JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Josh Hines-Allen reflects on the Jaguars’ tough 27-24 loss to the Bills in the AFC wild card playoff game. It stings, but he sees it as a chance for growth.
“This is a moment for us to learn,” he said. “We feel like we missed an opportunity, but a lot of guys are hungry. We’ll hit the offseason hard and come back ready to compete next year.”
After finishing 4-13 the previous season, expectations have shifted for the Jaguars in 2025. Under first-year coach Liam Coen, they bounced back with a 13-4 record, winning their last eight games. This impressive turnaround included scoring a franchise-record 474 points and boasting the best rush defense in the NFL. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a standout season with 38 total touchdowns, marking his best performance yet.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars face challenges. Key players like running back Travis Etienne Jr. and linebacker Devin Lloyd are entering free agency, and coordinators may seek head coaching positions elsewhere. However, the core team remains strong. Travis Hunter, who missed the second half of his rookie season due to injury, is set to return.
Hines-Allen expressed how inspiring it has been to be part of this motivated group. “This is the first time I’ve felt surrounded by teammates who truly want greatness. It was fun being part of that culture,” he said.
Lawrence shares a similar sentiment. Despite the sting of the loss, he believes in the stability of the team’s progress. “We’ve had a great year, but we need to keep earning it every season. Nothing is guaranteed,” he said. This growth mindset resonates with fans and reflects a positive trend in the Jaguars’ future.
Recent surveys highlight the growing optimism among fans. According to a 2025 poll from the NFL Fan Index, 76% of Jacksonville fans believe the team will make the playoffs again next season. This enthusiasm shows that the community is rallying behind their team and eagerly anticipating what’s next.
This remarkable turnaround underscores the importance of resilience and teamwork. As the Jaguars move forward, they’ll need to harness this energy and continue to build on their successes. The future looks promising, and the excitement in Jacksonville is palpable.
For more on NFL team trends and player statistics, visit ESPN NFL.
