions.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, divisional rivalries become more crucial, and small improvements in coaching and roster management can make a significant impact on a team’s success. The Jacksonville Jaguars, under the leadership of head coach Doug Pederson, have enjoyed a steady upward trajectory in recent years, spearheaded by the remarkable development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and a solid overall team foundation. Despite this, the report raises questions about whether the Jaguars’ position at the top of the AFC South is as secure as once thought.
As the 2025 season looms, this article will delve into the factors outlined in the report that could enable another AFC South team to challenge the Jaguars’ dominance. These factors include advancements in coaching staff, developments in key positions, and the overall state of the division. The key to the Jaguars’ success, or potential fall, lies in how their rivals adapt and improve.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Current State: Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Before analyzing the potential rise of an AFC South challenger, it’s essential to first understand where the Jacksonville Jaguars stand and what has contributed to their recent success. The Jaguars’ rapid ascent from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender has largely been attributed to the development of Trevor Lawrence, who showed significant growth under Doug Pederson in his second season as the starting quarterback.
Lawrence’s trajectory has been one of the most notable in the NFL, as he demonstrated his vast potential in 2024, throwing for over 4,000 yards and leading the Jaguars to a playoff berth. Pederson’s coaching has been a major factor in Lawrence’s development, as the veteran head coach has a proven track record of maximizing quarterback talent—having led Carson Wentz to an MVP-caliber season in Philadelphia and eventually winning a Super Bowl.
Beyond Lawrence, the Jaguars’ offensive line has been a source of concern in recent seasons. While the line has improved with key additions and development, it remains an area of focus. A solid offensive line is critical to allowing Lawrence to operate efficiently and avoid pressure that could hinder his ability to make plays. Moreover, the Jaguars have a promising group of skill position players, including Travis Etienne, a versatile running back, and emerging wide receivers like Christian Kirk and Zay Jones.
Defensively, the Jaguars have made notable strides in recent seasons. The development of their young defensive stars, such as Josh Allen and Devin Lloyd, has given them a more balanced roster. However, inconsistency on defense, particularly in the secondary, has sometimes held the team back from being a truly dominant unit. The Jaguars are still a team with great potential but are also a team with areas that require continual improvement to ensure they don’t fall behind other teams in the division.
The AFC South Rivalry: Who Could Surpass the Jaguars?
The AFC South is known for its competitive balance, where no team has maintained long-term dominance in the way other divisions have seen. The Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans are all looking to turn the corner and pose a serious challenge to the Jaguars’ rise.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Coaching Changes and the Rise of Anthony Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts are in the midst of a major transition. The team hired Shane Steichen as head coach in 2024, bringing in a fresh offensive mind who had been instrumental in the development of Jalen Hurts during his time as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Steichen’s offensive prowess, particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks, could be a game-changer for the Colts.
Central to the Colts’ hopes of leapfrogging the Jaguars is the development of their rookie quarterback, Anthony Richardson. The highly touted dual-threat quarterback has the potential to be a star in the NFL, but his success will depend heavily on how well Steichen and the coaching staff are able to mold his game. With Richardson’s unique combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength, the Colts could build an offense that is both dynamic and difficult to defend.
Beyond Richardson, the Colts have a solid supporting cast, with star running back Jonathan Taylor leading the ground game. However, the Colts will need to address several other issues, including their offensive line and wide receiver corps, which could affect their ability to compete with a well-rounded team like the Jaguars. The Colts’ defense has also been a strong suit, with standout players like linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive end DeForest Buckner anchoring the unit.
If Richardson develops into the player many expect him to be, and Steichen continues to innovate on offense, the Colts could emerge as a formidable threat to the Jaguars in 2025. The combination of strong defense and an evolving offense could allow the Colts to outperform their division rivals.
2. Tennessee Titans: A Resurgent Offense and Derrick Henry’s Window
The Tennessee Titans have had their ups and downs in recent seasons, with the team’s fortunes largely hinging on the health and performance of Derrick Henry. The 2025 season may be the year where the Titans finally take the next step in terms of offensive innovation and game-planning, and the team’s front office has made several moves to ensure that they remain competitive.
At the heart of Tennessee’s success is Henry, one of the league’s most physically dominant players. However, the Titans are also looking to evolve on offense to provide more balance and stability. The team has brought in new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, who will likely take a more modern approach to their offensive scheme. This could include incorporating a more varied passing attack, taking some of the pressure off Henry, and allowing quarterback Ryan Tannehill to be more effective in the passing game. The Titans have a strong group of receivers, including Trey Phelps and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who could make strides under Kelly’s system.
Tennessee’s defense remains one of the most solid in the AFC, with Jeffery Simmons anchoring the line and linebacker Zach Cunningham playing at a high level. Their defense is built to win games on its own, and if the offense can become more dynamic, the Titans could easily leapfrog the Jaguars in the division race.
3. Houston Texans: A Fresh Start with a New Quarterback and Coaching Staff
The Houston Texans have been in full rebuild mode for several years, but the 2025 season could mark the start of a new era for the team. The Texans hired DeMeco Ryans as head coach in 2024, bringing in a defensive-minded leader who has quickly gained respect in the NFL for his work as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. Ryans’ defensive philosophy could have an immediate impact on a Texans’ defense that has struggled in recent seasons.
The biggest wild card for Houston, however, is the development of C.J. Stroud, the rookie quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Stroud, widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in his draft class, will have the task of revitalizing the Texans’ offense. If Stroud shows the poise and skill expected from him, the Texans could emerge as an unexpected challenger to the Jaguars in the AFC South.
The Texans have a solid young core, including talented players like Dameon Pierce and Nico Collins, who could provide Stroud with the weapons he needs to succeed. The team’s defensive additions and improvements under Ryans should help keep them competitive as well, making the Texans a team to watch as they look to compete in one of the NFL’s most intriguing divisions.
What the Jaguars Need to Do to Maintain Their Position
While the AFC South’s other teams are all improving and positioning themselves for potential success, the Jacksonville Jaguars still have the talent to maintain their position at the top of the division. However, the Jaguars will need to continue their progression on both sides of the ball.
- Quarterback Play: Trevor Lawrence will need to continue his growth as a franchise quarterback. Pederson’s coaching has unlocked much of Lawrence’s potential, but it’s important for Lawrence to stay consistent and avoid any regression. Continued chemistry with his receivers and maintaining a strong relationship with Pederson will be key.
- Defensive Improvement: While the Jaguars’ defense is strong, it still lacks consistency. Addressing holes in the secondary and continuing to develop young talent will be crucial. Adding depth to key positions, such as cornerback and edge rusher, will provide a more balanced and dominant defense.
- Offensive Line Play: The offensive line has been a weak point for the Jaguars in recent seasons, and improving this unit is critical for both Lawrence’s development and the success of the offense. If the line can protect Lawrence and create running lanes for Etienne, the Jaguars’ offense can be a force to reckon with.
