Week 7 was a shocker for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The LA Rams came prepared and defeated them brutally with a 35-7 result. The harsher visual was the hopelessness on the faces of the head coach, Liam Coen, and his players. They failed to score in the first 3 quarters. But the coach is now taking full accountability and making sure his players remain in good spirits.

On October 23, a video from their team meeting went viral. While players watch silently, Coen accepts full accountability. “There’s a scramble opportunity on 4th down that Trevor and I just talked about, but guys, this is not my best by any means,” he first said. Then he told everyone that he also failed by not putting them in the “best position to succeed.”

Rookie running back LeQuint Allen Jr. jumped in, claiming he also had to change his playing strategy. Allen caught his only target for four yards in the Week 7 loss. Coach Liam Coen accepted this, but he kept the blame on himself. “I got to be better in this situation, regardless, it’s my job… that’s my job, (I) ask you to do yours, I gotta do mine,” he added. That’s right!

The Jaguars had one of those nights where nothing seemed to click. They racked up 13 penalties for 119 yards, and the most painful one was an illegal block by Jarrian Jones that erased a 61-yard punt return touchdown from Parker Washington. Add in four drops, including two by Brian Thomas Jr., and the offense barely moved the ball early, managing just 20 yards in the first quarter.

Before they could even find their footing, they were already trailing 21-0. Things didn’t turn around either. Their last two drives of the first half and first two of the second were a disaster, a missed 50-yard field goal followed by three straight turnovers on downs. It was a night to forget in every sense.

Hence, post-game Coen admitted, “It’s definitely frustrating, but just like everybody else in there, you’ve got to look inward first. Like, what am I doing as the head football coach that’s not clear right now? How am I communicating these things? How am I and how are we practicing these things? That’s what I’ve got to look at, right?”

Besides these, we have seen the coach animated at times. During the week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, cameras caught him thumping his chest. QB Trevor Lawrence dismisses his yelling by gesturing with his hand. 2 weeks later, during the week 4 game against the SF 49ers, he started a fight on the sidelines with rival DC Robert Saleh over sign stealing.

So, this year’s campaign has been full of heated moments. Liam Coen is full of energy and wants his team to perform well. Even though they lost the week 7 game, they still have a 4-3 win-loss record. They are 2nd in the AFC South and 7th in the AFC Conference.

Yet, the team wants to utilize the bye week to recollect their thoughts and have some vital rest.

Liam Coen wants his players to rest fully

The best part for the team is the time they will get for the recovery of their injured players. Linebacker Devin Lloyd was instrumental in their week 5 win over the KC Chiefs with a 99-yard interception return. But he is dealing with a calf strain that stopped him from going to London. Liam Coen will get some valuable time to check on his LB’s status.

DE Travon Walker is using a cast on his surgically repaired wrist and played in weeks 6 and 7, but he will get some time to let it rest. A similar case is happening with the tight end Brenton Strange. The TE recorded 20 receptions for 204 receiving yards in 5 games (all starts), but the team placed on Injured Reserve (IR) after he injured his hip.

Overall, it will give players time to rest, reassess their plans, and play with renewed vigor.

One such thing Liam Coen could definitely check is his offensive protection. In 7 games, Lawrence has already recorded 20 sacks with a 9-5 TD-int. ratio. If they don’t ramp up their protection, he could break his career record of 35 sacks. That will play a huge role as they play the AFC South division champions, the Indianapolis Colts, twice (in weeks 14 and 17).

The bye week meeting was a part of their plan to discuss where they are falling behind. But there’s plenty of time left in the season. With Liam Coen pushing everyone to come up with their best, things are looking good for them.