Players push to finish strong, aim to help save Marrone’s job
JACKSONVILLE — At the end of a tough week filled with uncertainty and the firing of top executive Tom Coughlin, Jaguars players turned up the volume on the lockerroom speakers with rap music and had some good-natured fun for a change on Friday.
They know their performance Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons and next week against Indianapolis in the season finale could determine Doug Marrone’s future in Jacksonville — whether he stays or goes along with general manager Dave Caldwell.
“Everybody is playing for everybody,” said wide receiver DJ Chark, who did a few dance moves Friday when the rap music blared. “There’s no sad faces in this locker room and you can probably tell the difference in this locker room from this time this year and this time last year.
“We don’t know what the future holds from any of us but we’re blessed to have these final two games. We put in a lot of work this year, but things didn’t go our way. But we’re going to play for each other regardless.”
After owner Shad Khan fired Coughlin Wednesday, he issued a statement through the team that Marrone and Caldwell will each report directly to him on an interim basis.
Marrone has not downplayed the significance of what the final two games could have on his future, along with his assistants.
“Our focus is on the Atlanta Falcons. We have to win. There’s no difference, nothing’s changed from what I said before,” Marrone said. “We’re all fighting for our jobs, for our life, really. I mean that’s what we do as coaches. We all know that. That’s what the situation is. It’s no different for the players; they have the same thing. So again, it’s a tough situation, but you have to keep your focus, and you have to lead, and you have to go out there and do your job.“
Marrone appears to have the support of his players. They say he’s heard their concerns and has remained approachable.
This summer Marrone took a “cautious approach“in which players had fewer days in full pads and spent less time at the facility than they did the past two seasons during camp.
With hopes of limiting injuries, Marrone held out his starters in all but one preseason game. That approach was criticized by Coughlin, but the coach gained the respect of his players, who felt he had their best interests at heart.
“He’s done an incredible job keeping guys focused,” defensive end Calais Campbell. “That’s impressive; he’s really a good coach.”
Will it be enough?
The Jaguars (5-9) lost five straight by at least 17 points before beating Oakland 20-16 last week in the final game played at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
In all, the Jaguars have lost 19 of their last 26 games and have clinched their second straight losing season in three seasons under Marrone.
“Nobody’s perfect,” running back Leonard Fournette said. “But I think he’s learned too with communicating better with the players and just trying to understand us. He’s been very understanding this year.”
Asked if he wants to see Marrone return next season as coach, Fournette said, “Definitely.”
No one knows that answer yet, including Marrone. But if the Jaguars beat the Falcons, it can only help Marrone’s situation.
“These next two games are important for all of us and the organization,” guard A.J. Cann said. “We have been preaching finishing out strong. I think we’ve trying to take care of what’s within the team and not worry about the outside. I feel guys on this team have done a good job of taking care of what’s going on at that moment. I really respect how we have handled it as a team.”