NFL analyst and insider Mike Lombardi joined the Pat McAfee Show to discuss the recent matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles won 28-23 with quarterback Jalen Hurts leading the way, accounting for three total touchdowns.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence took the blame for the loss following a late interception that could've changed the result, a sentiment echoed by many critics and fans. In response, Lombardi, a three-time Super Bowl winning GM, came to Lawrence’s defense but placed head coach Doug Pederson under scrutiny.
Lombardi said, "When you’re just so busy playing pass-plays and ignoring it, it affects your team. And nobody is gonna blame the situation or it was the interception. No, that call shouldn’t have happened."
Lombardi criticizes Pederson twice
Lawrence threw a deep ball to running back D’Ernest Johnson at the end of the game, which was intercepted by linebacker Nakobe Dean. The throw was criticised by fans but Pederson defended his quarterback. However, he also clarified that it was Lawrence’s decision and not his, a statement that gave space to Lombardi to question his abilities.
"You got a minute and 42 left to go in the game. You got 1st & 10 in the 13-yard line and you’re throwing a wheel around the end zone that gets picked up. Everybody can blame Trevor Lawrence, all you want. You couldn’t give the ball back to Philly with a minute [left on the clock]."
This comment directed a pointed critique toward Pederson, hinting at unresolved tension between Lombardi and the coach. Lombardi previously criticized Pederson in 2018, questioning his coaching capabilities, but later apologized after Pederson led the Eagles to a Super Bowl win. Despite this history, Lombardi did not hesitate to attribute the Jaguars’ struggles to Pederson’s coaching.
Earlier on the show, Lombardi pointed fingers at Pederson’s coaching for Jaguars’ dismal state so far.
“So when an owner comes out and tells that the team is really talented and you don’t win, then that tells me he is blaming the coach.”
Lombardi also touched on the Jaguars' broader challenges, especially as they prepare for their new stadium. He emphasized the Jags will have to find a way to win more games with that investment coming up, otherwise the fan base will not be interested in filling the new stadium when it is completed. The Jaguars are 2-7 so far this season.
Jaguars Fans! Check out the latest Jacksonville Jaguars Schedule and dive into the Jaguars Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.