The Jaguars are the team to beat in the AFC. End of thoughts. Thank you for coming to my “Ted Talk.”
Liam Coen has the Jaguars doing things in his first year that nobody expected. Coen was probably viewed as a darkhorse for the NFL Coach of the Year, but he should be the leading candidate after this.
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That wasn’t just a win on Sunday at Denver; it was a statement. The league is officially on notice that the Jaguars aren’t asking for respect; they are taking it.
Everything is clicking, and the path to home-field advantage is there.
The Jags could clinch a playoff spot as soon as Monday night if the Colts lose. Then they just need the Broncos to slip up one more time against the Chiefs or Chargers … and, as we write this, the Patriots are on “Sunday Night Football,” where the Jags could use a Ravens win.
But the door is open. Even if they don’t get home-field advantage, no team will want to see this version of the Jags in the postseason. A California trip in February doesn’t seem as crazy now.
It is that kind of season. No one saw the turnaround being this quick. I remember thinking after the 4-1 start to the year, the season is a success. The building blocks are in place for Year 2, because normally it takes patience to get things flipped. In this case, it took about 10 weeks, and then it all fell into place.
With two games left, Coen may have to find a new motivation tool now. Is it really possible for the NFL not to respect this team after this week? Honestly, it is possible, and the shade will almost surely continue. But you know what, I think that is just fine. It’s better if everyone who hates the Jags just stays on that side.