JACKSONVILLE, FLA. (AP) - Lopsided losses are becoming routine for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
So are inept running performances, turnover-filled passing games and some of the worst defensive lapses in the team’s 16 seasons.
The result for the Jaguars (3-4) has been four losses by at least three touchdowns this season, including Sunday’s 42-20 setback at Kansas City that raised more questions about coach Jack Del Rio’s future with the franchise.
Through seven weeks, Jacksonville has posted its worst two home losses in team history and four of its most one-sided affairs since its inception in 1995. Throw in last year, and Del Rio has been at the helm for six of the franchise’s most lopsided games.
“I have resolve to get this team turned around,” Del Rio said Monday.
Maybe so, but how long will owner Wayne Weaver stick with Del Rio? The coach insisted all offseason that expectations should be a postseason berth for Jacksonville. Now, the Jaguars need to win at Dallas on Sunday to avoid a three-game losing streak.
If Jacksonville loses to the Cowboys, it will be the team’s ninth loss in 12 games _ the same losing stretch former coach Tom Coughlin had when he was fired at the end of the 2003 season.
Del Rio offered little answers to his team’s questions Monday, saying “it’s more of an execution thing than an effort thing.”
Sure, quarterback David Garrard missed the game with a concussion. But Maurice Jones-Drew (16 carries for 47 yards) was bottled up again, tight end Marcedes Lewis dropped two more passes and the offensive line struggled to protect backup Todd Bouman.
The offense was the bright side, too.
The Jaguars allowed a season-high 236 yards rushing, 193 yards passing and big plays left and right. Thomas Jones broke free for a 70-yard run early, and Dwayne Bowe went uncovered on a 53-yard scoring reception late.
“It is a frustrating deal,” defensive end Aaron Kampman said. “You put a lot of work into something and you don’t get the intended the result, it’s human nature to be frustrated. But it’s a great lesson for life: When you get knocked down, how do you respond? You’re only a failure when you choose not to get back up. That’s the opportunity that every guy has, and from what I saw today, guys are getting back up.”
The Jaguars have allowed an NFL-high 209 points this season, on pace to break the team record of 404 surrendered in 1995.
“We’ve had far too many big plays against our defense this year,” Del Rio.
It hasn’t just been this year, either.
Jacksonville has similar defensive problems the last two years _ inconsistent pass rush, missed tackles and blown coverages _ when they allowed the second- and third-most points in team history.
“To this point, it’s who we are,” Kampman said. “That’s totally fair. We’ve given up big chunks of yardage. That is our identity right now. We are a defense that’s giving up big plays. But it’s a defense that I do believe has the ability and the talent to curb that. It comes with the next opportunity, which is Dallas.”
The Jaguars insist there hasn’t been any finger pointing. But it’s clear players are starting to see a pattern.
“You can’t keep saying, ’It’s only one game, it’s only one game,’” Lewis said. “You can’t keep doing that. That doesn’t change a thing.”
Still, Kampman doesn’t think it’s time to panic _ not even after a fourth lopsided loss.
“There’s nine games left,” he said. “It’s not doomsday. It’s tough, don’t get me wrong. But we have a lot of football that remains to be played. We have a chance to get to 4-4 heading into a bye and refocus. That is our complete, 100 percent focus.”
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