Jacksonville Jaguars need to regroup after Week 1 loss, 3 takeaways

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has its work cut out.

Back in free agency, the Jaguars focused on fixing the defense. They signed cornerback Shaquill Griffin and safety Rayshawn Jenkins to big deals but they weren’t the only players they acquired. They also lock up defensive ends Jihad Ward and Roy Robertson-Harris, so what does the team have to show for all their additions? Not much.

On paper, Jacksonville had a favorable matchup against the Texans but they had no answers for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, tight end Pharaoh Brown and running back Mark Ingram II. Tyrod Taylor did a good job of systematically dismantling the Jags’ secondary, completing 21 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. The coaching staff knew the veteran was a threat to run the ball but still couldn’t stop him when he took off and scrambled.

EDGE rusher Josh Allen, who registered the team’s lone sack of the game, also spoke to the media. He repeated Trevor Lawrence’s and coach Meyer’s message. They must prepare better and get ready for Week 2.

"It’s a long season, and it’s football. We’re gonna come back next week. We will work on the things we need to work on, and we will come back swinging and that’s all we can do. We still gonna ball, we still gonna kick it. It is still gonna be us."

The Jaguars must get better production from their rookies and second-year players. Cornerback Tyson Campbell struggled in his debut and EDGE rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, who was supposed to be improved in Year 2 was neutralized by the Texans’ offensive line. Also, giving Andrew Wingard the starting nod at safety might not have been a good idea in retrospect. The Jags should give rookie Andre Cisco a chance to show what he can do in Week 2.