Jaguars Persistent Issue Killed Their Chances vs. Texans

Late-game disappointment

Despite giving up 20 straight points in the fourth quarter, the Jacksonville Jaguars still had a chance to win this one. After getting a stop on the Houston Texans' two-point attempt after they took the lead, the Jags found themselves down one with just over a half-minute left in the game.

After a nice return from Bhayshul Tuten to set Jacksonville up at its own 33-yard line, the offense didn't need much to get into Cam Little's field-goal range, considering he had just nailed an NFL-record 68-yarder the week prior. Trevor Lawrence took a sack on the first play of the drive, forcing the Jags to burn their final timeout to set up 2nd-and-19. The quarterback was able to get all of those yards back and more with an incredible scramble to Jacksonville's 45.

On the next snap, he found Parker Washington on a quick gain, who was pushed out of bounds at Houston's 43-yard line. At that point, it'd be a 70-yard boot from Little, which he had hit before in the preseason. However, backup lineman Chuma Edoga was called for illegal use of hands, erasing the 12-yard reception and moving the Jaguars back to their 35. The game ended on the next play when T-Law was strip-sacked by Will Anderson Jr.

Jaguars have to clean it up

Penalties cost Jacksonville all day, including a controversial defensive pass interference call on Jarrian Jones that ultimately led to the Texans' game-winner. Lawrence spoke on how flags dragged his team down:

"It is hard to overcome penalties. That’s something where we just have to be better. We've said it all season long. We have to clean up the penalties. There was too many today putting us behind the chains, especially against a really good defense and really good pass rush. You put yourself in tough situations, usually not a good result when you do that. We have it clean that up."

"For me, playing quarterback, I have to just play every play for what it is and not try to press and do certain things. I can't let the situation affect me. I thought at times I managed that well and times I didn't. I have to watch the tape and see what all kind of went wrong. I know there was a handful of plays where I have to do better, do my job, be sharper, and help the guys out around me. We'll watch it. I can't name them all right now. It definitely wasn’t a great performance for us as an offense. We have to find ways to improve."