11 instant reactions from the Jaguars' heartbreaking loss to the Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars faced the Houston Texans in Week 6. Like any other matchup between these divisional foes, this turned out to be a tough contest. For the first time this season, the Jags gave up more than 20 points. Similarly, they surrendered 100 yards rushing for the first time.

Once again, Jacksonville dealt with penalties, although there were some questionable calls. Moreover, the weather ended up playing a role because the field was slippery, and players from both clubs tripped a handful of times throughout the game.

Cam Little drilled a 60-yarder late in the fourth quarter to make it 31-31. However, the Texans had enough time on the clock to march down the field and score a field goal of their own to win the game. And with this in mind, here are 11 instant reactions to the disappointing 34-31 loss to Houston.

11 instant reactions from the Jaguars' heartbreaking loss to the Texans

1. Another day, another drop by Brian Thomas Jr. On the Jaguars' first possession, the 2024 first-round pick had a chance to catch a pass that would've moved the chains but dropped it, and it instead was third-and-7. Jacksonville ended up punting a couple plays later.

Just before the second half, Thomas wasn't able to reel in a well-placed pass that would've put Jacksonville in field goal range.

In Thomas' defense, he wasn't the only player who dealt with drops. Still, he's dealt with the issue dating back to last year, so he'll catch the most heat.

2. The Jaguars did a better job of moving the football on their second possession, but their offense stalled once they got into Houston's territory. Trevor Lawrence looked for Parker Washington three times, even on a fourth down, and all attempts came up short. Jacksonville ended up turning the ball over on downs.

3. Travis Hunter gave up a big play in the first half that put the Texans in a position to score. Collins had a 42-yard grab that put them inside Jacksonville's 10-yard line. They scored a couple plays later to make it 10-7.

4. Bhayshul Tuten had a strong day, but Chris Rodriguez was equally productive against Houston, toting the rock 11 times for 55 yards. He was particularly impressive on the Jaguars' first scoring drive. The former Kentucky Wildcat created yards on his own throughout the whole possession. Sadly, Jacksonville wasn't able to make the most of it because Trevor Lawrence threw a pick later on that drive.

5. Drops were an issue throughout the game. Some of that was probably due to the slippery field caused by the rain. The Texans defense, on the other hand, also made it difficult for Jaguars receivers to reel in the ball. Either way, Jacksonville's passing game had trouble taking off.

6. Despite the drops, Trevor Lawrence generally played well. But his red-zone interception was on him. He targeted Jakobi Meyers, but Caleb Bullock picked him up. It hurt the Jags because they left with a turnover instead of a touchdown.

7. Before Lawrence threw the interception, though, the Jags might have been on the wrong side of the worst penalty call ever. Bhayshul Tuten reached the end zone, but the play was wiped out because of a phantom holding flag on tight end Brenton Strange.

The silver lining is that later in the first half, Tuten broke off a 27-yard run, his longest this season, to score and make it 7-7.

Later in the second quarter, Tuten reeled in a touchdown, giving him two before halftime.

8. Although Parker Washington had a handful of drops, Trevor Lawrence didn't stop looking his way, and understandably so. When the field conditions didn't prevent it, No. 11 was able to do magic with his hands.

9. The Jacksonville defense forced the Texans to punt early in the second half. However, they stayed on the field because the Jaguars were penalized for having 12 men on the field. Travis Hunter didn't leave the field on time, and Houston eventually scored to make it 24-14.

10. Nate Boerkircher has carved out a niche as a blocker for the Jaguars but also had an impact as a receiver in Week 6, reeling in his first career touchdown in the NFL.

With Boerkircher's touchdown grab, Jacksonville drew within 24-21. The Jags were in position to score because Bhayshul Tuten reeled in an 11-yard pass.

11. While Travis Hunter, the corner left much to be desired, Travis Hunter the receiver showed up, It's worth noting that before this game, he had only played 21 snaps on offense but is quicky showing why Jacksonville must keep giving him playing time at receiver.

And his his touchdown reception, the second one in his NFL career.

But wait, there's more. Although Hunter struggled at corner through most of the game, he reedeemed himself with an end-zone interception off C.J. Stroud.

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