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The Jacksonville Jaguars will not be back in EverBank Field for the next month of football. That is a long time away from home, given this young team cannot seem to buy a win on the road.

This week, it is the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by a trip to London to face Dallas, and then a bye week before a trip to Indianapolis. It’s a stretch which will define this team as a bottom feeder (which right now it has become) or a tram making more improvements.

Jacksonville was 0-8 at this time last season, but has shown life from time to time on offense and a certain determination on defense of late. How the team plays in Cincinnati, against one of the most complete teams in the league (although their record does not show it) will tell everyone how this season plays out.

Here are five things to know about this game.

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

The Jaguars' defensive line, notably tackles Sen'Derrick Marks and Roy Miller, has played well all season, but especially in the red zone. Teams are averaging just 2.08 yards per rush against the Jaguars in the red zone. In addition, the Jaguars have allowed teams to convert just 27.3 percent of third-down plays in the red zone, which is fifth in the league.

They've also intercepted two passes in the end zone. What's funny is the Jaguars have given up six touchdown passes of 20 or more yards, which shows the secondary has been more susceptible to getting beat deep than having trouble in the red zone. The pass rush has helped in the red zone, too. The Jaguars' 25 sacks are tied with Minnesota for second in the NFL behind Buffalo (28).

TROUBLE WITH THE BLITZ

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, Blake Bortles has had issues with the blitz and that might be a reason for many of his struggles lately.

Though he is completing nearly 60 percent of his throws against five or more rushers, he has thrown five interceptions, has thrown no touchdown passes and has been sacked nine times. His Total QBR is a paltry 2.8 against five or more rushers. This isn't confined to just Bortles, though, because nearly every rookie QB will struggle against pressure. However, the Jaguars need to see improvement over the final eight games. His decision-making has to be better, and the one thing offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch wants to see is Bortles not continue to make the same mistakes.

SANU, SANU

A.J. Green has missed parts of four games this season because of a nagging big-toe injury, and in his place the Bengals have just rolled out a strong group of receivers, running backs and tight ends. Mohamed Sanu has been the most direct replacement for Green, catching 21 passes for 383 yards and a touchdown in Green's absence. Since Sanu has served as a runner on reverses, and passed balls in addition to catching them, he has racked up 460 yards of total offense in relief of Green.

That's good enough for 31.3 percent of the Bengals' entire offensive production in the games Green has missed. Even if Green returns, expect Sanu to factor in similar ways this week and on down the line. Still, it can't be disputed that Green's potential addition this weekend will help any offensive success Cincinnati has.

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM?

It is a lot to ask of a second year player who spent his entire college career as a quarterback to become the starting running back of the Jaguars and run for three straight 100-yards games. That is exactly what Jacksonville is asking Denard Robinson to do. Since entering the starting lineup, the team has been a better running team, and the offensive line has looked much better in the process.

The Bengals defense is one of the best in football, so this is a true test for the younger Jaguars line. I suspect Robinson gets about 70 yards on the ground. If he gets more, it means the Jacksonville offense has truly found its rhythm.

CINCINNATI WINS, BUT …

The Jaguars look better on offense. Jacksonville is a double – digit dog in this game, but I think they cover the spread (like I am concerned with point spreads). The point is this defense is getting better and it shows.

The Bengals have one of the better offenses in the AFC and the NFL, but are also inconsistent from time to time. Mohamed Sanu has played well while AJ Green has been injured. Green will hopefully play this week, which creates more issues for the Jaguars secondary. In the end, it becomes too much to overcome.

CINCINNATI 27 JACKSONVILLE 23

The Jacksonville Jaguars will not be back in EverBank Field for the next month of football. That is a long time away from home, given this young team cannot seem to buy a win on the road.

This week, it is the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by a trip to London to face Dallas, and then a bye week before a trip to Indianapolis. It’s a stretch which will define this team as a bottom feeder (which right now it has become) or a tram making more improvements.

