Doug Pederson, who has a Super Bowl ring both as a player and coach, knows what it’s like to be at the top of the NFL. Right now, he’s dealing with a tough situation.
Pederson spoke about his uncertain job security after his Jacksonville Jaguars were crushed 52-6 by the Detroit Lions, marking one of the worst defeats in the team’s history.
With the Jaguars now heading into their bye week, owner Shad Khan has time to make a decision about the future of the team. Pederson didn’t rule out making changes to the coaching staff during the break, and he acknowledged that he could be out of a job before Jacksonville’s next game against the Houston Texans on December 1.
“I can’t control that,” Pederson said. “I’ve been around this sport a long time, and if it is going to happen, it is obviously going to happen. But at the same time, I have a job to do and that’s to get this team ready to face a good division.”
The 46-point loss to Detroit broke the previous team record for worst defeat, which was 44 points, set in 1995 when the Jaguars were a first-year expansion team. It’s hard to understand how a team could lose by such a large margin nearly three decades later.
“We’re disappointed, we’re frustrated and we’re angry,” Pederson said. “You put so much effort into a game week and then, you know, you play like this.”
The Lions, who are in their 95th season, set team records for biggest margin of victory, first downs (38), and yards gained (645). They outgained the Jaguars by 475 yards, which is the third-largest margin in NFL history.
The Lions could have added even more points, but coach Dan Campbell pulled out the starting players and put in the second-string team. Even with backups, the Lions got a field goal and reached the Jaguars’ 20-yard line before running out the clock.
“That’s a good team that is rolling in all three phases of the game,” Pederson said. “Jared [Goff] is playing really good, and you can see how those players have bought in to what coach Campbell is doing.”
With starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence out due to a shoulder injury, backup Mac Jones struggled. He had very little time to throw, though he was only sacked once. His 17 completions averaged just 8 yards, and he threw an interception at the Lions’ 4-yard line.
“We need to stop focusing on scoring points,” Jones said. “It’s hard to say that, but you have to focus on doing your job one play at a time. There were definitely some plays that I didn’t do my job today.”
Pederson was looking forward to the bye week after the Jaguars had played 11 straight games, including two in London. They have now lost four straight games, adding to their early-season struggles.
“Our break obviously comes at the right time,” Pederson said. “Our guys need some time away and we need to refresh and recharge — the players and the coaches. We need to really reflect and go back and study — what has been good and what hasn’t made it. That’s a great opportunity — six games left including four in our division.”
Having Lawrence back after the bye would be a big boost, but Pederson wasn’t sure when that would happen.
“I’ll see,” Pederson said. “We’ll see how he does during the week of this bye and see where he’s at.”
