Jaguars fall in home finale: What we learned on Sunday

After another lackluster performance from the Jacksonville Jaguars offense in a 16-13 loss to the Washington Redskins,the team faces Miami on Sunday.

It was one of those games you could see unravel right in front of your eyes. A defense that played well enough to win a football game and an offense that could not get out of its own way. That’s been the scenario for these Jacksonville Jaguars of late. Take away the 30-9 loss to Tennessee last Thursday night and the defense has been the catalyst once again while there is no firepower from the offensive side of the ball.

For the fans in the seats at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday, it was the same old song with no real answers to the issues that have plagued this team all season. Jacksonville falls to 4-10 on the season. Instead of the 10-4 record the locker room enjoyed at this time last season and a AFC South title, this franchise is in the running for the top overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Players were visible upset over the loss on Sunday. As Calais Campbell said in the locker room following the game, the way the team played is something that has continued the past 15 weeks. It has been frustrating to say the least.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways

"“We like to take the ball away.  The ball was on the ground a couple of times.  One time, we were right there, close to it, but not close enough,” he said. “It seems like the ball won’t bounce our way.  I didn’t see, but I heard about the one on the tip with the ball bouncing right to the receiver.“At the end of the day, it’s about making more plays than the other team and putting yourself in a position to win. We pride ourselves on making plays.  This season, we’ve been pressing and pressing, close to making plays, but just not making enough to win.”"

The Jaguars ran for 172 yards on Sunday, but could not muster points. Quarterback Cody Kessler was able to 68 yards with his ability to scramble out of the pocket. He was sacked six times on the day, which could have been worse he he was not a mobile passer.

Jacksonville’s Carlos Hyde was a healthy scratch, leading many to believe he will be cut after the season. Hyde came over from Cleveland prior to the trade deadline for a 2019 fifth round draft pick. Releasing him after the season saves the Jaguars $4.75 million in cap space.

With the ineffective passing game and lack of scoring opportunities, the team now must look ahead to the final two games of 2018 against Miami and then Houston on the road.

"“It’s really about watching the tape, figuring out what you need to do to try to play better next week.  It never feels good to lose,” added Campbell.“This game is more fun when you win. We’ll come in tomorrow and it’s the 24-hour rule.  We’ll go on to Miami and try to figure out what we need to do to get a win down there.”"

The Jaguars defense once again had issues with a mobile quarterback in Josh Johnson, who was sacked three times but his running and throwing out of the pocket became an issue for the team in the fourth quarter, which lead to the game-winning field goal with no time left on the clock.

With the loss on Sunday, the Jaguars own the fifth pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. With Arizona, Oakland the New York Jets and San Francisco ahead of them, the Jaguars could be in solid position to grab a quarterback in the first round.