JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars lost Sunday. Again.
And if a 16-13 loss to the Washington Redskins at TIAA Bank Field in Sunday's regular-season home finale was frustrating in the sense that it was a(nother) game the Jaguars could have – nay, should have – won, the loss perhaps didn't surprise those following this team closely in recent weeks.
Yes, the Redskins entering the game with Josh Johnson as their fourth starting quarterback in five games made this an opportunity for a second Jaguars victory in three weeks.
But the same issue that caused the Jaguars to slide from the playoff chase and lose eight of nine games remained a factor Sunday. That issue: an injured offense that's ineffective enough to negate otherwise winning performances from other units.
The Jaguars played perhaps their best game of the season on special teams Sunday. Their defense allowed Washington just 252 yards, a touchdown and three field goals.
The Jaguars' offensive numbers: 192 total yards, no touchdowns, six sacks.
That's a rough offensive day, but it was still almost enough for a Jaguars victory. That it wasn't probably didn't surprise those following this team closely in recent weeks.
Let's get to it …
Nick from Palatka, FL
Why am I not surprised!!!
Easy. You have followed the Jaguars closely in recent weeks. The offense has scored one meaningful offensive touchdown in three games. The offensive line is too beat-up to clear running lanes or to protect quarterback Cody Kessler, who in turn is struggling to get rid of the ball quickly enough – or to throw downfield often enough. The Jaguars had 10 points at halftime Sunday. You had a feeling entering the second half getting to 17 would be enough to win. Considering how the Jaguars' offense has played for the last two months, it hardly was surprising they didn't get there.
Tom from Section 141 and the Low Revenue Streets of Nocatee
Today's game was sponsored by Culligan. Was it just me, or was something missing?
This was the much-ballyhooed, wildly-anticipated, oft-controversial First Email of the Game. I still had no idea what you're talking about.
Roger from Houston, TX
This offense is just awful.
Of course it is. The Jaguars' offensive line played Sunday with one Week 1 starter; that's guard A.J. Cann, who appeared to be struggling mightily with a hamstring issue Sunday. They're playing their backup quarterback to start the season, and they're without their top tight end (Austin Seferian-Jenkins) and top wide receiver (Marqise Lee). There's hardly anything left aside from wide receiver Dede Westbrook, who is the Offensive Most Valuable Player this season. It's almost certainly not going to get fixed in these last two weeks.
Art from Drexel Hill, PA
Jags threw away a fifth-round pick.
You're referencing the Jaguars trading a fifth-round selection at midseason for running back Carlos Hyde, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday. With Hyde not playing, it seems possible he wouldn't return next season. And if that's the case … yeah, that's not much return on the investment.
Dan from Rincon, GA
Sometimes it is just time to move on. When the immediate answer isn't readily available, that time is the offseason.
Except when it's the final month of the season.
Jeremy from Wise, VA
I get frustrated watching the Jaguars' offense, but I try to remember it is hard to move the ball with second- and third-string offensive linemen in (Cann SHOULD be a backup). That said, gotta throw the ball down the field occasionally.
Cann has been playing through injuries much this season and actually was playing pretty well early in the season when healthy. As far as throwing the ball down field … true.
Thomas from Williamsburg, VA
With Hyde being a healthy scratch Sunday, do you think that increases the chances that T.J. Yeldon is resigned?
No. But it certainly increases the chances that the Jaguars are going to be trying to add multiple running backs in the offseason.
Scott from Wichita, KS
So, Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette gets thrown down like a rag doll by Redskins cornerback Josh Norman. Pathetic.
OK.
JT from Fort Worth, TX
Our offense is so bad that we lost to a guy that hasn't started in seven years. Why fire the coordinator if you are going to play the same exact way? What does Scott Milanovich have to lose? He isn't going to keep the job next year, anyways.
I don't know why the Jaguars dismissed offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett three games ago, though you're correct that the offense is worse since his departure. The reality is there's little any coordinator can do with an offense – and offensive line – this beat-up. As for why Milanovich is calling plays as he is … again, there's not much you can do when the line struggles to run- or pass-block. But he's not going to go in thinking, "What do I have to lose?" He and the offense will game plan to try to win – even if it's not terrible creative or exciting.
Jerell from Columbia, SC
This team is godawful! Jags are an eye sore. Let the 10-year build begin.
Sunday was bad. The Jaguars are in a bad way right now. That's what happens at the end of disappointing, injury-riddled season. The Jaguars have work to do in the offseason. Not 10 year's worth of work, but work nonetheless.
