Jaguars coach Doug Pederson says firing assistants mid-season is ‘a harmful factor’

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson does not consider in firing assistants in the course of the season.

He did not do it throughout his 5 years in Philadelphia and he does not plan to do it in Jacksonville, even after the worst loss in franchise historical past.

After a 52-6 debacle in Detroit and heading right into a bye week, Pederson mentioned “every little thing is on the desk” by way of adjustments. But he additionally made it clear that retaining his employees intact is a precedence.

“I feel you must be very, very cautious,” Pederson mentioned. “When you begin pointing fingers at sure individuals, it is a harmful factor. And I will not do it. I will not do it. Not now.

“As a coach on this league that is going by what we’re going by, you are pointing a finger. And if it must be pointed, it must be pointed at me. It begins with me. That’s sufficient.”

The Jaguars (2-9) may level the finger in any route and discover issues. They have misplaced 4 video games in a row and 14 of 17.

Their offense compiled the fewest yards by three video games in franchise historical past. Jacksonville managed 528 yards in losses to Philadelphia (215), Minnesota (143) and Detroit (170).

Their protection, in the meantime, gave up essentially the most yards in three video games within the group’s 30 seasons. The unit allowed 1,494 yards to the Eagles (447), Vikings (402) and Lions (645).

So one thing, possibly every little thing, must be overhauled in Jacksonville. Owner Shad Khan, nevertheless, determined to not hearth Pederson or normal supervisor Trent Baalke the day after the franchise’s most lopsided loss.

“Football is a struggle of attrition typically,” veteran middle Mitch Morse mentioned. “Our group was no exception, each offensively and defensively. It’s a part of the job. You are available in and you must struggle with who you might have and rally across the guys.

“Ask anybody on this locker room. You do not count on to lose, however that is the way you reply. It’s going to be an awesome problem.”

What works

Special groups have been brilliant spots this season. Logan Cooke leads the NFL in internet punting with 46.4 yards per kick. Rookie Cam Little made 13 straight subject objectives, together with a career-high 59-yarder towards the Lions. And security Daniel Thomas had Jacksonville’s spotlight second when he dropped punt returner Kalif Raymond contained in the 10-yard line.

What wants assist

Pederson mentioned the Jaguars ought to attempt to play back-to-back video games in London yearly. They gained three in a row after taking part in consecutive weeks in London in 2023, however finally wore down and misplaced 5 of six to overlook the playoffs. They are in a four-match skid now after splitting two matches overseas.

“I feel it is one thing we want to try the place the bye might be (after) 10 days over there,” Pederson mentioned. “Having the bye initially of the yr? I do not essentially like that a lot. But I feel we want to try the place he is at and the timing as we transfer ahead.”

Stock up

Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. caught 5 passes for 82 yards towards the Vikings, his greatest sport in weeks. He had 4 receptions for 34 yards within the earlier two video games mixed, each taking part in with out Christian Kirk (damaged collarbone).

Declining shares

Backup quarterback Mac Jones struggled in two video games instead of Trevor Lawrence. He accomplished 31 of 51 passes for 249 yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions and 4 sacks.

Injuries

Receiver Gabe Davis, who signed a three-year, $39 million contract in free company, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Davis has 20 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns. He will be part of Kirk on injured reserve.

Key quantity

1 – Jacksonville’s present place within the 2025 NFL Draft. If it holds, the Jaguars would have the primary decide for the third time in 5 years.

Next steps

The solely questions that matter going ahead are: What will Khan do with Pederson and Baalke, and the way will any adjustments make Lawrence higher in 2025?

Associated Press reporting.

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