Under Doug Pederson, the Jacksonville Jaguars lacked an edge. That was clearly evident when they didn't fight back after linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked Trevor Lawrence out in a divisional bout, and most players on the Jags sideline didn't retaliate. That's quickly changing with Liam Coen at the helm.
Coen has made an effort to change the team's culture. He certainly has his work cut out, but the Jags showed signs of being in the right direction during a brawl with the Miami Dolphins in the joint practices ahead of the preseason finale.
The Jaguars got into a scuffle with the Dolphins
Jamal St. Cyr of News4Jax reports that players had to be separated after Jaguars quarterback John Wolford connected with receiver Dorian Singer.
Around the same time, running back Jaylen Wright swung at defensive end Travon Walker after getting blasted in a run, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. Later, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reported that offensive players kept ppping Jaguars defenders.
Dolphins offensive players keep popping Jaguars defenders.
This not going to end well if they keep it up. It’s like lighting a match since the defense’s job is to hit you.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 21, 2025
Of course, tempers will run high in joint practices, and it's not particularly shocking to see players get into a scuffle. That said, it was encouraging to see the Jaguars not letting themselves get bullied.
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The Jaguars are developing a personality under Liam Coen
You could make the case that it won't matter that the Jaguars have a mauler mentality unless they win games. You would be right, but it's also worth noting that they lacked an identity under Doug Pederson. That Jacksonville is showing signs of becoming a physical team is a step in the right direction.
And that's the thing, the Jags appeared to be a finesse team under Pederson. Circling back to the Azeez Al-Shair incident, all Texans players and even head coach DeMeco Ryan come to his defense.
Meanwhile, only cornerback Jarrian Jones showed anger when his quarterback got hurt. Sure, Walker Little stood by Trevor Lawrence, but the Jaguars clearly showed a dearth of feistiness. Sure, you don't want to see them get into a fist-fight, but you also want to see them stand up for themselves. That wasn't the case last year.
Heck, Pederson basically said that players should do nothing when they see their teammates get blasted. Fortunately, he's gone, and the Jaguars are taking on Liam Coen's more aggressive mindset.
And while you never want to get into a scuffle, the Jaguars are quickly proving, under Liam Coen, that they won't let anybody bully them.
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