Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan believes his franchise have the 'trifecta' for NFL success after completing a remarkable turnaround to reach the Divisional Round of the postseason in 2022.
In Doug Pederson’s first year at the helm, he led the Jaguars to a playoff berth after winning the AFC South division title despite a rough start to the 2022 campaign. In the Wild Card clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville pulled off a historic comeback to win 31-30 after originally being 27-0 down.
It was no coincidence that the Jaguars upturn in form coincided with the impressive performances of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, whose development is incredibly encouraging. Lawrence - the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft - put up career-best numbers in completion percentage, yards, touchdowns and passer rating to establish himself as one of the mot promising quarterbacks in the NFL.
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke also signed several expensive free agents that all thrived under Pederson, and much of last year's playoff-calibre roster remains intact heading into 2023. Khan expressed the belief that his franchise now have the pieces in place for long-term success.
“The vibe I get (around this week's meetings) is I think we've cracked the code” Khan said via Jacksonville’s website. “We have a great head coach, we have a great general manager, and we have a great quarterback.
“That's the trifecta for success in the NFL.”
The Jaguars endured a disastrous campaign in Lawrence’s rookie season, with head coach Urban Meyer proving to be one of the worst hires in NFL history. The decorated college coach’s reign was embroiled in controversy and he was fired after a 2-11 start.
Following a dismal season, Khan credited Pederson for inspiring a new culture in Jacksonville. He added: “The players believed in each other. They believed in the coaches and they believed they were destined to win.”
Lawrence led the Jags to seven wins in their final nine contests, including a Week 18 victory over the Tennessee Titans to claim the AFC South. In the playoffs, Lawrence threw four interceptions as the Chargers raced to a 27-0 lead before Jacksonville stormed back. Their comeback was the third-largest in NFL playoff history.
Khan believes that two-week experience of the postseason was critical for a franchise that has given its fans infrequent memories of such occasions. Talking about the all-important final match of the regular season against Tennessee, Khan said: “We hadn't had a prime-time game in my ownership.
“We hadn't earned it. We didn't deserve it. Here, we earned it. We deserve it. So, we get two in a row. Both of them are packed, including standing-room only tickets. Then to see the fans at both of the games hanging in. We're down 27-0 and no one leaves.
“That shows really the enthusiasm, the belief the fans had. I know it made a huge difference for Trevor. He looked up and saw no one had left. There was a huge vote of confidence in him.”
Ultimately, the Jaguars lost to the Kansas City Chiefs - the eventual Super Bowl champions - in the Divisional Round, but the 2022 season was certainly a success for a franchise where such experiences are all too fleeting. With Lawrence heading into his second season under Pederson and a young defence with another year under their belt, it appears to be falling into place for Khan’s franchise.
“I think it's taken a while, but I'm glad it's happening,” the owner declared. “I’m glad for all the fans.”
