HOUSTON, Texas – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens provide brief thoughts on the Jaguars' 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans in a Week 4, 2024 game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday

John Oehser, Jaguars senior writer…

1. The story remains frustratingly the same. The Jaguars missed an opportunity to turn a strange game into a much-needed — and perhaps season-saving — win on Sunday. Instead, the game was too much like most of the players' recent run of nine losses in 10 games – that is, it was a story of missed opportunities and unexecuted crucial plays. What stood out on Sunday were two moments in the second half, plays that could have led to a win – maybe even a comfortable one. First, quarterback Trevor Lawrence missed wide receiver Christian Kirk wide open for a long touchdown in the third quarter. The Jaguars then failed to score after facing first-and-goal at the Texans' 4-yard line late in the third quarter, as running back Tank Bigsby was forced out of bounds after a 58-yard run. “We missed some key plays,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “We need to take a look and see where we can get better.” Pederson added: “We're close to flipping the switch and making real plays during the game. We're not doing them now and that's what's holding us back.” The Jaguars nearly pulled out a tough, gutsy – and perhaps season-saving – win on Sunday. It wouldn't have been pretty, but it would have felt so good. Instead, the Jaguars are 0-4 – and everything that comes with it.
2. Frustration at quarterback. Pederson's postgame media availability reflected the mood of the Jaguars after that game – tense, tight, with an irritable undertone. Lawrence spoke shortly after Pederson and, like the head coach, spoke of his frustration over several missed plays that may have left the Jaguars one game behind in the AFC South rather than three games behind the division-leading Texans. He was rightfully frustrated because even though the fourth-year veteran had better protection than he did in Weeks 1-3, he missed at least two touchdown opportunities that could have changed the outcome. “We have to capitalize,” Lawrence said. “If we have the game in hand, we have to win it. We obviously didn't manage that. A lot of this is my fault.” Not only did Lawrence miss Kirk well into the third quarter, but he also rushed rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for a touchdown that turned into a field goal drive in the first quarter. “I have to make these plays,” Lawrence said. “You won't hit everyone, but you have to hit more than I did today. I have to be better for my teammates. I understand that.” Pederson added: “There are some plays he can make and we have to make them.”