Jacksonville Jaguars Fall to Cincinnati Bengals 33-23: Quick Notes

Despite a valiant effort in the 4th quarter, the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 33 – 23 and fell to 1-8 for the season. The Jaguars looked to be overmatched early in the game as they could do absolutely nothing offensively in the first half, but they found a little bit of life in the second half thanks to some big runs by Denard Robinson and some spectacular catches by undrafted rookie Allen Hurns.

The Jaguars appeared to be back in the game twice in the 4th quarter. The Jaguars pulled within 3 with a Denard Robinson rushing touchdown after a terrific interception by linebacker J.T. Thomas. Unfortunately, the Jaguars then proceeded to give up a long touchdown to rookie running back Jeremy Hill after a silly penalty on Josh Scobee when he kicked the ball out of bounds. The Jaguars were poised to get right back into it as they worked their way down the field, but an interception by Blake Bortles in the endzone crushed the Jaguars hopes of a big comeback victory.

Here are a few quick notes from today’s loss:

• Outside of some nice runs by Robinson, the Jaguars offense was completely ineffective in the first half. Jedd Fisch seemed to be calling safe plays and appeared hesitant to allow Bortles to throw the ball down the field. After a few games with some costly turnovers, maybe Fisch thought it prudent to try and protect the young quarterback from himself, but that’s just not how offenses work in the NFL. The Jaguars opened up the passing game in the 2nd half, and unsurprisingly it showed up on the scoredboard.
• The Jaguars defense held up well, and most of the big passing plays came on either great throws from Andy Dalton or spectacular catches by receivers Mohamed Sanu and A.J. Green. The secondary played well given all the injuries they suffered leading up to this game.
• The Jacksonville rush defense had their worst statistical day of the season, highlighted by the 60 yard touchdown they gave up to Jeremy Hill. The defense had been stout in that aspect leading up the game, so it was a little disappointing to see them give up a big rushing play at such a crucial moment of the game.
• Blake Bortles had one costly interception in the endzone near the end of the game, but he had a few near misses earlier in the contest. He could have had upwards of 4 or 5 interceptions with some of the throws he made. Still, it doesn’t excuse the complete lack of aggressiveness in the offensive playcalling in the first half. The Jaguars can’t keep getting behind early and hoping the defense can bail them out.
• The biggest positive coming out of this game was Allen Hurns and his emergence as a playmaking wide receiver in this offense. Bortles needed one of his receivers to make plays for him, and Hurns was that guy today. He made contested catches with defenders draped over him. He was the star on offense today.
• It’s stupid to call this a moral victory, but it was at least somewhat fun to watch the Jaguars have a little life at the end of a game. If the Jaguars can ever put together 4 quarters of competent offensive play, this team can win games instead of just competing in them. This team is clearly better than last year, it’s just not showing up in the win column. Baby steps, right?