The Jacksonville Jaguars underperformed most of the season but have a few bright spots every now and then. One of them came against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17, when they beat their division foes 20-12. Their win over their division foes earned the Jags a strong mark from John Breech of CBS Sports.
Breech graded every performance from every team in Week 17 and gave Jacksonville a B, noting that head coach Doug Pederson is likely on his way out but deserves praise for keeping his players focused. Moreover, he highlighted Brian Thomas Jr.'s amazing rookie season.
"In their final home game of the season, the Jaguars put a show for their fans.Brian Thomas Jr. continued a phenomenal rookie season with seven catches for 91 yards along with a fourth-quarter touchdown that providing the game-winning points for Jacksonville. Doug Pederson might not have a job in Jacksonville much longer, but this team is still playing hard for him. "
Pederson is a big reason the Jaguars are 4-12. His team has often looked uninspired and unprepared. However, he deserves praise for not throwing in the towel and making sure players show up ready to go even though Jacksonville hasn't had much to play for after being eliminated from playoff contention. The approach paid off against the Titans.
The Jags got several strong performances on both sides of the ball. Mac Jones played mistake-free football and threw two touchdowns, one to Thomas and the other to sophomore Parker Washington. On defense, Maason Smith, Josh Hines-Allen, and Travon Walker all got sacks while Devin Lloyd got a pick off a deflected pass by rookie Jordan Jefferson.
Circling back to Thomas, he now has eight games with 60 receiving yards or more and at least one touchdown as a rookie. The only other player who's accomplished that feat in league history is Hall-of-Famer Randy Moss.
Thomas won't probably win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award but will probably get strong consideration for a Pro Bowl nod. But even if he's ultimately snubbed, he's quickly become the bonafide No. 1 receiver the Jags had been looking for years.
Doug Pederson made sure the Jaguars didn't throw in the towel vs. the Titans
Following the win over the Tennessee Titans, Pederson emphasized the fact that players haven't stopped fighting despite the fact that things didn't go the way the Jacksonville Jaguars expected when the season started.
"It was a great win. Just proud of the guys, finished up with the media in there and just told them these guys, they're not throwing in the towel, they're not waving a white flag, they're not crying uncle," Pederson told sideline reporter Bucky Brooks after the game. "They're they're battling their tails off their practice. They're doing everything I'm asking them to do, coaches and players."
Pederson continued, "And finally, today, we were rewarded for an opportunity to play a good game, played a clean game, which we haven't played many of this season. And so proud of the guys, and I think I'm hoping that a game like today, when I say things like, you make the plays that come your way. Well, you saw that today at the end."
Pederson is right, and just like he's gotten lots of flak throughout the year, he also deserves recognition for having his players dialed up for the divisional bout.
Will that be enough to help him keep his job? Probably not, but at least for a game, they can leave holding their mind high. The Jags will get a chance to do the same and finish the season strong when they play the Indianapolis Colts in the finale.