'I trust him wholeheartedly': Jaguars HC Doug Pederson talks OC Press Taylor's first game

It was announced Sunday that Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson would allow offensive coordinator Press Taylor to takeover play-calling responsibilities, something that Taylor did during parts of last season.

It’s a decision Pederson has put a lot of thought into and is comfortable with after Jacksonville’s 31-21 victory against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

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“Press and I have been talking about this for two years,” Pederson said Monday. “It's something that I've thought a lot about, and it's not an easy decision ... He and I have been together now seven years. We think alike. We kind of know each other. I trust him wholeheartedly. That’s why he’s my offensive coordinator.”

In Taylor’s debut as a primary play-caller, the Jaguars were very successful through the air, with Trevor Lawrence completing 24 of 32 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

Calvin Ridley caught eight passes for 101 yards on 11 targets in his debut and Zay Jones caught the other touchdown pass, locating and reeling in the ball as he dove around a defender in the end zone.

“Nah, I’d be lying if I said yeah,” Jones said when asked if he noticed a difference in the play-calling on Sunday. “I’m just more so, what's the next call? Maybe as time goes on a little bit more, but I don't think so. I think they both have done a great job.”

The rushing game struggled at times, finishing with 35 carries for 105 yards as a team. But to Pederson, that was more on execution than play-calling.

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” Pederson said. “We knew exactly where they were going to be defensively, just execution. We were late off the ball a couple of times with the noise and things like that. So, things we can correct. Things we can fix.”

‘Right opportunity’: Pederson hands keys to offense to Taylor

Taylor’s experience with Pederson dates back to Philadelphia where the pairing won a Super Bowl together. Taylor was the coach who found the famous “Philly Special” play remembered for the trickeration that helped the Eagles get the edge against the Patriots.

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“It's not easy, but at the same time, it felt like this was the right opportunity,” Pederson said. “And he did a good job. He did a great job for us. Score 31 points and you come away with a victory in your first one.”

With the responsibilities shifting, it gives Pederson a chance to focus on the more operational aspects of the game. That includes game management and fourth down decisions which Pederson said falls “solely on me” before adding “and analytics” with a smile.

When it comes down to it, there are a lot of similarities to Pederson and Taylor’s play-calling style. But when asked about some of the differences, Pederson decide to play it close to the vest.

“I'm not going to give away a lot of secrets because that tips the hat for defensive coordinators,” he said. “I'll just tell you that we think alike.”

Juston Lewis is a sports reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter at @JustonLewis_.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson talks Press Taylor, Jaguars' offense