CLEVELAND, Ohio – This one was tough.

It was also somewhat understandable and not all that unexpected. But make no mistake: The Jaguars’ 31-27 loss to the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday was tough.

That's because while the Jaguars started slowly, and while they made too many errors, they also had multiple opportunities to get back in the game. Despite mistakes, despite quarterback Trevor Lawrence playing on a high-ankle sprain, and despite multiple key injuries on offense and defense, the Jaguars still had a chance. That they couldn't close was tough. And frustrating.

This was always going to be a tough one. Lawrence's injury made it that way. So did a very good Browns defense that plays really well at home. So did injuries to wide receiver Christian Kirk, cornerback Tyson Campbell, left tackle(s) Walker Little and Cam Robinson and etc., etc.

Despite that, and despite not playing well, the Jaguars still had a chance. That makes it tough.

Let's get to it …

Michael from Orange Park, FL

We're not out of the division lead. That matters, right O-Zone? Tell me it matters. Tell me it's OK.

The Jaguars despite Sunday's loss lost no ground in the AFC South. They still lead by one game over the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans with tiebreakers over both teams. The Colts lost to the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday and the Texans lost to the New York Jets. That absolutely matters. It doesn't mean the Jaguars don't have issues to fix. But being in control of the division with four games remaining matters. Very much.

Kevin from Jacksonville Beach, FL

What's wrong with Trevor? Not good, Zone.

It's easy to watch a game on television and forget players are human beings. Lawrence played through a high-ankle sprain Sunday and was without his most-trusted wide receiver, Kirk. He also was playing behind an offensive line playing on its fourth left tackle: Blake Hance. This is noted not as an "excuse," but these factors might have something to do with the offense and Lawrence feeling "a bit off" Sunday.

Keith from Saint Augustine, FL

We are not a very good football team right now.

I understand the sentiment. I don't know that's true. The Jaguars are an injured football team. They have lost back-to-back close games to playoff contending Cincinnati and Cleveland. They're not bad. They do have to get healthier and get more continuity. This season is far from lost.       

Bill from Orlando

John- What's happened to this team last two weeks, team has regressed. TL is trying but who are the leaders on this team holding everyone accountable?

People always ask about accountability after losses. I never have good answers because you don't see results for another week. Injuries on both sides can't be ignored in the Jaguars' last two losses. They don't explain everything. Lawrence spoke a lot about accountability after the game. So did other veterans. That's my best answer. I'll keep trying to do better.

Bobby From Section 410 and Summerville, SC

KOAF, Another perfect start for the defense. Picking up where they left off Monday night! Can't stop anyone.

This was the much-ballyhooed, oft-premature, sometimes-insightful First Email of the Game. The Jaguars allowed a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on the game's first possession. It was a difficult start and sparked a slew of emails declaring the defense trash and calling the unit unmotivated. Sometimes, a defense can get caught off guard against an unfamiliar opponent. Quick first drives happened. The Jaguars' defense was better after that at times and it struggled after that at times. But the unit is not trash and was not unmotivated.

Dan from Munich

I guess the defense is better than most observers believe, ha clown?

The Jaguars' defense for the most part this season has been very good, particularly against the run – and particularly creating takeaways. The defense has not been particularly good the last two weeks.

Randy from Way Up North

Another clown show. Every game you can count on a delay of game, blown coverage, no QB pressure, the list goes on.

The Jaguars did not play well enough Sunday, particularly early.

James from Titusville, NJ

"Next-Man-Up Mentality!" [pencils tight end to play Left Tackle]

Hance finished Sunday at left tackle for the Jaguars. He's the fourth player to play there this season after Cam Robinson, Walker Little and Ezra Cleveland. Next-man up is cool. It's important. Four left tackles is "next level" next man up.

Clayton from Shawnee, OK

The month of December is going to be real rough.

So far not good. The Jaguars are in a tough spot. They're beat up and trying to navigate a portion of the schedule playing motivated, good teams.

Jesse from CA

After San Francisco 49ers game, we've had one decent game when an extra foot would have tied the game likely leading to another loss. I'm calling it now…Jags lose today since we've forgotten how to play defense and offense continues to be underperforming. I fully expect our team to miss the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

I don't expect the Jaguars to miss the playoffs and I expect they'll win 11(ish) games. That will require playing better the rest of the season than they have the last two games.