The Jaguars continue to face increasingly significant challenges each week, a trend that has aligned well with their recent success. In their latest triumph, the Jaguars secured a 24-21 victory against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Head Coach Doug Pederson praised the team’s ability to prepare and perform, emphasizing their focus on the present and the ongoing improvement from week to week.
The Jaguars, now standing at 8-3, have established a franchise record with their eighth consecutive road win. Holding a two-game lead in the AFC South over the Texans (6-5) and the Indianapolis Colts (6-5), the team possesses a season-ending tiebreaker advantage due to a superior division record and a head-to-head season sweep.
With only two losses, the Jaguars enter December tied for the fewest losses in the AFC, sharing this distinction with the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens (9-3), the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs (8-3), and the AFC East-leading Miami Dolphins (8-3). Their next challenge comes against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, marking their first appearance since 2011.
Pederson acknowledged the external discussions about playoff implications and seeding but stressed the team’s commitment to staying focused on the current week. Despite the unavoidable external noise, he commended the players for their ability to remain in the moment and emphasized the importance of maintaining this mindset.
Reflecting on a crucial decision during Sunday’s game, Pederson explained his choice to go for a touchdown on first-and-goal from the 1-yard line at the end of the first half. Although the Texans halted the run attempt, leaving the Jaguars with a 13-7 lead at halftime, Pederson justified the decision based on the Jaguars receiving the ball first in the second half. He emphasized trust between the coaching staff and players in making strategic decisions.
In injury news, left tackle Cam Robinson was placed on injured reserve due to a left knee injury. Walker Little, who started the first four games of the season at left tackle, stepped in to replace Robinson, with veteran Ezra Cleveland assuming the left guard position. Pederson acknowledged Robinson’s significance to the offensive line but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to the changes.