It’s that time of the year when NFL record predictions are published all over the web, and USA TODAY’s Nate Davis (subscribers view here) added his to the mix on Tuesday.
In his predictions, Davis had the Jags doubling their win total from 2021 and registering a 6-11 record. That’s a total that placed third in the AFC South in his predictions, putting them only ahead of the Houston Texans, who were predicted to earn a 3-14 record.
Here is what Davis specifically had to say about the Jags.
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-11): The Urban Meyer experience proved a huge waste for the organization at large in 2021 and then-rookie QB Trevor Lawrence specifically. But the arrival of proven coach Doug Pederson, who will establish a professional atmosphere here, and a slew of free agent pick-ups – even if the Jags overpaid for them – should make doubling last year’s win total (3) an eminently attainable goal.
Davis is right about the positive change in the atmosphere under Doug Pederson, as that was something Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen spoke about today. In a nutshell, Allen said that he was pleased with how Pederson communicated with his players, and many other players have come out to say the same.
Pederson is a coach who can especially help the franchise’s most important piece in Trevor Lawrence. The veteran coach was once an NFL quarterback himself and has coached other first-round quarterbacks in the past like Alex Smith and Carson Wentz.
As for the weapons added around Lawrence like receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones and guard Brandon Scherff, they should help Lawrence improve, too. Additionally, the Jags will have players like Travis Etienne and James Robinson returning to the backfield, which should be enough to help the Jags double their win total or push past the six-win mark.