The Jacksonville Jaguars saw their magical season come to an end after they were bounced by the Bills in the Wild Card. Though the game was close, it highlighted some key flaws that this team had. Conversely, it also revealed the pieces on the squad that are most worth keeping. There’s a lot to learn from Liam Coen’s first playoff game and loss, so let’s take a look.
Interior pressure is the number one need
Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) and defensive end Dawuane Smoot (98) react after a play during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Arik Armstead hit the ground running at the start of the season. His production declined due to injury, and the Jaguars pass-rush as a whole suffered because of it. While Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker are among the top edge duos in the league, the void in the interior has led to their efforts becoming moot. In the last five games, the Jaguars are ranked dead last in pressures from DTs, and the problem culminated in Josh Allen standing comfortably in the pocket. The number one priority heading into the offseason is pressure from the interior. Or, alternatively, some improved rotational players on the edge in order to play Walker inside more often.
Liam Coen must remain committed to the run game
Jan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during the second half against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Wild Card Round game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Everyone and their mother knew Buffalo’s Achilles heel, the run defense. Fast forward to the game, that weakness reared its ugly head for the Bills. Travis Etienne was averaging 6.7 yards a carry, while Bhayshul Tuten who was recording 12.8 yards a pop. Tuten didn’t even get a carry in the second half. With the Jaguars runners gashing their opposition on the ground, Liam Coen’s insistence on the pass attack is puzzling.
Parker Washington is the team’s best receiver
Jan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) reacts during the second half against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Wild Card Round game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
If it wasn’t obvious already, Parker Washington has proven himself as the team’s best wideout. Despite beginning the season as a backup, Washington leads the team in yardage. He’s made great strides this year, and his chemistry with Lawrence has allowed the pass attack to be dominant. He had another great performance in the Wild Card, marking his fourth 100 yard game of the season. He’s physical, quick, and perfect for the offense Liam Coen has built up.
Brian Thomas Jr’s lack of production has consequences
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) is tackled by Buffalo Bills cornerback Jordan Hancock (37) during the third quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The Bills worked to eliminate the Jaguars’ strength through the air, the middle of the field. Most importantly, they played without fearing the deep passing game. In a season full of welcome surprises, Brian Thomas Jr’s regression is one of the lone disappointments. Due to his mediocre play, Buffalo took away the middle of the field and challenged the Jaguars to beat them deep. They simply weren’t able to do so, as while Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers aren’t incapable of going long, it’s not their forte. Instead, Brian Thomas Jr is the one who is expected to attack the deeper field, and he simply has failed to leave a mark.
Travis Hunter is missed
Oct 19, 2025; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It’s hard to believe that this Jacksonville team has been playing without their star acquisition from the draft. Though they lost him following his breakout match versus the Rams, some of their earlier wins would not have been possible without him. Since then, the Jaguars have adapted, and played well despite his absence. This match, however, was where he was missed. Jacksonville’s cornerbacks have played surprisingly well this year, with Montaric Brown and Jarrian Jones proving themselves as quality starters. Nevertheless, Travis Hunter was blanketing top tier threats when healthy, and his knack as a DB could have eliminated some of the big plays Buffalo had through the air.
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