JAGUARS HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022
(On if after playing several games the rookie label wears off, including with OLB Travon Walker and LB
Devin Lloyd) “Yes. It does go away because they have played now, but I still think they’re learning the
game, and I think one thing that Travon will understand more and more is if teams start to game plan
for him. Now he has to really pay attention to that, and it can help other guys on the line there. Those
are all things now, as he gets more play time, and as the game progresses, how are they attacking him.
That’s the next phase, I think, for both of those guys.”
(On how OLB Travon Walker has helped out the rest of the defense) “It’s all complimentary football. I
think in Travon’s case, with his size and athleticism, he’s a guy that can be a dominant edge setter over
there, and in the run game, he can be physical in the run game. You’ve seen him, his athleticism, as he
drops into coverage. Then everybody, if they do their assignments, can play and feed off of one another.
It helps the entire defense when one, two, three, or all of them are playing good.”
(On what they saw and researched on WR Christian Kirk in free agency before they brought him in) “We
did a lot of research when he was coming out of college first. It kind of starts there. We’d do a lot of film
study, his play in Arizona and things he had done there, but quite honestly, one of the biggest things
that I was looking for, just me personally, was high character guys–guys that were going to fit and help
change the culture here in Jacksonville, and he was one of those guys. I think to all the offensive
coaches, I can probably speak for all of them, he was our number one target that we wanted to get in
free agency, and we were able to get him. Then when you get him here and you see exactly who he is
and what he’s about, how he works, and how he spends time doing little things and extra things, and
how he studies the game, it’s just confirmation that our efforts looking at him have paid off in that
regard.”
(On how he has seen OL Luke Fortner grow into his role over the course of the season) “Things are
slowing down, which is good, mentally. Early in the season, the first couple games, things can be a little
fast. It’s different than preseason. He’s another one that I think as he gains more experience, he’s going
to understand how defenses are trying to defend him and how they can utilize pick stunts, disguise
coverage or blitzes, so he’s now taking his game to the next level as far as understanding all that. He’s a
smart kid. Everything kind of starts with him, but things have begun to slow down, which allows him to
play faster.”
(On the importance of continuity on the offensive line) “That’s the nice thing about having the
offseason, having training camp, where you really don’t have five guys yet, and you’re working different
combinations because times like this is when it pays off. Shatley’s (OL Tyler Shatley) a veteran guy. He’s
played a ton of games. It’s going to be a great opportunity for him. I’m excited to watch him play going
against those two guys, interior guys for the Colts, is a challenge, but I know he’s up for it. He’s prepared
himself for it.”
(On if five games is too short of a timespan to know player and staff strengths and weaknesses in game
situations) “No, I don’t think it’s a small sample. I think this is the time of the season where we kind of
figure out who we are and who we want to be, that identity. I think now, the month of October is that
time for all the teams, really, coming out of preseason, kind of finding their way for the first month. Even
for us, just understanding some of our younger players, some of the draft picks, how they’re fitting in
offensively and defensively. I think there’s enough of a sample size here to really start to figure out all of
that.”
(On if OL Brandon Scherff has been all he expected him to be) “Yes. He’s just the ultimate pro in my
opinion. This guy never takes a play off. Even when we take him out in practice for a rest here and there,
he doesn’t want to come out. Great communication with Luke. You’ve just got to have those type of
guys, especially on the offensive line, those veteran guys like that. His style, his caliber of play, the
success he’s had on the football field and the accolades that have come with that. Just a great asset to
have in the O-line room.”
(On TE Chris Manhertz’s importance in the run game) “He’s been great for us in the run game. He’s been
one of the guys that I’ve really enjoyed working with. Each week we try to figure out how to throw him
the ball if we can. I know he sacrifices a lot to block, and he does a great job of that, but I know he wants
to catch passes, too. He caught one last week, a couple. We’ve just got to keep him going. He’s been a
valuable piece to the offense, to the run game, just been a bright joy for us to work with.”
(On the flexibility from having two very different styles in RB James Robinson and RB Travis Etienne Jr.)
“It gives you a little bit. Well, actually quite a bit. Two different styles, two guys that both of them want
to be on the field. They’re competitors, but they’re teammates at the same time. They just want to win
and be a part of the offense in any capacity. Both have done an outstanding job in the run game. Pass
protection has been good. It’s improved each week. The challenge is getting them the football.”
