Jacksonville's emergence as a genuine contender this season marks a departure from the franchise's painful history of false starts. The Jaguars have endured multiple collapses after promising beginnings, yet the current roster and coaching staff suggest something fundamentally different is taking shape.
The club's track record of disappointment stretches back decades. They reached the AFC Championship game in 1999, only to miss the playoffs for five consecutive seasons afterwards. A return to the title game in 2017 came within minutes of reaching Super Bowl 52, yet that achievement was followed by four straight losing campaigns. Most recently, Jacksonville made the divisional round in 2022 before stumbling through two more missed seasons and parting ways with head coach Doug Pederson.
This iteration of the Jaguars operates under entirely different circumstances. Building on a 13-4 regular season in 2025, the team has won three of four games to begin 2026 and captured the AFC South lead. The transformation centres on head coach Liam Coen, who arrived in 2025 and immediately reshaped the organisation's mentality and self-belief.
Coen's rapid ascent through the coaching ranks has been remarkable. His influence places him in conversation with the sport's elite strategists, operating at a level comparable to Sean McVay and Andy Reid. While he may not yet have reached Kyle Shanahan's tier, his trajectory suggests he is moving into that echelon, and continued success this season and beyond will only accelerate that standing. Jacksonville possesses a steely resolve that flows directly from their head coach's leadership.
Having spent time with Coen over recent summers and conducted extensive interviews, his demeanour reveals both warmth and an unmistakable competitive edge. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence described during training camp how Coen excels at instilling a collective chip on the team's shoulder—a mentality that permeates the entire roster.
The Jaguars themselves acknowledge leaving opportunities on the table during 2025. Despite falling short of their own expectations given their late-season momentum, they remain a formidable contender heading into Sunday's clash against the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Lawrence has genuinely arrived as an elite NFL quarterback. He executes plays when the moment demands it, mistakes have diminished significantly from his game, and he retains the athleticism to create with his legs. According to The Athletic, Lawrence has posted career-best marks through four games, including a 69.2% completion rate, 8.1 yards per attempt and a 111.2 passer rating, while recording zero fumbles.
What makes Jacksonville's winning formula particularly striking is its construction. The roster lacks a 1,000-yard receiver or a 1,000-yard running back, yet the team generates sufficient scoring to win consistently. The offensive pieces—running back Bhayshul Tuten, tight end Brenton Strange, receivers Jakobi Myers, Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr, plus rookie wide receiver Josh Cameron—function as an interconnected unit rather than a collection of individual stars.
Last week's 22-17 road victory over Cincinnati exemplified this approach. While Joe Burrow threw for more than 400 yards, Jacksonville's win was constructed on defensive dominance. The Jaguars defence features established names like Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker and Foye Oluokun, yet operates as a collective rather than a star-dependent unit. According to The Athletic, Jacksonville leads the AFC in point differential at plus-51 after four games.
The team's composition mirrors the blueprint that sustained New England's dynasty years. Rather than relying on marquee names, Jacksonville has assembled a collection of steely, determined players committed to winning. Lawrence stands as the recognised star, but the roster is populated with strong middle-class professionals who understand their roles and execute them with precision.
Off the field, the organisation has positioned itself correctly. Tony Boselli, the former aggressive offensive lineman, now oversees the football operation. His presence alongside Coen and Lawrence creates a foundation built on proper football people in the right positions.
Jacksonville's recent form has been exceptional. According to The Athletic, the Jaguars have compiled an 11-1 regular-season record since Week 11 of the previous season, the NFL's best mark over that span.
The Eagles arrive in London carrying their own uncertainties. Philadelphia enters the matchup with a 2-2 record, and the team's injury report lists running back Saquon Barkley, receiver DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert as questionable.
What comes next for Jacksonville
The Jaguars face Philadelphia on Sunday, October 11, at 9:30 a.m. ET at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This marks the second time these franchises have met in London. Following the Eagles clash, Jacksonville is scheduled to face the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium before entering their Week 7 bye.
The ingredients for a serious Super Bowl run are unmistakably present. A proven head coach, an elite quarterback entering his prime, a defence with both star power and depth, and a roster of committed professionals create the perfect recipe. Jacksonville's window is open, and this team possesses the structure and mentality to capitalise on it.
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