Jacksonville was 0-8 at this time last season, but has shown life from time to time on offense and a certain determination on defense of late. How the team plays in Cincinnati, against one of the most complete teams in the league (although their record does not show it) will tell everyone how this season plays out.

Here are five things to know about this game.

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

The Jaguars' defensive line, notably tackles Sen'Derrick Marks and Roy Miller, has played well all season, but especially in the red zone. Teams are averaging just 2.08 yards per rush against the Jaguars in the red zone. In addition, the Jaguars have allowed teams to convert just 27.3 percent of third-down plays in the red zone, which is fifth in the league.

They've also intercepted two passes in the end zone. What's funny is the Jaguars have given up six touchdown passes of 20 or more yards, which shows the secondary has been more susceptible to getting beat deep than having trouble in the red zone. The pass rush has helped in the red zone, too. The Jaguars' 25 sacks are tied with Minnesota for second in the NFL behind Buffalo (28).

TROUBLE WITH THE BLITZ

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, Blake Bortles has had issues with the blitz and that might be a reason for many of his struggles lately.

Though he is completing nearly 60 percent of his throws against five or more rushers, he has thrown five interceptions, has thrown no touchdown passes and has been sacked nine times. His Total QBR is a paltry 2.8 against five or more rushers. This isn't confined to just Bortles, though, because nearly every rookie QB will struggle against pressure. However, the Jaguars need to see improvement over the final eight games. His decision-making has to be better, and the one thing offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch wants to see is Bortles not continue to make the same mistakes.

SANU, SANU

A.J. Green has missed parts of four games this season because of a nagging big-toe injury, and in his place the Bengals have just rolled out a strong group of receivers, running backs and tight ends. Mohamed Sanu has been the most direct replacement for Green, catching 21 passes for 383 yards and a touchdown in Green's absence. Since Sanu has served as a runner on reverses, and passed balls in addition to catching them, he has racked up 460 yards of total offense in relief of Green.

That's good enough for 31.3 percent of the Bengals' entire offensive production in the games Green has missed. Even if Green returns, expect Sanu to factor in similar ways this week and on down the line. Still, it can't be disputed that Green's potential addition this weekend will help any offensive success Cincinnati has.

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM?

It is a lot to ask of a second year player who spent his entire college career as a quarterback to become the starting running back of the Jaguars and run for three straight 100-yards games. That is exactly what Jacksonville is asking Denard Robinson to do. Since entering the starting lineup, the team has been a better running team, and the offensive line has looked much better in the process.

The Bengals defense is one of the best in football, so this is a true test for the younger Jaguars line. I suspect Robinson gets about 70 yards on the ground. If he gets more, it means the Jacksonville offense has truly found its rhythm.

CINCINNATI WINS, BUT …

The Jaguars look better on offense. Jacksonville is a double – digit dog in this game, but I think they cover the spread (like I am concerned with point spreads). The point is this defense is getting better and it shows.

The Bengals have one of the better offenses in the AFC and the NFL, but are also inconsistent from time to time. Mohamed Sanu has played well while AJ Green has been injured. Green will hopefully play this week, which creates more issues for the Jaguars secondary. In the end, it becomes too much to overcome.

CINCINNATI 27 JACKSONVILLE 23

Welcome to the growing years of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It is hard to look at a stat sheet, see a team with more yardage on offense and a 100-yard rusher, a good defense and still lose a contest like the Jaguars did on Sunday. Instead of this being a game to grow on after winning its first game of the season, Jacksonville laid an egg in the middle of EverBank Field on Sunday in the 27-13 loss to Miami.

The Dolphis did not look much better, but still got the important victory.

Coming off a 27-14 win at Chicago, Miami was overwhelmingly flat in its second straight road game and looked nothing like a potential playoff team facing a rebuilding squad filled with rookies and second-year players.

"We didn't perform up to our standards in any phase of the game offensively," Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said, according to the Associated Press. "Defense played well. Defense made plays. I'm not happy about how we played offensively. It has to be better. We have to get this corrected."

