A Hit Too Far: Jaguars Frustrating Loss to the Texans | Week 13 Quick thoughts

Dec 01, 2024 at 09:11 PM

by John Oehser, Brian Sexton & Kainani Stevens

JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars’ 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans in a 2024 Week 13 game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Sunday

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

As awful as awful gets. Sunday's second quarter was about as ugly as professional football gets these days, with Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair leveling a hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that was as egregious and unnecessary as I recall seeing in three decades covering the NFL. "It's a play that really has no business being in our league," Head Coach Doug Pederson said after Sunday's game, with tight end Evan Engram calling it a "dirty hit, obviously." Al-Shaair aimed a forearm at Lawrence's helmet and launched as Lawrence slid at the end of a six-yard run in the second quarter. Lawrence sustained a concussion and did not appear to move for several seconds, which provided a frightening backdrop to the chaos that ensued immediately after the hit. Engram immediately knocked Al-Shaair to the turf, with much of the Jaguars' offense – including but not limited to guard Brandon Scherff and right tackle Anton Harrison – among a slew of players involved in a melee that lasted several minutes. Once officials restored order, the fight restarted as Al-Shaair walked to the visitors' locker room after he and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected. That's the brief version of an extended incident that was as ugly as it gets in the NFL. Punishment likely will be harsh in this case, and deservedly so. This was reprehensible.
That'll do it. Sunday's loss was fitting, with the Jaguars being eliminated from the AFC South chase in a weird and chaotic game that featured many of the elements that have defined a frustrating and disappointing season. The Jaguars once again started slow offensively, extending their streak of quarters without a touchdown to 11 before quarterback Mac Jones threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns to cut a 23-6 deficit to the final margin. The defense also again couldn't make a key stop when it mattered, allowing three consecutive second-half scores to allow the Texans to take a 17-point lead and allowing running back Joe Mixon an eight-yard run on third-and-4 from the 50-yard line to secure the victory just after the two-minute warning. The result was the Jaguars' seventh loss by five or fewer points this season. The Jaguars on Sunday once again couldn't make the big play at the key time. If there's a theme to this season, that's certainly it.

Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent…

Credit Jones for settling down and settling into the job in the fourth quarter. Down 23-6, there wasn't much reason to expect success; the offense was inefficient and ineffective even before Lawrence left the game. But Jones, a bit wild and inaccurate up to that point, led back-to-back 10-plus-play scoring drives and connected with wide receiver Parker Washington on a two-point conversion to make it a 23-20 game with just under three minutes remaining. You have to wonder if rookie kicker Cam Little connected on a 55-yard field goal earlier if things might have been different. It was important for the Jaguars, who don't know how long it will take for Lawrence to return to action, that Jones find a rhythm with the offense; they might need him next Sunday in Nashville. Jones finished 20 of 32 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. It was his best day since joining the Jaguars in a trade with the New England Patriots last offseason.
This defense just teases you with a few plays here and there to keep it close. But the reality is they don't have enough difference-makers, and they have too many guys who lack football instincts and awareness. Why did safety Darnell Savage turn and run away from tight end Dalton Schultz on the game-deciding touchdown, leaving him all alone to walk into the end zone? How could they not stop Mixon on the game-ending series when they had the two-minute warning to discuss what they absolutely knew was coming? They have a few pieces to work with, but – like the offense – seem destined for a complete overhaul in the offseason. The Jaguars are worse defensively than last season, that cost the previous defensive staff their jobs.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...

A disappointing end to a disappointing season. The Jaguars officially eliminated themselves from AFC South contention Sunday. The game was marred by a cheap shot hit from Al-Shaair on Lawrence, with the hit erupted into a brawl and resulting in the ejections of Al-Shaair and Jones. Lawrence was carted off the field and is now in concussion protocol. I presume we have seen the last of Lawrence for the season, after suffering a concussion Sunday while already dealing with a shoulder injury. A season that once held so much promise has proved to be nothing short of disappointing.
All locked up. Prior to Sunday's game, the Jaguars announced a three-year contract extension with offensive lineman Walker Little. Sunday was Little's fifth consecutive game starting at left tackle since Jacksonville traded Cam Robinson to Minnesota in October. Apparently, the front office has seen enough for them to feel comfortable locking Little up long-term. With rumors swirling about front-office changes, this in-season signing by Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke shows he is not tapping out just yet.