The Jacksonville Jaguars secured their spot in the postseason following a crucial Week 16 matchup, where the San Francisco 49ers triumphed over the Indianapolis Colts with a score of 48-27. However, the Jaguars took the news in stride, choosing to applaud and congratulate each other rather than engage in wild celebrations. For the players, the playoffs have felt like a certainty for several weeks now.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars are not planning to rest their starters in Week 18. They face a key challenge against the Tennessee Titans that will determine their standing in the AFC South. A victory is essential not only to secure the division title against the Houston Texans but also to potentially elevate their position to the No. 1 seed in the conference, which would provide them with a critical first-round bye. This focus highlights their determination as they set their sights on the postseason.
Head coach Liam Coen, despite being new to the NFL’s head coaching role, brings with him valuable playoff experience from his time as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, his last playoff run ended in a narrow defeat against the Washington Commanders. Yet that past disappointment might serve as important learning for Coen as he leads the Jaguars into a hopeful postseason run.
Coen acknowledged that he has not had specific discussions about the differences between regular season games and the intensity of playoff football. Reflecting on his own experiences, he recognized the heightened speed and physicality that playoff games demand. He pointed out that the recent performances leading up to the playoffs, marked by high-stakes matchups, have been akin to playoff caliber games, setting a strong precedent for his team as they prepare for their critical showdown.
With the Jaguars gearing up for the playoffs under Coen’s guidance, the excitement surrounding the team continues to build. Fans are hopeful that this young and dynamic squad can turn their aspirations into reality as they head into the postseason ready to compete at the highest level.