Moeller: With Denver Win, Jaguars' Playoff Outlook Reaches A New Level

 For Jaguars’ fans, it is about where they will be seeded.

It’s no longer about making the playoffs.

With their dominant win in Denver Sunday, the Jags put any thoughts about making the playoffs behind them. 

Their win was one of the biggest in franchise history, and it silenced any critics - including me and maybe you - who thought they wouldn’t win in Denver and find themselves in a battle with Houston for the division title. 

With the Colts ‘ loss last night, the Jags clinched their first playoff spot since 2022, and they can capture the AFC South title by beating the Colts and the Titans in the final two weeks. Also in their favor is Houston’s game in Los Angeles against the Chargers Saturday, which is huge for both teams.

If Houston loses Saturday, the Jags will walk into Indianapolis Sunday with the division title in their pocket and an opening home game in their pocket.

Jacksonville, who currently has the third seed, can gain the top seed if they win out, and the top-seeded Patriots and second-seed Broncos lose one of their final two. It’s unlikely for the Patriots with the Jets and Dolphins, but the Broncos may slip with a game against the Chargers.

Yes, Jaguars’ fans, this is real.

Throughout the past few weeks, the main theme tagged to the team has been the lack of respect. The team went about its business winning six straight and having one of the best records in the league, but they constantly overlooked. A collapse was expected.

Denver head coach Sean Payton referred to Jacksonville as a “small market team.”

Sunday night, Payton ate those words.

It has been a revelation in all three phases of the game.

The Jags have truly earned the respect of the league.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was consistently viewed as the bust of the generational player anticipated as the top overall pick. Many believed Lawrence never lived up to his billing, and he never would. Lawrence would be considered to be in the top half of quarterbacks, but he wouldn’t be among the elite.

Heading into the final weeks of the season, Lawrence easily should be in the running for the league’s Comeback Player of the Year or certainly the MVP depending upon their final outcome.

There’s also the case of Travon Walker, another top overall pick whose expectations had a high ceiling. Walker’s numbers were better last season, but he also has been playing at a high level.

With the emergence of Lawrence and the team, head coach Liam Coen’s presence and performance often has gotten overlooked. Coen’s new offensive wrinkles have re-energized Lawrence and the running game behind Travis Etienne.

Coen apparently was headed back to Tampa to sign a lucrative three-year deal to stay on as offensive coordinator there, but he changed his mind after former GM Trent Baalke got fired. 

He had an awkward opening press conference, and Jacksonville wasn’t sure who they were getting to help turn the team around.  

However, it didn’t take long for them to see they had the right man. Overshadowed by the Patriots’ Mike Vrabel, Coen should be in the running for the Coach of the Year.

New GM James Gladstone has quietly worked behind the scenes, putting all the pieces in place.

And with kicker Cam Little, Coen can think about the possibility of 70-yard field goals if necessary.

This team has surfaced, and there’s no looking back. They are playing with confidence - not cockiness - and should be able to put the Colts and Titans away.

Hopefully, they haven’t peaked yet, and there’s plenty more to come. 

Yes, this is real, and it is fun.

Happy Holidays!