3 false assumptions Jaguars fans could be making 2022

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arden Key (98) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arden Key (98) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars speaks to the media during a press conference. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Occam’s Razor advocates that when presented with competing hypotheses about the same prediction, one should select the solution with the fewest assumptions. This holds true for the 2022 Jacksonville Jaguars.

There’s a common saying about what happens when we assume. There’s no need to put it here, but the gist of it is that assumptions we make today can make us look foolish tomorrow. For the Jacksonville Jaguars and their fans, some conjectures are safer than others. For example, it is pretty safe to assume Trevor Lawrence will be the opening day starter in 2022 barring injury.

It’s also reasonable to make some assumptions about what sort of scheme the Jags will be running in 2022 based on comments from first-time defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and head coach Doug Pederson.  From those comments, fans and media can cobble together a vision for the Jaguars’ defensive scheme that is more than an assumption.

"“We’re gonna base it out of a 3-4 … but it’s so multiple in nature… The base will be 3-4, but… offenses are playing so much 11 personnel that you’re going to be in a … 4-2 configuration a lot. So, it’ll be multiple in nature that way.” Doug Pederson"

With the team having run similar concepts last year, a complete overhaul can thankfully be avoided by sticking with a 3-4 hybrid, as noted by John Shipley of Jaguar Report. So, it’s a safe assumption that the Jags will employ those defensive schemes. But, that’s where the safe assumptions end.