JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Haney from Little Elm, TX
This team is so impressive when it counts. I can't wait to see how the Jaguars finish as they head into the next round. I see the biggest question entering the postseason being the running game. They haven't been as effective in the last few weeks. Seems teams that can run the ball and run the clock out in the fourth quarter are usually teams that win in the playoffs. Do you see the Jaguars' running game being able to grind out a fourth-quarter playoff win?
This is a fair and understandable concern as the AFC South champion Jaguars (13-4) prepare to play the Buffalo Bills (12-5) in an AFC Wild Card Playoff game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville – because the Jaguars, despite being a run-centric team, indeed have not run as well recently as is ideal. And they want very much to run more effectively entering the postseason. Make no mistake: The running game matters in the postseason. Teams that can run consistently when they have to run in the fourth quarter have an advantage. But it is not the end-all. While the Jaguars would like to be running better than they have run in the last few weeks, closing games in the NFL these days is about converting clutch first downs in big moments. All teams want to do that running, but because most postseason teams can stack the line and take away the run late, few teams – even really good running teams – can close games only running. As often as not, championship teams convert key third- and fourth downs in the postseason with a clutch quarterback throwing to a group of sure-handed, clutch receivers – and the Jaguars absolutely have the latter two elements.
Adam from Allentown, PA
Man, that was a fun regular season: Thirteen wins … that's crazy, especially for us. With the second-best record in our history, is this the second-best team we've ever had?
This is the best Jaguars team I've covered along with the 1999 team that finished 14-2 and lost in the AFC Championship Game – and this team deserves to be in a legitimate conversation with that team for best in franchise history. I say that with the caveat that I did not cover two very good Jaguars teams – the 2005 team that went 12-4 and the 2007 team that went 11-5. I'm not saying this team is as talented as the '99 team; I am saying this team isn't far from '99 in terms of its level of play and what it accomplished in the regular season. This team is No. 1 in the NFL in run defense, No. 2 in takeaways, has a quarterback playing at an elite level, is playing offense at perhaps the highest level in the NFL and has won eight consecutive games entering the postseason. We'll find out in the coming weeks where it ranks in team history.
Kyle from Ingalls, IN and the mean streets of Arlington
I feel like the league has given us quite a bit of respect for our team and our entire fan base with the 1 p.m. Sunday start time. This our base start time most weeks. This will keep our guys in their usual game-week routine. It also allows our entire fan base, including our European fans, to be able to watch the game at a reasonable hour. They won't have to wait until after midnight to watch the Jags – unlike three years ago. Now, let's beat the Bills!!
There is no such thing as a bad postseason start time.
HD from Small Florida Market
How do you explain that, after such a showing of complementary football for 10 straight games and a division championship, the Jaguars are still the underdog on this home playoff game against a less-than-100% Josh Allen? May Josh the QB be acquainted early and often to his Jaguar namesake in the backfield.
I've covered the NFL for 32 seasons. I've covered 16 playoff teams. I've never seen a point spread decide a game.
Rob from Middleburg, FL
Hey, I'm just stoked that we're in the playoffs. But I'm surprised that you think sticking us in the 1:00 Sunday slot is not another example of disrespect. If this was Buffalo at Denver or Buffalo at New England, it would absolutely be showcased in a primetime slot, I'd bet my next three paychecks on it. But that's okay... keep the disrespect coming. DTWD!
I don't think the 1 p.m. slot is disrespect because I try to look at facts and reason as opposed to emotion. Remember: There are two teams playing at EverBank Stadium at a p.m. Sunday. The Bills have played in the afternoon five of the past six postseasons, with two of those games – 2022 and 2024 – the Sunday afternoon 1 p.m. slot and another (2020) in a Saturday afternoon 1:05 p.m. slot.
Brian from Rochester
What's the deal with our pass rush? We have a lot of quality pass rushers and we get pressure, but can't seem to close. Is there anything you can attribute to that?
Circumstance. Luck. Quarterbacks getting the ball out a step before the rush gets home. This is a good pass rush. If it continues to be a good pass rush, the odds will even out and sacks will come.
Bruce from GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL
It occurred to me that one less-lauded sign of the team's success is the fact that the backup quarterback, Nick Mullens, has significant playing time – perhaps the most of any backup quarterback who wasn't replacing an injured starting quarterback. Virtually all his playing time was because the Jaguars enjoyed a substantial lead. Oh, and Mullens has completed 100% of his passes and has a season average passer rating of 85.9.
One fer Mullens, I guess.
Bradley from Death Valley, California
It's pretty cool to see Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have all these defenses on their heels. Speaking of defenses, if Camp doesn't get a head-coaching job, then someone made a mistake. My guess is the unavailability of Hunter will be a big reason the Jags lose their last game of the season and a big reason they will be picked by many to be the championship team in 2026. That being said, I'm betting them to win the bowl this year. Objectively, the elite Lawrence Jags track as the best team in the National Football League.
Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile likely will be a head-coaching candidate this offseason. The Jaguars have won eight consecutive games and are playing as well as any team in the NFL without rookie cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and I don't think his absence will be the main reason they lose – if they lose. The Jaguars enter the playoffs in the conversation for the NFL's best teams – at least among knowledgeable football people.
JT from Palm Coast, FL
I have been rendered speechless for most of this season. I know the season isn't over and we have technically had better regular seasons, but this is the most special regular season in our history. This team has a very real chance to make the Super Bowl. I can't remember feeling like that at any point since "Myles Jack Wasn't Down." This team feels like they are capable of winning the whole thing. I am so incredibly proud of this year's team. We have had these teams that are "one-hit" wonders before. For the first time since the late 1990s, early 2000's, I feel like we have something sustainable. Everyone associated with the Jags deserves this, especially the fans. I just wanted to say thank you to ownership for finally righting the ship. Go Jags forever!!!!
One fer ownership.
Ray from Jax
John: Best offense in team history? Nah. When you consider the rule changes favoring offense that have been enacted since 1999, I would take a team with a Hall of Fame left tackle and Hall-worthy receiver and running back. The '99 line was better.
The 1999 offense had better front-line talent and you're correct that the rules favor offense now to a ridiculous degree compared to then. But this is a better, more-consistent offense than that one. The Jaguars never have had better quarterback play than this. Quarterback play matters a lot.
Sensei Rudy from Sacramento, CA
I'm making the trip from California for the second time this season to be at the upcoming playoff game against Buffalo. And if I can make it happen from the West Coast, then I expect all my Duval brethren to be right there with me, taking over the stadium so that Bills fans can't. What we've witnessed and continue to witness this season is history before our very eyes. What better way to experience it than to say, "I was there?" So from California to Jacksonville, here's a resounding DUUUUVVAALLLLLLL for an unforgettable season… one I'll never forget.
One fer the '25 Jaguars season. One fer Sensei Rudy.
