By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing turbulent times, with questions swirling around their quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the overall direction of the team.

Following a brutal 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, head coach Doug Pederson admitted that significant changes might be necessary to reverse the Jaguars’ fortunes, which could even involve a potential shift at quarterback.

After the blowout, Pederson emphasized the need for adjustments across the board, from play design to personnel, saying, “everything’s on the table.”

Pederson, however, remained vague about whether Trevor Lawrence’s position as the starter could be affected, particularly noting the importance of considering injuries and performance as the team evaluates potential changes. While Pederson didn’t definitively commit to benching Lawrence, his noncommittal response indicated that no position is safe as the team seeks answers.

The need for change is clear. Through Week 3, the Jaguars have one of the league’s worst offenses, averaging a mere 13.3 points per game, their lowest point production since 2013.

On the defensive side, the team is giving up 361 yards per game while struggling to create turnovers and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With only five sacks and no forced turnovers, the defense has failed to complement an already sputtering offense.

The schedule doesn’t provide much breathing room, either. The Jaguars face the Houston Texans next on a short week, setting up the possibility of a dreaded 0-4 start, something the franchise has endured five times in its history.

The matchup against a rising division rival makes the upcoming game even more critical, as Jacksonville’s window to salvage the season narrows.

Pederson also addressed concerns about his own job security following the humiliating loss to Buffalo. While he indicated that those conversations remain private, he assured reporters that team owner Shad Khan has been “very supportive” during the team’s struggles.

Despite the looming pressure, Pederson remains focused on making the necessary adjustments to turn the season around.

Monday’s game was nothing short of a disaster for Jacksonville, as the team was thoroughly outclassed by the Bills. Buffalo scored on its first six drives, including touchdowns on all five of its first-half possessions, leaving Jacksonville in a 34-3 hole by halftime.

Despite entering the game with high hopes after two narrow losses to AFC opponents, the Jaguars found themselves overwhelmed from the start. Pederson was candid in his assessment, calling the result “shocking” and admitting, “this is who we are right now.”

While Buffalo’s offense flourished, Jacksonville’s offense floundered. Trevor Lawrence struggled mightily, going 21-of-38 for 178 yards with one touchdown, four sacks, and a costly interception.

Lawrence was replaced by backup Mac Jones late in the game after a thoroughly underwhelming performance. The offense as a whole could not find any rhythm, managing just 239 total yards and converting only two of 13 third-down attempts.

Despite a massive contract extension in the offseason, Lawrence has yet to deliver the performances expected of him, and the Jaguars’ faith in their franchise quarterback is beginning to waver.

As the Jaguars sit winless at 0-3, the optimism that surrounded the team before the season is quickly evaporating. The franchise, which has lost eight straight games dating back to last season, is spiraling out of playoff contention.

Jacksonville owner Shad Khan had declared the 2024 team as the best ever assembled under his ownership, but the early returns suggest otherwise.

Still, there’s a narrow path to redemption. Jacksonville faces back-to-back divisional matchups against the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts, both of which offer the opportunity to reset the season.

However, if the Jaguars are to capitalize on this opportunity, they must correct their numerous flaws and deliver a complete performance, something that has eluded them so far.

“No one’s going to feel sorry for us,” Pederson said. “This is who we are right now, and it’s not very good.” Lawrence echoed his coach’s sentiment, admitting that, “No one’s coming to save us.” The Jaguars will need to save themselves, starting now.