The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the strongest teams in the NFL's first month of the 2026 season, and unlike in past years, this feels sustainable. Jacksonville have endured many false dawns, from their 1999 AFC Championship appearance followed by five missed playoffs, to their 2017 AFC title game loss just minutes from Super Bowl 52, and a run of four straight losing seasons. Even their 2022 divisional round appearance was followed by two more missed seasons and the firing of head coach Doug Pedersen.
But these Jags feel different. They followed a 13-4 season last year with three wins in their first four games of 2026, and they are driven by new head coach Liam Coen. Coen arrived in 2025 and immediately changed the culture, making the team believe in itself. He has rapidly moved into the upper echelon of NFL coaching, with his rise likely to continue if this season goes well. His edge, which quarterback Trevor Lawrence says instills a chip on the team's shoulder, has given Jacksonville a steely identity.
Lawrence himself has truly arrived as an NFL star. He makes plays when needed, has cut down on mistakes, and remains a dangerous runner. The Jaguars lack a 1,000-yard receiver or running back, but they have a collection of capable playmakers, including Bhayshul Tuten, Brenton Strange and Brian Thomas Jr. Their defense, featuring Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker and Foye Oluokun, delivered a road win in Cincinnati last week.
The Jaguars, who admit they left meat on the bone in 2025, now prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as a very competent contender.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing