JACKSONVILLE – The search for answers continues.
That's to be expected with the Jaguars unexpectedly without a victory three weeks into the 2016 NFL season. And a day after the season's most frustrating loss, Head Coach Gus Bradley on Monday was asked about the big picture.
Bradley had that answer, and the answer was simple.
"The big picture is we have to win, now," Bradley said a day after the Jaguars' 19-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. "We have to find a way. It is still goes back to our process. It still goes back to, 'What does it take to get this?'
"We can all sit here and talk about, 'We have to win, we must win … That is great, but, 'What do we need to do here? What do we need to do today? What do we need to do tomorrow?' That part of it. That is what this team is still learning and coming together on. We just have to keep challenging them."
The Jaguars rallied from an early 10-point deficit Sunday to lead 17-16 after a 49-yard field goal by Jason Myers early in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars started in Ravens territory holding that lead on the ensuing two possessions but failed to score.
A blocked field goal ended the second possession and led to a 54-yard field goal by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker with 1:02 remaining. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles threw his third interception of the game on the ensuing possession to clinch the loss.
"We didn't get off to the start we wanted [this season] and it's very frustrating," wide receiver Allen Hurns said. "We know the potential of what this team can be and we're not making happen. The good thing about it is we're only going into Week 4. We know we have time to adjust."
Bradley said he remains confident the team will respond to adversity.
"I'm not going to sit here and say, 'They're [in] great [spirits],' '' he said. "They're not. They're hurting. I have no doubt how they're going to approach this. I say that with all confidence."
Bradley said Monday's team meeting featured him showing "about 60 plays to our players," detailing specific situations that must improve to break the season-opening streak. Bradley pointed to the meeting as an example of holding players accountable.
"The big point is, 'Consistency and it's a game of inches,''' Bradley said. "The NFL is a game of inches. You have to do it consistently – and we're not making enough of those consistent plays in those times. "That's what I think this meeting was about: 'We've got to figure this out now. These are the reasons why. Let's point them out on film.' "
The Jaguars entered the season with expectations of improvement after three consecutive losing seasons since Bradley and General Manager David Caldwell began rebuilding the roster during the 2013 offseason. Bradley on Monday said he had "great support" from Caldwell and Owner Shad Khan.
"That part, I don't worry about," Bradley said. "Right now my whole attention – I just think it would be selfish to think of me or anyone else other than those players in the locker room and our coaching staff.''
Bradley during his press conference also was asked what he had to say to fans frustrated over a third 0-3 start in the last four seasons.
"I understand," he said. "The NFL [fans] are very passionate. They are a passionate fan base for our team. No one wants to get it more right than us. The coaches and the players – we are doing everything we can and we have to find more. As I said last night, we have to extract more from everyone.
"Clearly we understand what they are looking for. We have to find ways to help this team understand what it takes to win."
