The Jacksonville Jaguars failed to achieve their goals in 2023. And, as history will record for years to come, they can only blame themselves.
The Jaguars began the season 8-3, coming off a huge road victory over the Houston Texans and C.J. Stroud in Week 12. But, beginning in Week 13, everything fell apart.
Key injuries have affected both sides of the ball, with Christian Kirk missing the previous month or so, Trevor Lawrence suffering three different injuries, and more. As a result, a once-promising season fell apart, with the Jaguars going 1-5 down the stretch and missing the playoffs.
“Yes, clearly disappointed. I believe everyone felt this way. And I know it’s unfortunate for the organization, the fans, the city, and everything else to finish the way we did, especially considering we were 8-3 at one point in the season,” Lawrence told NFL Network this week.
“You know, I believe it’s just an eye-opener for us. And I believe it could benefit us in the long run. When a season ends that way, especially when you don’t make the playoffs and are in the position that we were in, it heightens everyone’s feeling of urgency.
The Jaguars are hoping that the calamity that occurred at the end of the 2023 season will help prevent it from happening again. Last season, the Jaguars believed their own hype far too often. They won’t be able to afford it again in 2024.
“We know, okay, we’re not where we should be. We realize we aren’t where we want to be. And you’re coming off that instead of, you know, maybe in a year we’ll make the playoffs. We made the playoffs this year, but we don’t absorb the lessons because we believe we’re better than we are. So I believe it might heighten the sense of urgency and put a little pressure on us in a positive way. Lawrence added, “And we need that.”
“And, you know, obviously, we need to improve this offseason. I believe we have a terrific core group of individuals, and I trust the people we have in place. And we just need to find ways to grow individually and as a team, and then find a way to deal with adversity a little better.”
