Chiefs HC-GM dynamic exposes the most glaring flaw in the Jaguars' approach

The Jacksonville Jaguars have come up short of expectations in 2024, and one big reason is that it doesn't look like general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson aren't working in unison. Meanwhile, Brett Veach and Andy Reid have turned the Kansas City Chiefs into a dynasty, exposing the biggest flaw in the Jags' approach.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently did a feature on the Chiefs' business model and success in recent years. One of the things that stood out is that Veach and Reid have full confidence in each other.

"Reid and Veach, a former Eagles scout during Reid's tenure who came with him to Kansas City and took over as general manager in 2017, are considered very close. It's not that Reid took over a depleted roster -- the 2012 Chiefs featured six Pro Bowlers. But Reid's ability to identify talent and maximize it paid off quickly. And Veach knows what Reid wants in players thanks to his long history with the coach. It's one reason Veach had full license to pursue last week's DeAndre Hopkins deal. Reid deadpanned "I know nothing" to reporters Wednesday when asked about the Hopkins trade. The deal hadn't been finalized, but the quote helps emphasize the full trust the Chiefs' coach has in his general manager."

For context, the Chiefs needed help at wide receivers after being struck by injuries, so they didn't hesitate to trade for All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins.

Of course, you need more than good communication to be successful. You need a franchise quarterback and the Chiefs have one of the best ones ever in Patrick Mahomes. While Trevor Lawrence isn't near the same level as his Kansas City counterpart, he certainly gives the Jaguars stability at the position. Yet, they're 2-6 heading into Week 9.

Another reason the Chiefs are a powerhouse is their ability to move on from good (or great) players and consistently replenish the roster, something the Jaguars have been unable to do. Ari Meirov recently talked about this.

Meirov noted that the Jaguars pay good players "great-player money", and that's had a negative effect on the win-loss column. He's right. While the Chiefs traded mainstays such as Tyreek Hill or cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, the Jags are giving top-market money to players such as Christian Kirk, tight end Evan Engram, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, and left tackle Cam Robinson before he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

Apart from Patrick Mahomes, defensive end Chris Jones and safety Justin Reid are the only Chiefs players who rank in the top 25 in compensation at their respective positions. That's the result of Veach identifying talent, and Reid for letting him operate without meddling.

The Jaguars must move on from Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke to enjoy sustain success

You could argue that comparing the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Kansas City Chiefs isn't fair, but isn't that what you would do if you ever want to raise your standards? See how you stack up against the best?

In the Jags' case, it seemed like they were going to be a perennial contender with Doug Pederson at the helm after making the playoffs and winning the AFC South in 2022. However, that hasn't been the case. They came crashing down the following year and are in an even worse position in 2024. Heck, you could even make the case that the head coach has undone all the progress the team made after moving on from Urban Meyer.

After all, there's chatter about Pederson's losing the locker and players quitting. Those are signs of a team that is on the brink of collapsing. But even if that's not true, the team's on-field performance leaves much to be desired. The defense, in particular, has struggled with missed tackles, penalties at the worst possible time, blown coverages, and overall a lack of fundamentals and technique. That falls on defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, but the buck stops with the head coach.

It doesn't help that Trent Baalke isn't providing enough talent. Back in 2023, the interior offensive line needed was an area of need but the general manager opted not to address it The pass rush also needed reinforcements but didn't get any. Fast forward to 2024, and the Jags didn't do enough to revamp the roster.

Granted, the front office went on a spending spree in free agency but isn't getting enough bang for the buck. To make matters worse, Jacksonville isn't getting much production from their 2024 rookie class apart from Brian Thomas Jr. and Jarrian Jones.

Baalke drafted players — Maason Smith, Javon Foster, and Jordan Jefferson — who have barely had an impact this season. Sure, he's had a few hits throughout his four-year stint, but not nearly enough to put the Jaguars in a position of sustained success.

Knowing Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke aren't the solution, the Jaguars must move on from both, start over, and let a new regime right the ship. The current one has been given ample time to deliver and it hasn't. It's not a given that the Jags will become a contender if they change their head coach and general manager, but it's clear they won't with the ones they have in place right now.

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