[Jacksonville, FL] Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) continue to lose, they are igniting their fan base with game-by-game improvements and a real hope for the future in the play of rookie QB Blaine Gabbert.
The 23-10 home loss on Sunday to the New Orleans Saints didn’t sting as bad as in previous weeks. Why? Well, a New Orleans victory was somewhat expected, given the team’s histories and season start. Plus, fans got to see glimpses and glimmers of great, scrappy defense and an aggressive offense led by Gabbert.
Too bad they couldn’t score any touchdowns. Make that anymore touchdowns. Gabbert was fine in the first half, going 12 of 24 for 165 yards, including a touchdown. But they needed more points on the board.
On the other hand, the defense was at statistical odds. They held the Saints to a dozen points below their season scoring and caused two fumbles, but they allowed a whopping 503 total yards of offense and 30 first downs. Thirty!
“We didn’t win,” Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis said, when asked if he believed the Jaguars’ defense had played well enough to win. “If we had won, then we would have played well enough to win. We’re not satisfied with the results.”
And they shouldn’t be, the team should always play for the win. There’s no trophy for showing up.
Hey, at least you guys don’t play for, or have to root for, the Dolphins.
Next Sunday the Jags face the 2-2 Cincinnati Bengals.
By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate
Image: Jacksonville Jaguars
Related reading:
Report: Jags give special-teams star Owens a new deal Owens was the AFC special-teamer in last season’s Pro Bowl, his first in his six-year NFL career. He’s currently recovering from a knee injury — he missed last Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints — but The Times-Union reported …
Cedric Benson Update: Suspension Likely Delayed Another Week According to of ESPN’s Adam Shefter Twitter account, Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson is expected to be available for this weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Benson was arrested during the lockout for assault, …
