Jacksonville Jaguars: Colts Game Worst Loss in 11 years

By Tyler Spinnenweber | Oct 6, 2015

Last week I wrote an article about how last Sunday’s game against the Colts was a make or break game for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars had an opportunity to win with the leg of Jason Myers, but the rookie kicker missed both of his attempts, one in the fourth quarter, and one in Overtime.

The game broke the Jaguars and their fan base.

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At the start of the season, a three point loss to a team that lost in the AFC Championship game could be a sign of progress. However, the Colts were 1-2 to start the season, and looked terrible in all three games. What’s worse is that the Colts were without Andrew Luck, and the Jaguars lost to 40 year old Matt Hasselbeck, who hasn’t started a game since 2012.

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The loss, is the worst for the franchise since 2004, when a Jack Del Rio led Jaguars were on the brink of their first playoff appearance since 1999, but a disappointing 21-0 loss to the visiting Houston Texans spoiled that. The worst part is that the loss was viewed by a half-empy stadium. I know because I was there.

The Jaguars were also 1-2 heading into the matchup. A win would’ve catapulted the team to sole possession of first place in the AFC South with a matchup against Tampa Bay ensuing. With how the Colts have been performing this season, it was reasonable to expect another team, other than the Colts, winning the division this season.

The Jaguars gift wrapped the game for the Matt Hasselback led Colts, who now expect Andrew Luck to be back for Thursday night’s matchup against the Houston Texans on the NFL Network.

Blake Bortles and the Jaguars offense performed well in the first half having scored 13 points. However, the team failed to score on any of their eight possessions in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The Jaguars led 13-10 at the half, and the Colts touchdown drive in the first half was the result of five Jaguar penalties for 42 yards.

The Jaguars, in total, would have 13 penalties for 92 yards.

When you force two turnovers, commit zero, and rush for nearly 150 yards, you expect to win the game. But if not, that all falls down on the coaching staff.

Head coach Gus Bradley said following the game (via John Oesher of Jaguars.com), “That’s what’s disappointing, and it’s self-inflicted wounds again. A botched snap, not handling it right, penalties … those types of things we have to clean up. It comes down to being disciplined and staying focused throughout. Those are some of the issues that we’re dealing with right now.”

“When you see production in moving the ball, but the finish isn’t there, and (when you see) these self-inflicted wounds … that’s frustrating,” Bradley said (via Oesher). “It’s very frustrating for the coaches and players. We’ve got to get over that hump. I think there’s a general sense we’re making progress with the team. I think they feel like we’re making strides, but we’re not there yet, obviously.”

Bradley was asked if he was angrier after Sunday than previous losses.

“Disappointing,” he replied, “because we did miss it.”

Referring to the missed opportunities and mistakes, Bradley told Oesher, “I’m probably a little confused, just like our fan base is. When you see good plays, when you see big plays, when you see guys who are taking shots and guys making plays and it feels like it should and you don’t see the consistency and the ability to stay the whole drive … have a 13-play drive where you finish it with a touchdown …

“Where’s that part of the game? I think that’s what’s disappointing right now. We’ve got to do it.”

This is year three of your regime Gus Bradley. These mistakes and performances the team is showing should not happen in your third year. And you should never lose to a 40 year old Matt Hasselbeck. If I was owner Shad Khan, I would fire Bradley. The loss is inexcusable. I would fire Bradley and promote offensive line coach Doug Marrone and see what he can do.

The writing is on the wall for Bradley, a loss against the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs should seal his fate.

Next: NFL: Coaches on the Hot Seat

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