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Jaguars coach Doug Pederson spoke on Monday. Here is a transcript of what he had to say.

Q: Do you accept Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s comment that this is the best Jaguars team ever?

Pederson: “Yeah, I think he’s right. I think that’s our expectation. That’s always our expectation. Every year you put together and assemble the best team, the best set of coaches, and you have to put in the time. You have to work hard. He sees what we’ve done the last two years and the success we’ve had, but he also knows — and we know — that we’re better than where we finished last year. I think that’s something he alluded to. But he’s right. That’s the expectation and we’re all committed to that.”

Q: How does Khan’s belief in the entire team inspire confidence, especially in the first week?

Pederson: “I mean, it gives you a ton of confidence and that’s something we’ve been focused on all offseason. You’ve heard me talk about growing and developing our roster and making sure everybody has a chance and that’s carried over into training camp. Now it’s just a matter of, we’ve got to get it done. I guess, as they say, that’s it, and you’ve just got to work hard and get ready and try to get 1-0 this week.”

Q: How has the second-line defense developed since finalizing the roster and the upcoming assignment against the Miami wingers?

Pederson: “The second part of the question is the speed of the team. Those guys have a lot of skill and ability, obviously, on offense, and they just know how to attack the second line of defense. We’ve rebuilt ours and I think the scheme that Ryan (defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen) and Kris (defensive backs coach Kris Richard) have put in place, I think has really helped our guys. We’ve got some young guys in the backfield who I would say haven’t had a lot of game time, but it’s a great opportunity for our guys to really focus on that this week.”

“I’m looking forward to Tyson (CB Tyson Campbell) and Darby (CB Ronald Darby) and the guys just competing and seeing what happens. But I have a lot of respect for Miami, a lot of respect for their skill positions and even their quarterback. I think he (Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa) is great at receiving the ball and anticipating the windows, and those guys make plays.”

Q: Are you excited about the team facing Miami’s quarterbacks in Week 1, and how will that help prepare the defense to face other top quarterbacks later in the season?

Pederson: “No, but thanks for reminding people that we’re going to play. It’s a great test. I mean, that’s what you want. You want to compete with the best, and sure, preseason is one thing, but this is the regular season and you’re going to get the best from everyone. We’re going to be at our best, so it’s a great opportunity for our guys, for our defense and for our team to compete this coming weekend.”

Q: Is there any new injury news ahead of Sunday’s game against Miami?

Pederson: “No, we’re in good shape at this point. Probably the last option is (S) Daniel Thomas, who’ll be back on the grass this week and see how he does, but I expect everyone to be at full strength this week.”

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