The Dolphins (4-3) opened with three three-and-out possessions and gave up huge yardage to Jacksonville. But they led 7-0 after Delmas' 81-yard interception return in the second quarter, and 17-3 following Brent Grimes' 22-yarder in the third.

"I'm killing us," Bortles said. "I've got to try to eliminate different things and get better."

In this case, he may have been right.

The loss sets the Jaguars back to 1-7 on the year while Miami is marching forward toward a potential playoff berth.

Here is what we learned from Sunday’s action.

THE PRESSURE MOUNTS

When the Dolphins sent five or more pass rushers Sunday, Blake Bortles was sacked three times and threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Bortles is the second quarterback since the start of last season to throw two pick-sixes in a game (Geno Smith vs. Bengals, 2013 Week 8). Oh, and by the way, the Jaguars travel to Cincinnati this week.

THE SAME ROOKIE MISTAKES

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.COM, we have seen this before. For the first time since he took the field for the second half of the team's loss against Indianapolis in Week 3, Bortles looked a bit rattled. Until he went 5-for-6 in a meaningless fourth quarter, Bortles had completed only 13 of 28 passes for 140 yards. He had air-mailed a pass over a wide-open Denard Robinson, threw a couple passes behind Allen Robinson, and short-armed another on what would have led to a first down.

Those mistakes are killing drives and limiting the Jaguars’ scoring opportunities.

RUNNING STRONG

Denard Robinson has gained 100-yards rushing in back-to-back games. He's the first Jaguars player to do so since 2011, when Maurice Jones-Drew went 3-straight games with 100-yards rushing.

By contrast, Lamar Miller had a season-low 2 rushes for 8 yards in the first half with 1 yard after contact. The Dolphins utilized him more after halftime, with 12 rushes for 70 yards (32 after contact). Miller's second-half rushing opened up play action for Ryan Tannehill, who was 7-of-10 with a touchdown and interception on play-action passes (1-of-4 in the first half).

Welcome to the growing years of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It is hard to look at a stat sheet, see a team with more yardage on offense and a 100-yard rusher, a good defense and still lose a contest like the Jaguars did on Sunday. Instead of this being a game to grow on after winning its first game of the season, Jacksonville laid an egg in the middle of EverBank Field on Sunday in the 27-13 loss to Miami.

The Dolphis did not look much better, but still got the important victory.

Coming off a 27-14 win at Chicago, Miami was overwhelmingly flat in its second straight road game and looked nothing like a potential playoff team facing a rebuilding squad filled with rookies and second-year players.

"We didn't perform up to our standards in any phase of the game offensively," Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said, according to the Associated Press. "Defense played well. Defense made plays. I'm not happy about how we played offensively. It has to be better. We have to get this corrected."

The Dolphins (4-3) opened with three three-and-out possessions and gave up huge yardage to Jacksonville. But they led 7-0 after Delmas' 81-yard interception return in the second quarter, and 17-3 following Brent Grimes' 22-yarder in the third.

"I'm killing us," Bortles said. "I've got to try to eliminate different things and get better."

In this case, he may have been right.

The loss sets the Jaguars back to 1-7 on the year while Miami is marching forward toward a potential playoff berth.

Here is what we learned from Sunday’s action.

THE PRESSURE MOUNTS

When the Dolphins sent five or more pass rushers Sunday, Blake Bortles was sacked three times and threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Bortles is the second quarterback since the start of last season to throw two pick-sixes in a game (Geno Smith vs. Bengals, 2013 Week 8). Oh, and by the way, the Jaguars travel to Cincinnati this week.

THE SAME ROOKIE MISTAKES

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.COM, we have seen this before. For the first time since he took the field for the second half of the team's loss against Indianapolis in Week 3, Bortles looked a bit rattled. Until he went 5-for-6 in a meaningless fourth quarter, Bortles had completed only 13 of 28 passes for 140 yards. He had air-mailed a pass over a wide-open Denard Robinson, threw a couple passes behind Allen Robinson, and short-armed another on what would have led to a first down.

