Loss in Cincy stung but Jags offense has right mastermind in Coen

By Hays Carlyon

The Jaguars scored 30 points in the first two games of last season – losses to Miami and Cleveland.

They’ve scored 53 through two games this season.

This season’s Jags have gained 778 total yards through two games.

Last year’s group managed 590 yards.

Last season, the Jaguars had five third-down conversions over the first two games combined.

This season, the Jaguars already have 11.

The Jaguars ran for 255 yards in the first two games combined last year. They have 339 rushing yards so far this season.

You get the point.

First-year coach Liam Coen is showing in brilliant display how his innovative offensive approach races past the stagnant scheme of former coach Doug Pederson, as well as several staffs before him.

While a 31-27 loss at Cincinnati on Sunday certainly stings, the Jaguars should be encouraged.

Coen knows what he’s doing.

He made the right decision to go for it on fourth down late in the game and pass on a field goal that would’ve put the Jaguars up six. Unorthodox? Yes, but it wasn’t the wrong call. In fact, the play was wide open but receiver Brian Thomas Jr. dropped the ball.

Imagine the offensive numbers if Thomas wasn’t playing timid. Thomas has five catches for 60 yards through two games on 19 targets. That’s putrid. His shying away from contact has frankly doomed the offense several times already.

Yet, the Jaguars offensive numbers are still far away surpassing last season.

Coen got tremendous play out of Tampa Bay’s running backs last season as offensive coordinator. That has continued in Jacksonville.

Travis Etienne is off to a fantastic start, while rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen have already become explosive and reliable players.

You can see it watching the games. For years, I watched games around the league and wondered “Why can’t the Jags design plays like this?” Now, Coen has brought that forward-thinking offensive acumen to the Jaguars.

Coen and the Jaguars face a massive challenge Sunday when Houston visits. The Texans have a superb defense. That will provide a substantive litmus test.

We’ve only played 12 percent of the season. However, the early returns look tremendous.

Coen has not only brought the Jaguars into the 2020s with his offensive system, he has the Jaguars doing some of the most creative things in the league.

Imagine if his star receiver actually stops being afraid of contact.

(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on X/Twitter @HaysCarlyon).