The Jacksonville Jaguars have quietly become one of the NFL’s most compelling stories this season. Sitting atop the AFC South with an 11-6 record and riding a six-game winning streak, this team isn’t just winning - they’re evolving in real time, and a lot of that growth traces back to bold decisions made in the offseason.
The biggest headline-grabber was the draft day blockbuster that brought in Travis Hunter - a move that turned plenty of heads. But perhaps the most quietly transformative decision was luring offensive mind Liam Coen away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become the Jaguars’ head coach.
That move has paid off in a big way. Coen has brought a fresh energy to the offense, and nowhere is that more evident than in the emergence of tight end Brenton Strange.
Strange, a 2023 second-round pick, is having the kind of breakout season that can redefine a career - and reshape an offense. He’s on pace for career-highs in both receptions and touchdowns, and he’s quickly become one of Trevor Lawrence’s go-to targets.
What’s more, he’s delivering in crucial spots. On the road, Strange has racked up 22 catches for 239 yards and two touchdowns - numbers that have helped fuel Jacksonville’s strong 5-2 record away from home.
But make no mistake: Strange is all about Duval.
“We've done a great job this year of going on the road and getting wins,” Strange said. “Personally, I love playing in front of Duval. I don't like playing anywhere else really.”
And who can blame him? The Jaguars have turned EverBank Stadium into a fortress, tying for the second-best home record in the AFC at 6-2. The crowd’s energy has become a real factor - not just in the moment, but in how this team responds to adversity.
After a tough Week 2 loss in Cincinnati, Jacksonville came back home and took care of business in Week 3. Same story in Week 10 - a stumble in Houston followed by a dominant 36-6 win over the Chargers in front of the home crowd.
That pattern speaks to more than just home-field advantage. It’s resilience.
It’s confidence. And it’s a team that feeds off its environment.
Strange’s preference for playing at home might be personal, but it also reflects a larger truth about this Jaguars squad: they’re clicking, they’re confident, and they’re connected - to each other and to their fans. With the playoffs looming, Jacksonville isn’t just a team to watch. They’re a team that believes.