Win over Patriots should buy Doug Pederson more time

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Win over Patriots should buy Jaguars HC Doug Pederson more time

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 20, 2024 12:36 PM ET

Don't bank on the Jacksonville Jaguars leaving head coach Doug Pederson in London, England, after they earned a much-needed win Sunday.

The Jaguars beat the New England Patriots, 32-16, improving to 2-5. A second consecutive loss overseas could've spelled trouble for Pederson.

Since the NFL International Series started in 2007, three head coaches have been fired after losing a game in London, according to The Sporting News' Gilbert McGregor.

The most recent was Robert Saleh, who parted ways with the New York Jets after a 23-17 Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders fired Dennis Allen in 2014, while the Dolphins canned Joe Philbin in 2015.

More importantly, it didn't seem Pederson's players were giving up on him. During the victory, Jaguars second-year running back Tank Bigsby rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

Tank Bigsby powers through to give the @Jaguars the lead!

: #NEvsJAX on NFL Network
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/DhWwaXwM73
— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Jacksonville also had 22 first-half points. Citing ESPN Research, Michael DiRocco shared it's the most points they've scored in a first half since they recorded 31 vs. the Houston Texans in Week 15 of 2017.

While the Jaguars' victory over New England (1-6) should help them gain momentum, it's unclear if they'll turn their season around.

Jacksonville's playoff chances remain slim. As of Sunday, ESPN's Football Power Index gives the Jaguars a 3.6% chance to make the postseason.

Pederson's future seems uncertain, too.

Jacksonville owner Shad Khan recently told Demetrius Harvey of The Florida-Times Union he still believes in the coaching staff, but he may change his mind.

Khan has fired five coaches since purchasing the team in January 2012. Before the season started, he said this was "the best team assembled" in franchise history, according to Mark Long of the Associated Press.

Pederson should still enjoy the victory. It should quiet questions about his job security for a few days.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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