Here’s a bold statement: the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the brink of clinching the AFC South title, and yet, they’re not popping champagne just yet. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite their impressive 12-4 record and a seven-game winning streak, the Jags are still grappling with red zone turnovers and late-game offensive struggles. Could these issues derail their championship dreams? Let’s dive in.
After securing a playoff spot following the San Francisco 49ers’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars remained laser-focused on improvement rather than celebration. Coach Liam Coen emphasized their singular mindset: “1-0 each week.” This approach has served them well, but now, with the AFC South title within reach, the stakes are higher than ever. A Week 18 win against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium would not only crown them division champions for the third time in franchise history but also potentially secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. And this is the part most people miss—their path to the top seed relies on the Los Angeles Chargers beating the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins defeating the New England Patriots.
However, before dreaming of playoff glory, the Jaguars must address two critical issues exposed in their 23-17 win over the Colts. First, red zone turnovers. Travis Etienne Jr.’s fumble on a trick play and Trevor Lawrence’s end zone interception were uncharacteristic for a team that had been one of the NFL’s best in the red zone (72.2% touchdown rate in Weeks 13-16). These mistakes gave the Colts momentum and highlighted vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the postseason. Lawrence admitted, “There are a lot of things that we need to clean up, and I know we will.”
Second, closing out games. With less than 10 minutes left and the score tied 17-17, Coen opted for a fourth-and-1 conversion instead of a field goal. The attempt failed, but the defense bailed them out with an interception, leading to Cam Little’s game-winning field goal. This isn’t the first time the Jaguars have struggled in clutch situations, raising questions about their ability to finish games decisively. Coen candidly admitted, “For us to take the necessary steps offensively, we’ve got to be able to gain a fricking yard.”
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Liam Coen’s aggressive play-calling a strength or a liability? While it’s worked in their favor so far, could it cost them in a high-pressure playoff scenario? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Despite these concerns, the Jaguars’ resilience is undeniable. As Etienne put it, “We came in here to win the game, and we did that.” Their ability to win ugly while acknowledging areas for improvement is a testament to their growth. Once they address these issues, they can finally start talking about the playoffs—and perhaps, a Super Bowl run.
So, what do you think? Can the Jaguars clean up their red zone mistakes and late-game execution in time for the postseason? Or will these issues come back to haunt them? Let the debate begin!
