JACKSONVILLE — Gus Bradley's messages Monday were clear.
The one the Jaguars' head coach emphasized during his weekly next-day press conference was the same as the one he gave the team Monday in the wake of a fifth consecutive loss to start the season.
One, there definitely was improvement.
"As a team, I truly believe we're getting better," Bradley said Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars' 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field.
Bradley said he saw improvement individually, from a defense that had its best game of the season and from rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.
He also said the team's spirit and will to improve remains strong – and he said that's important.
At the same time …
"I also pointed out, to make something clear, that it's not OK to lose," Bradley said. "That's also part of our culture. It is not OK. We set up our culture, we strive to get better, we strive to be our best all for the very reason so that we can reach the objective of winning.
"It's that strict. I want to make sure it's clear to them that it's not OK. They know it, but I think it's a message that needs to be stressed."
The Jaguars, after losing their first four games by a combined 152-58, trailed 10-9 early in the fourth quarter Sunday before Steelers cornerback Brice McClain intercepted Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and scored untouched on a 23-yard return.
The Jaguars held the Steelers offense to 10 points a week after allowing three long pass plays to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in a 33-14 loss.
"I feel like we're getting closer," Bradley said. "Our team feels like we're getting closer, but it feels like we're not there yet. That was really the message for the team. They're in good spirits, although you can tell it stings them. They felt like we missed an opportunity and we did, but we'll learn from it and grow and move forward."
Bradley during his meeting with the media emphasized the play of several players Sunday, including cornerback Demetrius McCray, running back Storm Johnson, defensive end Chris Clemons, safety Johnathan Cyprien and safety Josh Evans.
Bradley also said the interior of the defensive line played well and there were "far fewer busts" in coverage defensively.
"Across the board, you can point out guys where you say, 'That really shows we got better,'" Bradley said. "Then, there were other guys who didn't get better and weren't at their personal best. That's the challenge for us, is to get everybody on board and everybody to get better."
Also around the Jaguars:
*Bradley said a reason running back Toby Gerhart carried four times Sunday was an early foot injury, but Bradley also said there was a plan entering the game to see all four running backs. Gerhart played 10 plays, with Jordan Todman playing 24, Denard Robinson playing 17 and Storm Johnson playing eight. "He felt really good going into the game, then early he had the issue," Bradley said of Gerhart. …
*Bradley called Johnson "impressive" after the rookie rushed for times for 26 yards. "How could you argue that Storm in the little plays he had showed up and did some good things?" Bradley said. …
*Bradley added of a running game that produced 56 yards on 17 carries, "I feel like the run game was pretty good. If anything, we should have run the ball more." …
*Bradley said rookie quarterback Blake Bortles checked out of seven runs at the line of scrimmage. "The intent was to run based on looks he had," Bradley said. Bradley said overall the checks were productive, with Bortles completing 5 of 8 passes on the audibles. …
*Bradley praised Bortles' play overall, saying he liked his poise, confidence and demeanor. Bortles completed 22 of 36 passes for 191 yards and two interceptions. He has thrown six interceptions in two and a half games in the starting lineup. "The turnovers, that's what we've got to get corrected," Bradley said. "Those are the things we have to get out of his game. We'll continue to grow with that. We knew because of his personality sometimes these things would come up. We sure don't want to put fear into the game, but it's a delicate balance. Just make good decisions."…
*Cornerback Dwayne Gratz remains in the NFL's concussion program, with more on his status expected to be known Tuesday or Wednesday. Gratz missed Sunday's game after sustaining a concussion against San Diego the previous week. …
*Rookie wide receiver Marqise Lee ran Monday after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury. He could practice Wednesday, the team announced. …
*Wide receiver Cecil Shorts III (hamstring) is continuing his rehabilitation. His status will be updated by the team throughout the week. …
*Linebacker Dekoda Watson, who sustained a shoulder injury Sunday, will continue to be evaluated. The team announced that it likely will update his status before practice Wednesday afternoon. …
*Gerhart sustained a sprained foot Sunday, with Todman and Johnson sustaining ankle sprains. All three are expected to practice Wednesday. …
*Middle linebacker Paul Posluszny sustained an arm contusion Sunday, but is expected to practice Wednesday. …
*Tight end Clay Harbor sustained a dislocated finger, but is expected to practice Wednesday and be fine. …
