What we learned: Raiders 33, Jaguars 16

Oct 24, 2016 at 06:53 AM

JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser examines what we learned from the Jaguars' 33-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field Sunday …

1. The Jaguars missed one.Forget the details for a moment – and there were a lot of details to examine Sunday. This was a game in which the Jaguars had an opportunity to do a lot of positive things. They squandered that opportunity. Big-time.

2. Blake Bortles is struggling. Big-time.

3. Blake Bortles is struggling. Big-time. We'll spend multiple points on this one because the issue overwhelms all others. His inaccuracy, turnovers and decision-making have morphed into a quarterback that appears to have lost confidence. That's surprising, because at his core, he's a confident guy. But right now he also looks like a guy who's struggling on just about every level.

4. The offensive line can pass block …This area wasn't perfect, but pass blocking wasn't the reason the Jaguars lost Sunday.

5. … but is really struggling to run block.There was a brief moment of success with Chris Ivory's 42-yard run. It was far too brief.

6. Marqise Lee is a weapon.The third-year veteran wide receiver had his first career 100-yard receiving game Sunday, catching seven passes for 107 yards. He is developing into a reliable threat, and there have been times this season he has been the Jaguars' most-dangerous offensive player.

7. Jason Myers is reliable …The Jaguars' kicker through seven games has been one of the team's most consistent players. He is 11 of 13 on field goals this season and hasn't missed an extra point. He's doing what he's supposed to be doing, but credit him for doing it. He has come a long way.

8. … and so is Brad Nortman.The Jaguars' punter continues to have a huge year. He wasn't spectacular Sunday, but he was consistent – just as he has been all season. Is it great that we're talking about learning about the special teams every week? No, it's not great. But it's where we are for now.

9. Rashad Greene Sr. may be pressing.Apart from a 42-yard return against Baltimore in Week 3, Greene hasn't been the threat in his second season that he was as a rookie. He has averaged 7.1-yards-per-return this season after averaging 16.7 yards a return last season. His fumble cost the Jaguars a field goal Sunday and he erred later catching a punt at the Jaguars' goal line. Those are two major errors for a punt returner.

10. The defense remains strong.The defense wasn't dominant Sunday, but it was good enough – and kept the Jaguars close for longer than they should have been close. The pass rush isn't what it could be, and there were coverage struggles Sunday by cornerback Prince Amukamara and strong safety Johnathan Cyprien, but that wasn't had defense Sunday overall.

11. Dante Fowler Jr. must concentrate.The No. 3 overall selection has had as many penalties as big plays this season. His effort remains strong, but there are too many mental errors.

12. This is a frustrated team.The Jaguars' fourth-quarter emotional meltdown was disturbing. Defensive tackle Malik Jackson was ejected after his third penalty and cornerback Jalen Ramsey was ejected for fighting. It's not surprising frustration set in Sunday; this team thought it would be better than this. Still, you must stay in the game and you can't cost your team 45 yards on one drive.

13. Discipline is an issue.We've been learning this all season, and what seemed to be percolating for weeks boiled over Sunday. Penalties didn't lose the game Sunday, but the Jaguars have been at or near the top of the league in penalties all season. Enough, already.

14. Ramsey is going to be elite … and maybe he already is. The rookie corner held Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper to four receptions for 29 yards. His closing speed is exceptional, and his coverage ability is too. He's everything you want in a cornerback – and he's showing it every week.

15. Roy Miller will be missed.There has been no official word on the extent of the veteran nose tackle's Achilles injury, but it appeared serious. If it is, the Jaguars will lose their best interior run defender. It's a big loss. On and off the field, Miller is a huge part of this defense.

16.Thursday is big.Is the season over at 2-4? Absolutely not. Do the Jaguars really, really need to beat the Titans? Absolutely.

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