Jaguars Coach Pederson Uncertain on Lawrence Following Loss

In Orchard Park, New York, the Jacksonville Jaguars are facing significant challenges following a disappointing 0-3 start to their season. Coach Doug Pederson is considering various changes in response to the team’s struggles, including the possibility of reevaluating the quarterback position held by Trevor Lawrence.

Following a crushing 47-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, Pederson acknowledged, “There has to be changes, whether it’s play design, personnel, everything.” He emphasized that nothing is off the table as the coaching staff looks for ways to improve the team’s performance.

When pressed about specific changes to the starting lineup, particularly regarding Lawrence, Pederson remained vague but noted the importance of evaluating performance and injuries. “We’ve got to take a look at injury,” he said. “Could be moved that way. Could be performance. It’s all things we have to evaluate as we move forward.”

The Jaguars have struggled offensively since their season opener, managing only 23 points and a dismal success rate on third downs, converting just 5 out of 27 attempts in the last 10 quarters. Lawrence’s performance has also dipped, completing only 47.5% of his passes for 432 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while being sacked 10 times during this span.

In the game against Buffalo, Lawrence completed 21 of 38 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. This loss marks his eighth consecutive defeat as a starting quarterback, and he hasn’t secured a victory in 302 days since a Week 12 win over Houston last season. “That’s the NFL: The quarterback has to play well every week to give yourself a shot to win, and I don’t feel like I’ve done that consistently enough, so I put that on myself, and I’ve got to play better,” he said.

Pederson’s comments on Lawrence’s performance were direct. He stated that the entire team, including the coaching staff, needs to improve. “I need everybody to coach and play better. Let’s leave it at that,” he remarked.

However, the blame does not rest solely on Lawrence’s shoulders. The defense’s performance has been equally concerning, particularly during the first half against the Bills when they surrendered a franchise-record 34 points. Quarterback Josh Allen capitalized on this weakness, throwing for 247 yards and four touchdowns. The Jaguars’ secondary has been severely impacted by injuries, with cornerback Tyson Campbell and nickel back Darnell Savage already sidelined. During the game, they also lost nickel back Jarrian Jones to a shoulder injury and linebacker Foyesade Oluokun to a foot injury.

On the offensive line, right tackle Anton Harrison left the game with a knee injury, and receiver Gabe Davis was also injured, sustaining a shoulder injury. The situation illustrates the ongoing struggles faced by the team as they try to find a path forward amid injuries and underwhelming performances.

Reflecting on the disarray within the organization, Pederson admitted, “This is who we are right now and it’s not very good.” He underscored the need for honesty among the players and himself as they confront this difficult period. “We’ve got the right guys. The right guys are in the room, and the right leaders. I’ve got to figure out a way to get more out of them,” he added. He suggested that improvement wouldn’t solely come from longer practices but instead through enhanced leadership and communication during games.

As if the crushing defeat wasn’t enough of a setback, the Jaguars faced additional woes post-game as their charter experienced mechanical issues, delaying their departure from the stadium. Reports indicated that as of 1 a.m. ET, the team had not yet left Highmark Stadium.