Jaguars Embrace Underdog Status After AFC South Victory

The Jacksonville Jaguars solidified their position atop the AFC South with a decisive 36-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. This win marked the Jaguars' fourth consecutive victory, bringing their record to 9-4 for the season. Despite their success, players and coaches expressed a collective sentiment of being overlooked and disrespected in the broader NFL narrative. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. articulated this feeling, stating, "At the end of the day, I feel like no one likes us except for us."

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The Jaguars' recent success follows a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans, where they squandered a 19-point lead. Head coach Liam Coen noted that this defeat served as a crucial reminder of the need for a consistent mindset throughout the game. Since that setback, the Jaguars have achieved impressive victories against notable teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans. With upcoming games against the struggling New York Jets and Titans, the Jaguars are on track to potentially exceed ten wins, a significant improvement from their previous season's 4-13 record.

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Despite their achievements, the Jaguars remain acutely aware of the skepticism surrounding their legitimacy as contenders. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen remarked on the perception that the Jaguars are still viewed as underdogs, stating, "They're just waiting for us to slip up." This narrative has become a source of motivation for the team, as they aim to prove critics wrong. Coen emphasized that the lack of respect could be beneficial, as it keeps the players grounded and focused on their performance rather than external validation.

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Coach Liam Coen expressed a pragmatic approach to the team's current standing, stating, "I don't think [getting respect] helps... Everybody loves you when you're doing it well, and then you're always going to find something." This perspective aligns with the team's strategy of using perceived disrespect as a motivational tool, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge.

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While the Jaguars have found success, some analysts and fans continue to question their ability to sustain this level of performance. The prevailing narrative suggests that the team may not be taken seriously until they achieve deeper playoff success. This skepticism is echoed by players who acknowledge the uphill battle they face in changing public perception.

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• “At the end of the day, I feel like no one likes us except for us,” — Travis Etienne Jr., Running Back

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• “I don't know if we'll ever really get [respect]," he said.” — Liam Coen, Head Coach

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The Jaguars are poised to continue their pursuit of respect and recognition in the NFL, leveraging their underdog status as they aim for a successful postseason.

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