Jacksonville Jaguars Off To Encouraging Start in 2022
By Adam Laviano
The Jacksonville Jaguars are off to an encouraging start after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. This is impressive when you take into account that the Jags have the only victory this year by an AFC South team. After being projected as one of the worst teams in the league, a .500 record and first place in the division is a reason for optimism.
There were several controversial moves this offseason that had fans up in arms. First, owner Shad Khan’s decision to retain general manager Trent Baalke rubbed many fans the wrong way. Then, some fans were disappointed that Doug Pederson rather than Byron Leftwich became the head coach. But so far, keeping Baalke and hiring Pederson has paid off.
HC Doug Pederson has the Jaguars headed in the right direction
Doug Pederson has looked like he was the right man for the job with a track record of proven success and a calm and positive demeanor that has been welcomed with open arms.
The team has already looked more organized and prepared in their first two outings of the year than they did at any point last season. Pederson’s experience and leadership seem to be paying dividends at the beginning of the season, as the team showed a lot of improvement from Week 1 to Week 2. It also appears that the coaching staff on both sides of the ball have crafted excellent game plans, even if the execution was a problem during the Washington game.
Pederson put together a well-seasoned coaching staff, many of whom actually played in the NFL themselves. He brought in guys like Mike McCoy and Jim Bob Cooter, who have a wealth of offensive experience in the league to help develop Trevor Lawrence and the passing game. The coaching staff seems to be lightyears ahead of the last staff in terms of professionalism and preparedness.