Those mistakes are killing drives and limiting the Jaguars’ scoring opportunities.

RUNNING STRONG

Denard Robinson has gained 100-yards rushing in back-to-back games. He's the first Jaguars player to do so since 2011, when Maurice Jones-Drew went 3-straight games with 100-yards rushing.

By contrast, Lamar Miller had a season-low 2 rushes for 8 yards in the first half with 1 yard after contact. The Dolphins utilized him more after halftime, with 12 rushes for 70 yards (32 after contact). Miller's second-half rushing opened up play action for Ryan Tannehill, who was 7-of-10 with a touchdown and interception on play-action passes (1-of-4 in the first half).

Don’t get the impression that someone like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace doesn’t know what’s going on in Jacksonville. In fact, the speedy pass catcher probably already has an idea of how he would like to try and carve up the Jaguars secondary since cornerback Alan Ball has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Miami and second-year corner Dwayne Gratz has been listed as questionable to play as well.

Still, these Jaguars are going to face the challenge, send the next man up and use the game plan that was drawn up earlier in the week to cover the Dolphins receivers.

“We’ve had to adjust a little bit,” Head Coach Gus Bradley said, on Jaguars.com.

Maybe a little bit is an understatement. The Dolphins have proven that their offense is getting better – and that is without running back Knowshon Moreno.

“Sometimes certain position groups may get hit throughout the season, and this week it’s the corner spot.”

Ball, who on Wednesday sought a second opinion on a biceps injury sustained against Cleveland Sunday, officially was ruled out Friday. While Ball was considered very doubtful throughout the week, Gratz’s situation was more of a surprise.

He practiced Wednesday, and then experienced tightness in his hip Thursday. He was listed as limited on the Thursday injury report, then did not practice Friday.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, then on game day we’ll work it out and go from there,” Gratz said. “There was no specific thing. It was just tight and we tried to loosen it up and go out there and play. It didn’t work out as well as I planned it, but we’re being smart and doing the right things.”

Gratz was injured earlier in the season when he sustained a concussion in the team’s loss to San Diego.

Right now, Gratz is questionable – and has not been ruled out of the game on Sunday. Should he not be able to go, here is how the Jaguars will proceed with coverage.

The scenarios at corner are then as follows:

* If Gratz plays, he will start at left corner with Demetrius McCray moving to Ball’s right corner spot. Gratz started the first four games of the season at left corner before sustaining a concussion. McCray has started there since, getting roughly twice the reps as Gratz the past three weeks.

*If Gratz doesn’t play, second-year Jeremy Harris will start at right corner with McCray staying at left. It would be Harris’ first NFL start.

*Veteran Will Blackmon will remain the nickel corner, but would move to corner if Harris or McCray are injured. In that scenario, safety Sherrod Martin likely will move to the nickel to replace Blackmon.

Don’t get the impression that someone like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace doesn’t know what’s going on in Jacksonville. In fact, the speedy pass catcher probably already has an idea of how he would like to try and carve up the Jaguars secondary since cornerback Alan Ball has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Miami and second-year corner Dwayne Gratz has been listed as questionable to play as well.

Still, these Jaguars are going to face the challenge, send the next man up and use the game plan that was drawn up earlier in the week to cover the Dolphins receivers.

“We’ve had to adjust a little bit,” Head Coach Gus Bradley said, on Jaguars.com.

Maybe a little bit is an understatement. The Dolphins have proven that their offense is getting better – and that is without running back Knowshon Moreno.

“Sometimes certain position groups may get hit throughout the season, and this week it’s the corner spot.”

Ball, who on Wednesday sought a second opinion on a biceps injury sustained against Cleveland Sunday, officially was ruled out Friday. While Ball was considered very doubtful throughout the week, Gratz’s situation was more of a surprise.

