Jaguars Report Card: Average Grades Despite Trevor Lawrence's Injury
In a closely contested game that ultimately ended in a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars showcased a mix of effort and execution, with the absence of quarterback Trevor Lawrence due to a concussion overshadowing the outcome. Sports columnist Gene Frenette breaks down the Jaguars' performance based on various aspects of the game, including offense, defense, special teams, and coaching.
Offense: B-minus
The Jaguars’ offensive performance was notably impacted by the early exit of Trevor Lawrence, who was carted off the field in the second quarter following an illegal hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Until that point, the Jaguars had struggled to find their rhythm, generating little offense and only managing a mere 43 yards across their first four possessions. However, the hit sparked a surge of energy within the team, particularly the offensive line, which seemed to galvanize the players.
Following the incident, Jacksonville began to find some momentum. They executed a six-play run, gaining a couple of first downs and setting up rookie kicker Cam Little for a successful 33-yard field goal, reducing the halftime deficit to 6-3.
Backup quarterback Mac Jones, who had faced criticism after two disappointing starts, stepped in and delivered a commendable performance. With key receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis absent, Jones completed 20 of 32 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, earning a solid passer rating of 105.6. His ability to rally the offense was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game.
Despite the positive contributions from the passing game, the Jaguars’ ground attack was lackluster. Running back Travis Etienne managed just 46 yards on 13 carries, struggling to break through the Texans' defense. However, the emergence of wide receivers Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. was significant, as both players found the end zone in the fourth quarter, igniting a late rally for the Jaguars. The offensive line also deserves commendation for its pass protection, allowing zero sacks after the Texans had recorded eight against the Tennessee Titans the previous week.
Defense: C-plus
On the defensive side, the Jaguars faced their own set of challenges. The Texans' offensive line, which has been inconsistent, struggled early in the game, allowing Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen to register sacks in the first half. This defensive pressure was instrumental in keeping Houston out of the end zone during critical moments, especially during their two red-zone penetrations.
However, as the game progressed and the Jaguars’ offense managed to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the defense faltered when it mattered most. Houston's running back Joe Mixon carried the ball effectively, accumulating 101 yards on 20 carries. In the closing moments of the game, the Texans executed a series of successful runs that allowed them to drain the clock, ultimately preventing the Jaguars from mounting a final comeback. Quarterback C.J. Stroud's performance also added to the Jaguars' woes; he completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown, effectively managing the game and helping the Texans secure their victory.
Special Teams: C
The special teams unit faced its own hurdles during the game. Rookie kicker Cam Little, who had been on a remarkable streak of 15 consecutive successful field goals, saw that run come to an end when his 55-yard attempt went wide right. This miss proved crucial as it directly preceded a touchdown for the Texans that extended their lead to 23-6, contributing to the Jaguars’ uphill battle.
Punter Logan Cooke managed to place two of his kicks inside the 20-yard line during the first half, showcasing some effectiveness. However, he also had a rare misstep with a short 38-yard punt in the third quarter, which was returned 21 yards by Texans returner Tank Dell, setting up a field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn. Additionally, the Jaguars’ kick return unit struggled, as Devin Duvernay’s opportunities were limited, with none of his returns exceeding 25 yards.
Coaching: B
Head coach Doug Pederson’s decisions throughout the game reflected both strategic insight and puzzling choices. Given the circumstances—losing Lawrence early and trailing by 17 points in the fourth quarter—the team’s resilience to nearly pull off a comeback was commendable. However, the slow start remains a recurring theme for the Jaguars, contributing to their seventh loss by five points or less this season.
Pederson's management of challenges was mixed; he successfully made one of his two red-flag challenges, while the other—an incompletion to Parker Washington—was deemed a worthwhile risk. However, a questionable decision came when he opted for a two-point conversion attempt after the Jaguars cut the lead to 23-12. This move raised eyebrows, as it provided minimal benefit given that the team would still need two scores to win the game.
Overall, the coaching staff will need to address these strategic missteps as they continue to navigate a season filled with ups and downs.
Conclusion
The Jaguars' loss to the Texans highlighted several areas for improvement as they move forward in the season. Despite the challenges presented by Trevor Lawrence's injury and the overall performance inconsistencies, there were glimpses of potential—particularly from Mac Jones and the offensive line. As the team looks to regroup, addressing the slow starts, strengthening the defense, and enhancing special teams will be critical for future success. The Jaguars remain in a tough position, but with continued effort, they can aim to turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks.
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