Jaguars implode after loss
Third consecutive defeat has team searching for answers
BY MARK LONG
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The doors opened briefly and closed a few seconds later, but the glimpse into the Jaguars’ locker room told the story of the team’s third consecutive loss.
Calais Campbell was holding back fellow defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, a carryover from the screaming, shouting and finger pointing that ensued after a 20-7 loss to the AFC South rival Texans (4-3).
“You all walk in here, you all see how it is in here, you all see how we vibe with each other, you all see how we vibe toward the coaches, you all see how it is,” cornerback Jalen Ramsey said. “It is no secret what’s going on here right now. Ain’t nobody going to say it because we can’t. But it ain’t no secret what’s going on, and it ain’t right right now.”
Ngakoue declined comment, as did safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback A.J. Bouye.
Their silence spoke volumes for a team that appears to be in upheaval after a third consecutive lopsided loss that has seemingly derailed a season that started with Super Bowl expectations.
“I don’t speak on locker-room business,” linebacker Telvin Smith said. “Don’t ask me locker-room questions.”
The Jaguars (3-4) failed to score in the first half for the third consecutive game — the first time that has happened in franchise history — and the defense allowed 141 yards rushing and sacked Deshaun Watson once.
Blake Bortles fumbled on the third play of each half, leading to 10 points and his benching.
Coach Doug Marrone said Bortles was upset with getting yanked after the second turnover — his eighth in the last three games.
“We’ve got to do something,” Marrone said. “Like I said before, the one thing you do with that position, doesn’t matter the name, doesn’t matter who it is. When you make a move to get a spark, everyone goes on notice. Everyone.”
Cody Kessler replaced Bortles in the third quarter and threw a touchdown pass that energized the home crowd. But Kessler also fumbled on a sack and threw an interception off T.J. Yeldon’s hands with a little more than five minutes remaining.
Marrone confirmed afterward that the quarterback job is up for grabs as the Jaguars prepare to play the Eagles in a “home game” next week in London.
“It’s open,” Marrone said. “Who’s the starter at right tackle? Who’s the starter at center? Who’s the starter at receiver? Who’s the starter? Everything is open. We’ve lost three straight games, and we can’t stop shooting ourselves in the foot, for lack of a better expression.”