He practiced Wednesday, and then experienced tightness in his hip Thursday. He was listed as limited on the Thursday injury report, then did not practice Friday.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, then on game day we’ll work it out and go from there,” Gratz said. “There was no specific thing. It was just tight and we tried to loosen it up and go out there and play. It didn’t work out as well as I planned it, but we’re being smart and doing the right things.”

Gratz was injured earlier in the season when he sustained a concussion in the team’s loss to San Diego.

Right now, Gratz is questionable – and has not been ruled out of the game on Sunday. Should he not be able to go, here is how the Jaguars will proceed with coverage.

The scenarios at corner are then as follows:

* If Gratz plays, he will start at left corner with Demetrius McCray moving to Ball’s right corner spot. Gratz started the first four games of the season at left corner before sustaining a concussion. McCray has started there since, getting roughly twice the reps as Gratz the past three weeks.

*If Gratz doesn’t play, second-year Jeremy Harris will start at right corner with McCray staying at left. It would be Harris’ first NFL start.

*Veteran Will Blackmon will remain the nickel corner, but would move to corner if Harris or McCray are injured. In that scenario, safety Sherrod Martin likely will move to the nickel to replace Blackmon.

Don’t get the impression that someone like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace doesn’t know what’s going on in Jacksonville. In fact, the speedy pass catcher probably already has an idea of how he would like to try and carve up the Jaguars secondary since cornerback Alan Ball has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Miami and second-year corner Dwayne Gratz has been listed as questionable to play as well.

Still, these Jaguars are going to face the challenge, send the next man up and use the game plan that was drawn up earlier in the week to cover the Dolphins receivers.

“We’ve had to adjust a little bit,” Head Coach Gus Bradley said, on Jaguars.com.

Maybe a little bit is an understatement. The Dolphins have proven that their offense is getting better – and that is without running back Knowshon Moreno.

“Sometimes certain position groups may get hit throughout the season, and this week it’s the corner spot.”

Ball, who on Wednesday sought a second opinion on a biceps injury sustained against Cleveland Sunday, officially was ruled out Friday. While Ball was considered very doubtful throughout the week, Gratz’s situation was more of a surprise.

He practiced Wednesday, and then experienced tightness in his hip Thursday. He was listed as limited on the Thursday injury report, then did not practice Friday.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, then on game day we’ll work it out and go from there,” Gratz said. “There was no specific thing. It was just tight and we tried to loosen it up and go out there and play. It didn’t work out as well as I planned it, but we’re being smart and doing the right things.”

Gratz was injured earlier in the season when he sustained a concussion in the team’s loss to San Diego.

Right now, Gratz is questionable – and has not been ruled out of the game on Sunday. Should he not be able to go, here is how the Jaguars will proceed with coverage.

The scenarios at corner are then as follows:

* If Gratz plays, he will start at left corner with Demetrius McCray moving to Ball’s right corner spot. Gratz started the first four games of the season at left corner before sustaining a concussion. McCray has started there since, getting roughly twice the reps as Gratz the past three weeks.

*If Gratz doesn’t play, second-year Jeremy Harris will start at right corner with McCray staying at left. It would be Harris’ first NFL start.

*Veteran Will Blackmon will remain the nickel corner, but would move to corner if Harris or McCray are injured. In that scenario, safety Sherrod Martin likely will move to the nickel to replace Blackmon.

Don’t get the impression that someone like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace doesn’t know what’s going on in Jacksonville. In fact, the speedy pass catcher probably already has an idea of how he would like to try and carve up the Jaguars secondary since cornerback Alan Ball has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Miami and second-year corner Dwayne Gratz has been listed as questionable to play as well.

Still, these Jaguars are going to face the challenge, send the next man up and use the game plan that was drawn up earlier in the week to cover the Dolphins receivers.

“We’ve had to adjust a little bit,” Head Coach Gus Bradley said, on Jaguars.com.

Maybe a little bit is an understatement. The Dolphins have proven that their offense is getting better – and that is without running back Knowshon Moreno.

