While the Jaguars are now in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 pick, that doesn’t mean the team has thrown in the towel on the season.
As Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone commits to trying to win down the stretch, it’s a stark reminder that players and coaches don’t tank.
“No one’s advised me anything different than to go out there and win,” Marrone said Monday, per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. “I mean I was young growing up and had a favorite team and was excited to see where they were going to pick. I look back and I understand, but, I mean … we’re trying to win. I mean, we’re doing everything we possibly can and that’s my job right now and I owe it to the coaches and players.”
Even though Marrone understands the perception around what the No. 1 pick entails, he’s focused on leading the Jaguars to victory. Marrone’s fate is likely going to be fired at the end of the season, so setting the Jaguars up with the top pick and a tantalizing prospect like Trevor Lawrence doesn’t exactly benefit him. Losing on purpose, however, would reflect poorly on him.
Marrone has yet to name a starting quarterback for Jacksonville’s Week 16 game against the Bears. Gardner Minshew and Mike Glennon will split practice reps 50-50. The Jags close the season out against the Colts, the only team they’ve beaten this season.
Although the Jets and Jaguars have the same record at 1-13, Jacksonville clinched the strength of schedule tiebreaker. This means if both teams end up losing out, the Jaguars would be in line for Lawrence’s services.
The Jets finish their season with the Browns and Patriots. They are locked into a top-two pick, but on the outside looking in when it comes to the No. 1 selection.