Heartbreak ends Jaguars’ Season, but future remains bright

The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered one of the most heartbreaking losses in franchise history this past Sunday, since the 2017 AFC Championship when they played the New England Patriots led by Tom Brady.

This Sunday, it was another AFC East foe, as Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills knocked off the surging Jaguars on their home field, beating them 27-24, behind a stellar performance from Josh Allen.

While the season did not end the way Jacksonville players, coaches, and fans hoped for, there is nothing to hang their heads about, and reporter Lynn Jones perfectly encapsulated that in her post-game interview with Jags head coach, Liam Coen.

“I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man, you hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, ok? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going, we got another season, ok? Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.”

Coen thanked Jones multiple times throughout the interaction, in what was a rare heartwarming moment between a reporter and a coach.

Everything she said was true. The Jags did have an unbelievable turnaround from going 4-13 last season to a remarkable 13-4 this season, finishing the regular season on an eight-game win streak en route to capturing the AFC South.

Their key was the outstanding season Trevor Lawrence had, which seemingly came out of nowhere. Lawrence threw for just over 4,000 yards, which was good for 6th among all quarterbacks, and 29 touchdowns, which was good for 5th.

The receiving core of the Jaguars was excellent even without Travis Hunter. Jakobi Meyers instantly made an impact after coming over in a trade. Parker Washington and Brenton Strange each came on late and found success as well, and even though Brian Thomas Jr. had a down year, there’s lots to like about his future with this squad.

The Jaguars' defense was spectacular this season. The front three of Josh Hines-Allen, Arik Armstead and Travon Walker wreaked havoc on quarterbacks, with the trio compiling 17 sacks as a unit.

Foyesade Olukun totalled over 140 tackles on the year, which was the highest for Jacksonville.

Jacksonville does have several impending free agents, those being star running back Travis Etienne, who led the team in rushing with over 1,000 yards on the ground and linebacker Devin Lloyd, who had five interceptions this season.

Additionally, coordinators Grant Udinsky and Anthony Campanile might receive head coaching interviews for one of the NFL's nine current vacancies.

The important thing is that the core of this team will be back.

Everybody clowned Liam Coen for his hilarious yet embarrassing “Duval” line in his opening press conference for this team, and he responded by taking them to the playoffs. I can only imagine that Coen and his staff will be more than ready when September comes around and Duval County will have plenty to cheer about for their squad.

Sawyer Bogaty is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at sgb5468@psu.edu.