Ex-Falcons HC Mike Smith feels Jaguars' incredible comeback against Chargers sets them up for blockbuster 2023 season (Exclusive)
The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off an incredible victory against the Los Angeles Chargers after coming back from down 27 points to win 31-30. It was an incredible performance that set them up nicely for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round this coming weekend.
It was an incredible comeback, especially by quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He threw four interceptions in the first half but roared back to throw four touchdown passes that were instrumental in their victory. He and the Jaguars have rightfully received a lot of plaudits for their performances, and one person aboard the train is ex-Falcons head coach Mike Smith.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda's "The BallFather Podcast", he lavished praise on the young quarterback.
"I've seen it happen and he doesn't get a chance to play in the second half. (Smith on Lawrence's first half performance against Chargers). But, you can't do that with your quarterback that's the face of the franchise and he came back in the second half. But, Reg, four turnovers, right, four turnovers... I mean, we saw something that happens less than 1% of the time in the National Football League."
He was no less effusive in his praise for the team as a whole and believes that not only does it set them up nicely for this season, it could become a catapult for the upcoming season as well. He said,
"And you got to give hats off to the Jaguars. I don't know what they said or what they did there in the locker rooms at halftime, but it was two completely different ball games. You know it was an epic loss for the LA Chargers, and it was a big, big win for Jacksonville. That's going to springboard Jacksonville, not only for next week and having confidence, but it's going to pay a lot of dividends for next season."
Jacksonville Jaguars and their incredible turnaround
The Jacksonville Jaguars have turned their entire franchise around this season. Since going all the way to the AFC Championship game at the end of the 2017 season, they have had four straight losing seasons. It culminated in two back-to-back first overall picks for the franchise.
Even this season, they were 2-6 and 4-8 at different points in the season before winning their final five games to win the AFC South and finish 9-8. Now, after their latest victory against the Chargers, they can dare to dream. With Trevor Lawrence coming along and an astute coach like Doug Pederson in charge, they are nicely positioned for years to come.