Why are Jaguars out of the playoffs? Exploring 3 turning points in Jacksonville's 2024 season

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 regular season, hoping to win the AFC South and make the playoffs. They surrounded star quarterback Trevor Lawrence with an array of weapons and looked poised to make some noise.

However, they got eliminated after their Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans. They'll now be forced to watch other teams contest for honors in January. After their elimination, let's highlight the points when the Jaguars' season took a major hit.

Why are the Jacksonville Jaguars out of the playoffs?

Here are three turning points in the Jaguars' 2024 season:

#1. Christian Kirk's injury

Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. were viewed as an elite pass-catching duo. The pair were heavily utilized early this season, as Trevor Lawrence had his pick of deep ball threats.

However, Kirk's season ended when he suffered a broken left collarbone against the Green Bay Packers. Kirk's collarbone was broken as he attempted to make a catch in a Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Yet another setback for the veteran wideout, whose 2023 season was cut short due to a core muscle injury. His injury left Thomas Jr. as the team's only reliable deep ball threat, curtailing any serious postseason hopes.

#2. Trevor Lawrence's injury

Trevor Lawrence is among the most gifted quarterbacks in the National Football League. The Jaguars franchise quarterback was heralded as the best prospect to enter the league since Peyton Manning and viewed as the Jaguars' savior.

However, Lawrence's time in Jacksonville has been marred with disappointment. He has guided the franchise to the playoffs just once, and his season ended after he was placed on the injured reserve following a concussion against the Houston Texans in Week 13.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was responsible for the tackle, which officially ended any hopes of Lawrence guiding his side into playoff contention. Lawrence has since had surgery on his left shoulder and will be back next season.

#3. Five-game losing streak

The Jaguars suffered a five-game losing streak from Week 8 to Week 13. They lost games against the Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Texans.

The Jaguars always had a daunting task, as the above-mentioned teams will all compete in this season's playoffs. Hence, it wasn't surprising that their postseason elimination was confirmed after losing to the Texans in Week 13.