Year one of the Liam Coen era has been a roller coaster for the Jacksonville Jaguars. At times, they look like an elite team that can contend for a title, and other times, they look absolutely abysmal. It’s hard to predict which version will show up on game day, and yet, the Jags are still 7-4 after 12 weeks, and control their own fate with six games left in the season.
On one hand, it’s absolutely stressful for fans that the team is so inconsistent. On the other hand, it’s extremely promising that the team is struggling in the way it has, while still winning games. The reason that’s a good thing is that it’s clear the team is experiencing growing pains. However, the Jaguars are still having success through their growing pains, and that means they will only get better as they get more comfortable under Liam Coen.
Jaguars' success while dealing with growing pains is a good sign for the future
The benefit of this experience can best be captured in a recent exchange between NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky and NFL reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala. Orlovsky took to social media to detail how confusing it is to watch Trevor Lawrence play, saying he switches between looking like the best quarterback in the league and an inexperienced quarterback.
Kinkhabwala, who gets a closer look at teams as a sideline reporter, explained to Orlovsky that Lawrence’s inconsistent play is a result of a talented player adjusting to a new, complex scheme.
So, a couple things, Dan.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) November 25, 2025
Jakobi Meyers told me he could catch Trevor’s passes with his eyes closed, that they are that perfectly placed.
Trevor acknowledged to us that Liam’s scheme is more detailed and complex than any he’s been in. And that he perhaps has gotten hung up on…
Lawrence’s experience is a microcosm of what's going on with the entire team. The Jaguars have talent, and sometimes they put it all together and look like an elite team. Other times, it’s clear this is a group of players in their first year under new leadership, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Jacksonville has swung between those two identities throughout the season.
The good news is the Jaguars have navigated those swings and still have a chance to make the playoffs and win the AFC South. The better news is that Jacksonville could be a really dangerous team once it gets comfortable under Coen.
So while fans have been stressed out trying to figure out what to make of this inconsistent Jaguars team, everyone should be excited about the reality that Jacksonville is on track to make the playoffs and will likely be even better in the near future.