Doug Pederson has a weird reaction to being quizzed about his job security after Jaguars’ horrific 0-4 start to the season
Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach was shocked to hear questions about his job security even though they haven't won a game since last Christmas.
Doug Pederson (Image via ESPN/ X)
Doug Pederson doesn’t believe he is in the hot seat even after a 0-4 start to the season, following the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 20-24 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. Not only do they have the worst record in the NFL after week 4 games, but their quarterback Trevor Lawrence has the longest active losing streak in the league with 9.
The Jaguars took an early lead after forcing a safety from the Texans and then scoring a touchdown. They stayed in the lead for the majority of the game and looked to be in the clear until the last few minutes.
Pederson called a timeout as the Texans got inside the 20-yard line after the two-minute warning. It gave Texans quarterback CJ Stroud to find running back Dare Ogunbowale to apply the finishing touches with a touchdown.
Many have questioned the decision to stop the clock, even though Pederson was aware it was their final timeout. It also affected the Jaguars’ final plays with the clock ticking away fast.
However, the final play was even more bizarre. Lawrence completed the pass, but it was not first down, so the Jaguars kept throwing laterals until the ball returned back to their quarterback. The Texans converged on the Clemson graduate, forcing him to release the ball, which landed inside the Jags 5-yard line.
Running back Travis Etienne tried to grab the ball on the bounce but failed to keep it under control, and the game ended. Jaguar fans booed the coaching staff and the players as they exited the ground.
Later, Pederson was asked about his job security, which oddly surprised him.
My status? No. That’s kind of a weird question, but OK.
Doug Pederson said
#Jaguars HC Doug Pederson was surprised that he was asked about his job status after today's loss dropped them to 0-4.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 30, 2024
"That's kind of a strange question, but OK.” pic.twitter.com/Ew0nKWhp0P
Doug Pederson defended his the Jaguars despite repeated bad performances
Before week 4 results, the Jags had the same amount of wins as the Cincinnati Bengals—zero. However, any fan would point out that Joe Burrow and the Bengals are still capable of beating any team, the same can’t be said about the Jags. Arguably they are the worst losing teams this season (even the Carolina Panthers have won a game).
Trevor Lawrence’s form is troubling. He’s currently completing only 53.3% of his passes, and his completion percentage over expectation is minus 12.8%. It’s safe to say that new offensive coordinator Press Taylor‘s calls haven’t been great, which Pederson disagreed with.
I thought he [Taylor] called a great game. As coaches, we can’t go out there and make the plays. It’s a two-way street. You guys can sit here and point the finger all you want, and it’s fine. Point it right at me; I can take it.
Doug Pederson said. (H/T: ESPN)
Pederson is now 18-20 with the Jaguars, but a year ago they were cruising as one of the favorites for the #1 AFC seed last season. However, they failed to win any games since Christmas Eve.
It’s going to get even harder with teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets still to play against them.
Ishan Misra
(2544 Articles Published)