The Jaguars lose their third game in a row
By Kathy Clark
The Jacksonville Jaguars hoped to return to their winning ways against the Houston Texans. Sadly that was not to be.
It is obvious that the Jacksonville Jaguars have problems that are bigger than a week of “back to the basics.” The Jaguars have numerous injuries but generally speaking, all teams have injuries and the management must have contingency plans in place.
Jacksonville lost to the Houston Texans 20-7 in a game that did little to prove this is a team ready to challenge for a division title or the playoffs. Let’s take a look at the game.
First half
This game was lost in the first half. It started with a fumble by Blake Bortles recovered by the Texans. They kicked a field goal and basically never looked back. Keelan Cole dropped two passes that were catchable but not perfectly placed.
The Texans kicked another field goal. Lamar Miller added a five-yard touchdown run and the score at halftime was 13-0. Moreover, this is the third game in a row with no points in the first half.
Second half
DJ Chark fumbled the kickoff and the Jaguars started this possession deep in their own territory. Bortles lost another fumble trying to run for a first down and was replaced by Cody Kessler. Deshaun Watson threw a touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins and Kessler threw a touchdown pass to T.J. Yeldon.
Overall the second half was garbage time. Final score Texans 20 Jaguars 7.
What went wrong
It’s easy to understand what is wrong with the offense. Let’s look at three problems. First, the left tackle and his back up are out for the season.
However, the rest of the offensive line is the same as last year, with an improved right guard, and played well today. Next problem is at running back. Leonard Fournette has played very little this season.
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The higher ups went into the season with only three runners on the team knowing that Fournette is injury prone. They have added runners since but mysteriously made Carlos Hyde inactive today. The last problem is that the young receivers have not made the progress that management hoped for. Notice that I have not mentioned the elephant in the room…Blake Bortles.
Honestly, the problems on defense are difficult to understand. There are three possible answers. First, the offense can’t score points and the defense is on the field too long. Next, the defense misses the veteran leadership of Paul Posluszny and no particular leader has taken his place.
Finally, the players have nagging injuries that slow them down just enough to lose their edge but not to keep them out of the game. It must be added that the defense played a good game today.
It was the offense that lost this game with turnovers and no points.
Where do we go from here?
Honestly, this question has no easy answers. The offense is completely inept. Can it be fixed? The defense is on the field too long and must be totally frustrated with the offense.
The press had to leave the Jaguars locker room due to serious arguing among the players. The coaching staff has their work cut out for them.