Jaguars Report Card: Jacksonville headed for historic low
The frustrating losses continue for the Jaguars (2-12). After their 24-3 loss to the Dolphins (6-8) in Miami on Sunday, they now must win one of their last two games against the Patriots or Titans to avoid having their worst record in franchise history.
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Offense: D
The Jags had enough total yards (299) to possibly earn a better grade, but teams are ultimately judged on their ability to score and Jacksonville couldn't find the end zone on Sunday. They were stopped three times on fourth down, including twice on fourth-and-one. They had two TDs taken off the board, one due to a penalty and one was overturned by instant replay. QB Chad Henne put up decent numbers (18-of-34 passing, 221 yards) and WRs Justin Blackmon (6 catches, 93 yards) and Cecil Shorts (6 catches, 101 yards) played well, but numbers mean nothing when they don't lead to points. Previous game's grade: C
Defense: C-
It did enough to keep Jacksonville in the game. But a devastating nine-minute drive from the Dolphins in the fourth quarter wore it down and ended Jacksonville's chance at a comeback when TE Anthony Fasano caught a short touchdown pass with 3:12 left to put the Dolphins up by three scores. Miami QB Ryan Tannehill completed 22 of 28 passes (78.6 percent) for 220 yards and two touchdoowns. The Jags also lost contain on him several times and allowed the rookie to run for 52 yards on eight carries. RB Reggie Bush added 104 yards on the ground for Miami. In total, the Dolphins racked up 180 yards on the ground. Previous game's grade: B-
Special teams: B+
At least the Jaguars can kick. Rookie P Bryan Anger continued his strong season with a 47.4-yard average on five punts. He downed two inside the 20, including one inside the 5-yard line. K Josh Scobee was consistent as usual, hitting his lone 37-yard FG attempt. The Jags also thwarted a fake field goal attempt by the Dolphins. Previous game's grade: C+
Coaching: D
After showing some signs of life a few weeks ago, the Jaguars have regressed the past three weeks in consecutive losses to the Bills, Jets and now the Dolphins. Coach Mike Mularkey has vowed to keep his team fighting this season. The effort isn't always bad. It's the small mistakes that are killing the Jaguars every week. Mularkey's in his first year, but the Jags might need to show some progress in the next two weeks to give ownership some confidence that he's the man for the job. Previous game's grade: C-
Get more Jaguars updates and analysis from Daniel Lewis @CBSJags.
