JACKSONVILLE – Gus Bradley summed up a lot of feelings and details in a few words.
"It was a tough game on us," the Jaguars' head coach said.
That was the gist of Bradley's next-day press conference at EverBank Field Monday – that a 51-17 loss to the unbeaten, defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in Foxboro, Massachusetts, was indeed tough. Very, very tough.
The aftermath also had the expected emotions that accompany a loss in which a franchise record for points was allowed.
"There were a lot of challenges that took place, and we'll grow from it," Bradley said. "Frustration, I would say, is right. I told the team if they are, they're right. It shows they're invested."
Of the loss in general and allowing 51 points, Bradley said, "That's disappointing. I'll say this: 'They're (Patriots) an extremely good team.' They're precise and they know what they're doing. They have guys who are making plays for them. They're a challenging opponent. I think what's disappointing is we didn't go out there and play up to our capabilities and make plays when we had our opportunities."
Bradley was asked how to turn frustration into a better on-field performance.
"I think there are things we can do as a coaching staff, and as players," Bradley said. "I looked at missed opportunities. Not that it would change the outcome of the game, but we just didn't play up to our capabilities in some things. Once they see those opportunities …
"It's a prideful group. They'll come back."
Bradley, as he did on Sunday, on Monday said he believed could have done things to put the Jaguars in better position to win. Shortly after the game Sunday, he cited his decision-making at the end of the first half and said he should have done a better job communicating before a failed fake punt in the third quarter.
On Monday, he said in retrospect the Jaguars could have played tighter coverage against an offense that produced points on its first nine possessions. The Patriots also converted 11 of 14 third-down opportunities into first downs and had a franchise-record-tying 35 first downs.
Bradley said he didn't necessarily regret not blitzing Patriots quarterback Tom Brady more, but said he team could have played tighter and more aggressively in coverage.
Brady completed 33 of 42 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked twice.
"Now, looking back, I think there are some areas we could have been more aggressive in some of our coverage principles," Bradley said. "There could have been times when we could have brought another guy or two (rushing the quarterback), but I think the big thing is tighter coverage."
Bradley after a season-opening loss to Carolina talked extensively about the Jaguars needing to get back to "who they were," and about the performance in that game being uncharacteristic. The Jaguars the following week beat the Miami Dolphins at home.
His message on Monday was similar to his message post-Carolina.
"We've got to get back to who we are," Bradley said. "That's the thing we're going to talk about as the week goes on: 'Let's get back to being who we are, regardless of who's in there. Let's play ball the way we're capable of playing.'"
Also around the Jaguars:
*Wide receiver Marqise Lee will be evaluated throughout the week. He was downgraded from probable to questionable Saturday because of a knee issue, then left Sunday's game because of the hamstring issue that kept him out much of training camp and the first regular-season game. …
*Strong safety Josh Evans will be day-to-day this week with a medical collateral knee ligament injury sustained Sunday. …
*Strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (calf) is expected to progress into practice Wednesday with his status also Wednesday. …
*Left tackle Luke Joeckel (ankle) is expected to progress into practice this week. …. .
*Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks is expected to increase his practice workload this week. He has missed the first three regular-season games after January reconstructive knee surgery.
*Defensive end Andre Branch is expected to practice Wednesday. He has missed the first three regular-season games with an MCL injury. …
*Tight end Julius Thomas (hand) is expected to continue practicing limited this week. …
*The status of free safety Sergio Brown (calf) and cornerback Davon House (lower leg muscle strain) will be updated this week after they left Sunday's game with the injuries. …
*Wide receiver Allen Hurns will continue to be evaluated for thigh soreness. He played through the situation Sunday. …
*Running back Toby Gerhart is expected to be full moving forward after playing Sunday with an abdomen injury that had kept him out of the first two regular-season games. …
*Right guard Brandon Linder played through an injured shoulder Sunday and will continued to strengthen the area this week. …
*Running back Denard Robinson missed Sunday's game with a knee injury, and will continue to rehabilitate the area. …
*Cornerback Dwayne Gratz (ankle) will continue to rehabilitate this week. …
