Jaguars losing to Colts will be fitting end for disappointing Doug Pederson era

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Week 18 looking to sweep the Indianapolis Colts and finish the season on a high note. This seemed doable when you take into account that they beat their divisional foes in Week 5. Unfortunately, the Jags came up short, and Doug Pederson's tenure with the team will leave with a sour taste in the mouth.

All things considered, this was an unremarkable game. Both teams had already been eliminated from playoff contention, and Colts fans even didn't bother to make the trip because it was snowing. Sure, Lucas Oil Stadium has a roof, but why expose yourself to the elements when you can watch the game in the comfort of your house?

The Jaguars got off to a rough start, giving up a touchdown score in the first drive. They would eventually make it 7-7. Both teams spent the day exchanging blows and alternating leads up until the fourth quarter. The end of regulation came and they were tied 23-23, so the game went into overtime. It was then that Indianapolis had enough and kicked a field goal to win 26-23.

While the Jaguars made some plays, they played like a team that knows changes are coming after the season. Mac Jones went 18-of-30 for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His interception came in the first half when he tried to take a deep shot.

Jones made a last-ditch effort to win the game in overtime, but the attempt came up short of the first-down line. And with that, the Jaguars season came to an end.

First-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was his reliable self, catching six passes for 83 yards. It's worth noting that he became the seventh rookie in league history to register 1,200 receiving yards.

On the other hand, sophomore Parker Washington continued his bidding for more playing time in 2024 with a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The defense, for its part, had trouble stopping containing running back Jonathan Taylor, who logged over 177 rushing yards and averaged 5.2 per tote. The Colts took advantage of Josh Hines-Allen's absence and leaned heavily on the All-Pro running back. Surprisingly, Joe Flacco did fine. He wasn't great, but he wasn't dreadful, and that was enough to beat Jacksonville.

The countdown to fire Doug Pederson started when the Jaguars lost to the Colts

Heading into the game, there were reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to dismiss Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke. A win could've helped them make the case that they deserve to keep beyond 2024. However, it's now clear that the Jags must move on from both following the discouraging loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the finale. Now, owner Shad Khan will have to move quickly to find his replacements as soon as possible.

Sure, the Jaguars cannot just wave a magic wand and get a new head coach, but the sooner they dismiss Pederson and Baalke and start looking for their replacements, the faster they'll be able to address all the things that held them back in 2024.

All things considered, losing to the Colts is not the way the Jaguars wanted their season to end. The silver lining is that it leaves no doubt that they must clean house if they want to steer the ship in the right direction.

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