Jaguars’ loss to Patriots in Week 17 highlights need to clean house

The Jacksonville Jaguars never stood a chance against the New England Patriots heading into Week 17. That they lost wasn’t shocking, as they were coming off a seven-game losing skid. On the other hand, the 50-10 final score is a cause for concern and highlights the need to clean house and move on from Trent Baalke

You know you are watching a bad football game when it’s already decided by halftime. Other than Trevor Lawrence’s 40-yard completion to Laquon Treadwell and a contested catch by Marvin Jones Jr. near the end of the second quarter, the Jags looked toothless and overwhelmed. At some point in the game, the rookie passer was visibly frustrated because wide receiver Tavon Austin ran the wrong route. Some of it falls on the wideout but the coaching staff also needs to shoulder some of the blame.

The Patriots never took the foot off the pedal even though they had a 25 lead by halftime. Sure, it was great to see Trevor Lawrence throw a touchdown pass near the end of the game but at that point, New England had already scored 50 points and the touchdown didn’t have an impact on the game. Lawrence completed 17 of 27 passes for 193 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Treadwell led the team with receptions with six or 87 yards and running back Dare Ogunbowale toted the rock nine times for 36 touchdowns and caught the 28-yard touchdown pass.

Simply, the Jaguars were outcoached and outplayed. While there’s not much they can do in the remainder of the season, their latest loss shows they need to start over in the offseason. They need to revamp the roster and bring in a coaching staff that can put players in a position to succeed.

The Jaguars have to cut ties with general manager Trent Baalke.

Earlier Sunday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the presence of Baalke would affect the Jags’ search for a new head coach. He says coaching circles see the general manager as a “political animal who is often locked in a power struggle“. Moreover, La Canfora cites an NFL agent that wouldn’t let his client interview with them.

"My client would have to fire me to take an interview there under this setup. No way. It’s totally backwards."

La Canfora adds that Baalke has pushed the organization to target Alabama offensive coordinator and former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, who has also had his fair share of “power struggles and personality clashes”. If Baalke is going to shoo away the top candidates in this coaching cycle, the Jags need to move on from him and start from scratch. Eugene Frenette of Florida Times-Union says the general manager’s situation is fluid and will be likely affected by the coaching hire but notes that there’s “nothing definite about whether he will return in 2022“.

Sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to realize you need to make significant changes to how to do things. The Jaguars indeed hit rock bottom in Week 17. It’s up to them to take the necessary steps, including starting over, or keep things the same and get the same results.