Rayshawn Jenkins credits coaching for Jaguars turnaround in 2022

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins joined the Jacksonville Jaguars when Urban Meyer was their head coach. While Meyer is gone, Jenkins remains on the roster and sees a huge difference between his old coach and Doug Pederson. In fact, Jenkins cites coaching for the Jags’ turnaround this season.

“Coaching, I’m going to be very upfront and honest. It’s been coaching”, Jenkins said, via Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union. “We’re a way smarter team now. We’ve got information coming to us now. Our coaches do a really good job of making sure we know what’s coming and making sure we’re prepared”.

You could argue that Jenkins was taking a shot at Meyer. But it felt more like he was praising Doug Pederson for the job he’s done since becoming the head coach earlier this year.

The Jaguars are coming off a huge overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 and Jenkins played a big role in the outcome of the game. He had an interception in regulation and later had the pick-six that sealed the deal. He also made an astonishing 18 total tackles and logged two passes defensed. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun was second on the team with 14 total tackles.

Doug Pederson has the Jaguars trending in the right direction

In Pederson’s first season, the Jags have won six games. This is just the second time since 2019 and the third since 2008 that they’ve managed to rack up six wins or more. Trevor Lawrence’s presence has certainly been huge. After all, the former Clemson Tiger is playing the way he was expected when he became the first overall pick in the 2021 drive.

But as integral as Lawrence has been for the Jags’ growth this season, Pederson has been equally important. The head coach has helped the team heal after a taxing season under Meyer. He’s also helped Lawrence unlock his potential.

Sure, Lawrence is the face of the team and he deserves huge praise for the huge leap he’s made in Year 2. Over the last six games, he’s thrown 14 touchdowns and just one interception and played a huge role in helping the Jags go 3-3 in that span. But Pederson is the one that has given him the tools to succeed, so he should be given a bit of credit.

Of course, the season is far from over. There are still three games left on the schedule. The Jaguars have earned the right to celebrate and rest following their shocking win in Week 15 but they need to get ready to take on the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.