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Jaguars News | Jacksonville Jaguars - jaguars.com

O-Zone Late Night: Chargers 39, Jaguars 29

Jacksonville Jaguars against the Los Angeles Chargers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020 in Inglewood, Calif.
Jacksonville Jaguars against the Los Angeles Chargers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020 in Inglewood, Calif.

JACKSONVILLE – New week, same frustrating result.

The most frustrating thing for the Jaguars right now is they continue to fight. On Sunday, they parlayed that fight into an impressive rally. But that rally fell short because the fight wasn't enough on a 39-29 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

This wasn't an effort issue at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

It wasn't particularly a quarterback issue, though second-year starter Gardner Minshew had his share of difficult moments – a painfully slow first-quarter start chief among them – to go with two solid quarters as the Jaguars rallied from a 16-0 deficit to turn this game tight through three quarter.

No, this was again an overall talent issue. The Jaguars once again weren't good enough – and far too injured – on defense, and they didn't make enough big plays on offense.

The result was a sixth consecutive loss, with at least 30 points allowed in all six losses – tying the NFL record for consecutive games allowing 30 or more points.

The result was a 1-6 record at the bye.

So, we have two full weeks to break this one down and look ahead. We'll do that a lot. We'll start here in this O-Zone Late Night.

Let's get to it …

Travis from High Springs, FL

Just wanted to say good luck Dede Westbrook, I wish you a full recovery. Saw the play in slow motion and ... just hope he's going to be OK.

This is a good place to start. Jaguars fourth-year wide receiver Dede Westbrook sustained what appeared to be a very serious knee injury returning a second-half kickoff. Head Coach Doug Marrone didn't offer details after the game. Unlike you, I didn't see a slow-motion replay. I saw it once in fast motion, and that was enough. It did look serious. Here's wishing Westbrook the best.

Nicholas from Rockville

At least it was a fun second and third quarter.

Yes, it was.

Zach from Washougal, WA

If only Minshew would stop the defense from allowing 30-plus points a game, he would be the franchise quarterback this team needs. #BENCHMINSHEW

Sunday's loss was not all on Minshew, and the six-game losing streak is not all on Minshew. But if the issue is whether Minshew appears to be the franchise quarterback … well, through seven games he has not shown that yet. The issues that were issues entering the season remains. Arm strength remains a concern. But no … he is not the problem on defense. And he's not the Jaguars' only problem.

Jim from Jagsonville

After the Titans loss I can feel it. There is a chance! We aren't out of this yet. Go Jaguars!!!

This was the much-ballyhooed, over-hyped, oft-enthusiastic First Email of the Game. Jim was taken for testing shortly thereafter. We're awaiting word.

JT from Fort Worth, TX

I do appreciate how they competed. This team has a lot of holes and players that won't be on the team this time next year.

Fair.

Brett from Seattle, WA

Some days he has shades of MJD ... love watching this kid play.

This references Jaguars rookie running back James Robinson. I don't want to compare him to former Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who played at a high level for a long time. But Robinson – who rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass Sunday – has gotten more impressive as the season has continued. He's a lot more than a nice story of an undrafted free agent making a roster and starting. He continues to look like he's going to be really good for a long time.

Nick from St. Augustine, FL

I know it's never coaching in the NFL but can someone coach Schobert how to tackle?

It's not "never coaching in the NFL" because it's always coaching in the NFL. As far as Jaguars middle linebacker Joe Schobert Sunday, it appeared he had a tough day with a few high-profile missed tackles. I'll have to re-watch the game to see how it looks because it can be tough to judge that sort of thing at first glance. We'll see.

Lewis from Jacksonville

We are still in the hunt for the No. 1 pick. Did you cheer when the Chargers made that last field goal like me?

No.

Scott from Gilbert, AZ

When you're a 9.5-plus underdog against a one-win team, get a touchdown on a blocked punt and they still cover... tells you everything you need to know about your team.

I don't know what covering or not covering whatever says, but yes … the Jaguars are a struggling team. They are allowing 30 points a game and they're not getting consistent enough quarterback play overall on offense to counter an undermanned defense. They are also young on defense and have sustained some key injuries to a few of their better defensive players. They also have lost six consecutive games. There is plenty out there to tell us everything we need to know about the Jaguars through seven games.

Jacob from New York, NY

Hey John, I missed the game. Who's not fault is it this week for the loss? Is it still one of the best team/coaches in the NFL?

I can't imagine why would have missed the game. Maybe you were too busy thinking up "really cool burns."

Noel from St. Augustine, FL

@%!%@ !@#%@^^@

Fair.

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