JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2024 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media analyst Bucky Brooks breaks down the Jaguars' performance in a 19-14 Week 16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada

BIG IMPRESSION

• The Jaguars continue to give away games due to self-inflicted errors (turnovers, penalties and mental errors) that have plagued the team since Week 1. Against the Raiders, the issues persisted with a pair of turnovers, countless penalties and various mental mistakes hurting the team in key moments. Though the team's effort cannot be questioned, the lack of discipline and consistent execution is why the Jaguars are a three-win team through 15 games.

KEYS TO VICTORY

• The Jaguars' lack of execution and questionable situational awareness continue to cost them dearly in close games. The self-inflicted errors showed up at inopportune times, leading to extra possessions and yards for the Raiders. In addition, the mental mistakes (situational awareness) prevented the Jaguars from cashing in on potential scoring opportunities at the end of half and game. Despite the best efforts from the players and coaches, the Jaguars continue to play bad football, and their performance against the Raiders is a microcosm of a lost season.

MAC'S MOMENTS

• The Jaguars' backup quarterback flashes some playmaking ability but is inconsistent in the clutch. Jones completed 25 of 39 passes for 247 yards with a touchdown, yet his poor decisions and inaccurate throws in key moments overshadowed his impressive stat line. Though the fourth-year pro can win games as an emergency fill-in, he did not play well enough to lead the Jaguars to a win over the Raiders.

UNSUNG HERO

• Defensive tackle Maason Smith deserves a game ball for his efforts against the Raiders, with three tackles, a sack and a pair of tackles for loss on his stat line. The 6-foot-5, 306-pounder displayed the strength, power and explosiveness that prompted the Jaguars to take him with the No. 48 overall selection. As a disruptive presence at the point of attack, Smith flashed the immense talent and potential that could make him a future star on the interior.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The Jaguars could not get into a consistent offensive rhythm against the Raiders. Though the opponent was playing without a pair of blue-chip defenders (defensive end Maxx Crosby and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins) at the point of attack, the Jaguars could not control the game with the ground attack. Running backs Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne Jr. combined for 72 yards on 21 rushing attempts, which was not enough to force the Raiders into favorable looks for the passing game. Though rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas, Jr. finished with nine catches, 132 receiving yards and a score on 13 targets, the first-rounder could have enjoyed a banner day if Jones could have hit the mark consistently. Against a struggling defense missing some star power, the Jaguars' dismal offensive showing was a major disappointment.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

• The Jaguars could not slow down a Raiders offense that relied on a two-man game (tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ameer Abdullah) to move the ball down the field. The duo combined for 184 scrimmage yards and a score on 23 touches despite everyone in the stadium knowing the ball was only going to No. 89 and No. 8 on most downs. The Jaguars could not contain the duo and gift-wrapped the Raiders extra yardage with silly penalties and blown assignments. While the players and coaches acknowledge the need to improve their execution in crucial moments, the Jaguars continue to lose due to faulty game planning and inconsistent playmaking.