JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With nine active rookies in the organization, Doug Pederson, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, emphasized that it is too late in the season to rely on the young team rationale.
The team heavily emphasizes the next-man-up mentality, expecting rookies to step up when called upon.
Pederson underscored the lack of on-field communication, holding the team responsible for addressing this issue.
"We're not young. Everybody has played, rookies are no longer rookies, it's Week 15. I can't hide behind that anymore. I can't use that as an excuse anymore," Pederson expressed.
"Every team is in Week 15, there's no more byes, every rookie has played. It's just everybody has to focus that much greater this time of year and be on the same page."
Heading into Week 15, he stressed the need for improved football, aiming to minimize errors on the field.
Despite back-to-back setbacks, Pederson remains confident in the Jaguars' ability to rebound.
"Me and the guys are excited for this week, it's two good football teams coming together. Two top four right now in the AFC playing. Obviously, it's great for the NFL and great for fans," Pederson remarked.
"These are the games, again, it goes back to what I expect our players to get used to, playing in moments like this and games like this -- Baltimore obviously has. But the confidence is high and the confidence is great. Again, we have to turn it," he added.
The Jaguars' Sunday Night Football clash against the Baltimore Ravens kicks off at 8:30 p.m.
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