Doug Pederson’s play-calling choice for the Jaguars remains a mystery, even to owner Shad Khan. Khan prefers to let Pederson choose the play-caller without external influence. Khan anticipates improved performance and a shift in organizational focus following the failure of the 2023 season. Doug Pederson has yet to identify the Jacksonville Jaguars’ play-caller for 2024.
Last season, offensive Press Taylor was completely responsible for this. In 2022, Pederson and Taylor will split the role. Everyone is unsure who will be in charge of it right now. Even Shad Khan, the team’s owner. Khan was asked who he wanted to be Jacksonville’s play-caller for this season. Despite having an opinion, he refused to communicate it. Khan does not want to use his authority to influence the decision.
Yes, I have an opinion. But I don’t want to tell people, ‘We need to do it’ because if things don’t work out, they’ll look at me and say, ‘We did it because you wanted it.’…Doug is emboldened. I’ll let him decide. It’s a prudent decision, especially given speculations that Taylor’s position could be in threat. Allow those who are paid to make football judgments to do so without undue pressure. It will be fascinating to watch what happens with the position by Week 1.
Last season, the Jaguars appeared to be a lock to win the AFC South after finishing 8-3. Jacksonville’s 1-5 season was hindered by injuries to Trevor Lawrence, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones, resulting in a missed playoff opportunity. Khan also remarked about it. He acknowledges the injuries, but he still expects the club to improve. According to Khan, losing should no longer be part of Jacksonville’s DNA
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Injuries are part of the game. We had some of those injuries, but I believe they occurred due to organizational failure. All of the athletes I spoke with were like, “How could this happen?” What happened? For me, it’s really a cause for self-reflection, and then something positive to emerge out of it, since we can’t have it this year…Expectations should also be higher. We expect to win immediately.
Money has been invested in this team. The team has a franchise quarterback and strong supporting players on both sides of the field. Jacksonville’s coaching staff has demonstrated that they can win a playoff game, let alone advance to the postseason. In 2022 and 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars achieved consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2004 and 2005, finishing with 9-8 records.2024 might be a watershed point in the Jaguars’ history.
They might either deteriorate more or rediscover their footing in a more competitive division. From defense to play-calling, everyone in Jacksonville must be sharp this season.
