JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2024 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 24-20 Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas

BIG IMPRESSION

• The Jaguars are likely sick to their stomach after reviewing the game tape of their loss to the Texans. Head Coach Doug Pederson's squad squandered several opportunities to put the game away in the fourth quarter due to faulty execution. The offense, in particular, could not close out the game, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence unable to connect on a few "gotta have it" throws with the game on the line. Though the defense failed to get a key stop in the final minutes, the Jaguars' offense falters when pressure is on.

KEYS TO VICTORY

• The Jaguars could not close out the Texans in the fourth quarter with a three-point lead that could have ballooned to 10 or more points with better execution. The offense failed miserably in the fourth quarter in crucial situations, including a failed fourth-and-goal and multiple "four-minute" drives that would have clinched the victory for the Jaguars. While some observers will point to the massive amount of yardage surrendered by the defense as an issue, the unit stopped the Texans on five straight drives in the second half and provided the offense with plenty of chances to put the game away.

TREVOR'S TIME

• The former No. 1 overall pick continues to struggle finding consistency within his game. Lawrence oozes big-time talent, but his scattershot performance is perplexing for a quarterback blessed with his tools. Against the Texans, his inaccuracy resulted in a few blown opportunities that kept the Jaguars from extending drives and/or putting more points on the board. While some of his misfires could be attributed to a leaky pocket, the fourth-year pro repeatedly missed the strike zone on a handful of throws that should have been marked as easy completions. Until Lawrence consistently makes his "layups" in big games, the Jaguars' offense will continue to sputter despite its immense talent and potential.

UNSUNG HERO

• Running back Tank Bigsby is making a solid case to earn more playing time and touches as the part-time RB1 in the Jaguars' backfield. The second-year pro rumbled for 90 yards on carries, including a 58-yard burst that set up the Jaguars for a potential game-clinching score. Bigsby's toughness and physicality give the offense a dimension it needs to compete at a high level.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The offense showed signs of life with Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor tweaking the call sheet to help Lawrence and his top playmakers make a greater impact on the game from the opening snap. The Jaguars "played the hits" early to help Lawrence find his rhythm as a passer. The initial game plan featured bubble screens, quick passes and RPOs to help the franchise quarterback settle in while putting the ball in the hands of wide receiver Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas, Jr. to increase the odds of a big play. With running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Bigsby finding room to run between the tackles, the Jaguars' offense seemingly had control of the game until the "gotta have it" moments in the fourth quarter. The unit's inability to win third-down, red zone and four-minute situations proved costly when the Jaguars were unable to close out the game in the fourth quarter. The failed fourth-and-goal and back-to-back sputtering drives with less than eight minutes remaining continue a disturbing trend that reveals an offense that is unable to finish.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• Despite the ridiculous numbers posted by Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins, the Jaguars' defense forced the Texans to play the game on their terms. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen utilized a "bend, but don't break" approach to take away the deep ball and force the Texans to drive the length of the field using ten plays or more. By employing more zone-coverage concepts instead of their traditional man-to-man coverage, the Jaguars eliminated some alignment and assignment errors that led to big plays in their last game. Moreover, the conservative game plan enabled the Jaguars to force five straight punts in the second half, with Nielsen sprinkling in some man to complement the zone-heavy game plan. Although the Jaguars surrendered a game-winning drive on the Texans' final possession, the defense played well enough to win with a collection of newbies and backups thrust into prominent roles against an AFC heavyweight.