JACKSONVILLE – This wasn't about frustration or missed opportunities.
This was about one team being much better than the other, and the Jaguars' 27-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at TIAA Bank Field Sunday also was about one quarterback being better than the other.
When all of that's true, a good team can make a game uneventful – and for the most part, the Jaguars' ninth consecutive loss after a Week 1 one victory over the Indianapolis Colts was about as uneventful as can be imagined.
The Jaguars took a 3-0 lead, but the Steelers dominated after that.
The Steelers sacked rookie quarterback Jake Luton twice and intercepted him four times – and we'll get to what those four interceptions may mean for the Jaguars' immediate quarterbacking situation later in this O-Zone Late Night.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger perhaps wasn't spectacular, but he was exactly as good as he needed to be – and he did what he needed to make this a comfortable, uneventful victory for the NFL' line remaining unbeaten team.
How good are the Steelers? How good is Roethlisberger?
The Jaguars' defense actually played well and the Steelers still pulled away steadily. It felt as if the Steelers were in control throughout. Because they were.
Let's get to it …
Zach from Washougal, WA
Would you say it's fair to now assume a healthy Minshew would make the offense better? I just feel that thumb is what dropped his performance because we've seen how good he can be.
It's fair to assume Luton struggled Sunday. It's fair to assume Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone considered going to backup Mike Glennon because Marrone said he considered it. Considering that, it's fair to assume there's a chance Marrone could go back to quarterback Gardner Minshew II when Minshew's thumb is healed. Is there a chance Minshew could make the offense better? I suppose, but I certainly don't think we can assume that's the case.
Bryan from Jacksonville
Why does it still say "Welcome to Sacksonville" in the stadium??
Fair.
Zac from Austin, TX
I didn't hate it. Cool kick
This was the much-ballyhooed, oft-anticipated, ill-fated First Email of the Game. It referenced an onside kick by the Jaguars following an early field goal that gave them a 3-0 lead. Wide receiver Keelan Cole tried the kick, with the Steelers alertly recovering. It was cool. The Jaguars were a heavy underdog. A 45-yard field goal by Steelers kicker Chris Boswell a few players after the onside kick missed, so the play hurt nothing. Yeah, cool.
Sascha from Cologne, Germany
Hey, John: I know it's easy to judge after a play, but can you please explain why not give the ball to rookie running back James Robinson on a third and one? Why let the rookie quarterback who has a really ugly game, throw the ball? Don't get it. And why not go for it on fourth and one the play after? You're trailing by 14, what to lose?
Fair. Fair. And fair.
Dan from Varna, Bulgaria
Wow, this Herndon guy is an NFL corner, who evaluated the talents of this guy?
Jaguars cornerback Tre Herndon is decent NFL corner, maybe a reserve – but certainly an NFL corner. He had good coverage a couple of times Sunday and didn't make the play on the ball. Roethlisberger and the Steelers' receivers have been making those types of players for a long time. It's what they do.
Logan from Wichita, KS
I feel this strange sense of Deja vu... a tall, prototype quarterback with a big arm that makes bad turnovers in the red zone BECAUSE OF PASSES BEING BATTED AT THE LINE ... Ohhh thats right change Luton's number to 5 and it's Blake Bortles all over again!
OK.
Gary from St. Augustine, FL
Chris Conley has to make that catch.
You're referencing a drop by Jaguars wide receiver Chris Conley on a third-down pass from Luton in the second quarter. A catch would have given the Jaguars a first down near midfield, and you're right: With the Luton struggling early, and playing against a really good Steelers defense, Conley – a veteran receiver – must make that catch. The game was tied at that point and the reception would have given the Jaguars a chance to score. It was a killer.
Ben from St. Augustine, FL
Zone, 'bout a month ago, didn't you say Chris Conley was a "good NFL receiver?"
I say many things.
Kyan from Le Mars, IA
The Steelers' wide receivers were just too quick/good for our corner backs. Big Ben is getting the ball out way to quick. I feel that has shown to be a bigger spot of need than defensive tackle lately, no?
The Jaguars were without starting cornerbacks CJ Henderson and Sidney Jones IV Sunday, so in that respect your analysis is correct and unsurprising. When healthy this season, the play of the cornerbacks has been comparatively encouraging.
Ron from Orlando, FL
This just in, Luton is a dumpster fire.
Quarterback is an issue for the Jaguars. I expect them to select one early in the 2021 NFL Draft.
