Jacksonville Jaguars Continue to Show Improvement Despite Mounting Losses

By Michael Compton @MWCompton on October 18, 2014

The upstart Cleveland Browns invade EverBank Field on Sunday for a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars that offers a contrast in perspectives. The Browns are tasked with managing success and are considered legitimate contenders for a playoff spot, while the winless Jaguars are trying to shrug off yet another loss in search of their first win of the season — they are considered legitimate contenders to go 0-16.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 0-6 record, however, doesn’t adequately reflect the positive strides the young team has flashed in recent weeks. While the losses continue to mount, the Jaguars are not on a downward spiral as their record may suggest, and have actually shown marked improvement on both sides of the ball in their two latest losses.

The Jaguars had opportunities to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers at home two weeks ago and last week against the Tennessee Titans, but breakdowns late in the game — typical of inexperienced teams — cost them both contests. In last week’s loss, the Jaguars generated a season-high in total yards with 379 and first downs (27).

To actually come away with a win, the offense must sustain drives and put points on the board. The Jaguars rank last in the league in points per game (13.5), total yards (290), rushing yards (69.5) and near the bottom in passing yards. Last week’s output was a step in the right direction, and on Sunday the Jaguars face a Browns defensive unit that ranks 29th in the NFL, giving up 409.2 yards of total offense per game.

Since stepping into the starter’s role at quarterback, unshakable rookie Blake Bortles has demonstrated a veteran’s poise in the pocket and has raised the level of play around him. The success the Jaguars have enjoyed on third downs is especially telling of the progress the offense had made in recent weeks. According to ESPN, the Jaguars were 6-for-32 on third downs with Chad Henne under center, but are 23-for-46 on third downs with Bortles calling signals.

For all the raves he is receiving, however, Bortles continues to make his share of mistakes. He needs to continue getting better at going through his reads and progressions and backing off the trigger when staring down receivers. Cutting down on the rookie mistakes will help eliminate turnovers and extend drives.

The Jaguars’ defense, which is tied for third in the NFL with 19 sacks, continues to create pressure up front. The porous secondary, however, has given up too many big plays, but has looked improved in recent weeks.

To get that ever elusive initial win of the season at home on Sunday, the Jaguars’ offense will need to finish drives, run-block better, pass-protect better, run better and eliminate turnovers. On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars must create turnovers, tackle better and prevent the big play.

Head coach Gus Bradley said recently that he wants the Jaguars to fight like veterans, even though many of his offensive starters are rookies. There is definitely urgency in Jacksonville to notch the first win of the season, but Bradley would gladly trade occasional splash plays from his future stars for a complete game of executing at the highest level.

Michael Compton is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter at @MWCompton and connect with him on Google.