“Sometimes certain position groups may get hit throughout the season, and this week it’s the corner spot.”

Ball, who on Wednesday sought a second opinion on a biceps injury sustained against Cleveland Sunday, officially was ruled out Friday. While Ball was considered very doubtful throughout the week, Gratz’s situation was more of a surprise.

He practiced Wednesday, and then experienced tightness in his hip Thursday. He was listed as limited on the Thursday injury report, then did not practice Friday.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, then on game day we’ll work it out and go from there,” Gratz said. “There was no specific thing. It was just tight and we tried to loosen it up and go out there and play. It didn’t work out as well as I planned it, but we’re being smart and doing the right things.”

Gratz was injured earlier in the season when he sustained a concussion in the team’s loss to San Diego.

Right now, Gratz is questionable – and has not been ruled out of the game on Sunday. Should he not be able to go, here is how the Jaguars will proceed with coverage.

The scenarios at corner are then as follows:

* If Gratz plays, he will start at left corner with Demetrius McCray moving to Ball’s right corner spot. Gratz started the first four games of the season at left corner before sustaining a concussion. McCray has started there since, getting roughly twice the reps as Gratz the past three weeks.

*If Gratz doesn’t play, second-year Jeremy Harris will start at right corner with McCray staying at left. It would be Harris’ first NFL start.

*Veteran Will Blackmon will remain the nickel corner, but would move to corner if Harris or McCray are injured. In that scenario, safety Sherrod Martin likely will move to the nickel to replace Blackmon.

Don’t get the impression that someone like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace doesn’t know what’s going on in Jacksonville. In fact, the speedy pass catcher probably already has an idea of how he would like to try and carve up the Jaguars secondary since cornerback Alan Ball has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Miami and second-year corner Dwayne Gratz has been listed as questionable to play as well.

Still, these Jaguars are going to face the challenge, send the next man up and use the game plan that was drawn up earlier in the week to cover the Dolphins receivers.

“We’ve had to adjust a little bit,” Head Coach Gus Bradley said, on Jaguars.com.

Maybe a little bit is an understatement. The Dolphins have proven that their offense is getting better – and that is without running back Knowshon Moreno.

“Sometimes certain position groups may get hit throughout the season, and this week it’s the corner spot.”

Ball, who on Wednesday sought a second opinion on a biceps injury sustained against Cleveland Sunday, officially was ruled out Friday. While Ball was considered very doubtful throughout the week, Gratz’s situation was more of a surprise.

He practiced Wednesday, and then experienced tightness in his hip Thursday. He was listed as limited on the Thursday injury report, then did not practice Friday.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, then on game day we’ll work it out and go from there,” Gratz said. “There was no specific thing. It was just tight and we tried to loosen it up and go out there and play. It didn’t work out as well as I planned it, but we’re being smart and doing the right things.”

Gratz was injured earlier in the season when he sustained a concussion in the team’s loss to San Diego.

Right now, Gratz is questionable – and has not been ruled out of the game on Sunday. Should he not be able to go, here is how the Jaguars will proceed with coverage.

The scenarios at corner are then as follows:

* If Gratz plays, he will start at left corner with Demetrius McCray moving to Ball’s right corner spot. Gratz started the first four games of the season at left corner before sustaining a concussion. McCray has started there since, getting roughly twice the reps as Gratz the past three weeks.

*If Gratz doesn’t play, second-year Jeremy Harris will start at right corner with McCray staying at left. It would be Harris’ first NFL start.

*Veteran Will Blackmon will remain the nickel corner, but would move to corner if Harris or McCray are injured. In that scenario, safety Sherrod Martin likely will move to the nickel to replace Blackmon.

Don’t get the impression that someone like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace doesn’t know what’s going on in Jacksonville. In fact, the speedy pass catcher probably already has an idea of how he would like to try and carve up the Jaguars secondary since cornerback Alan Ball has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Miami and second-year corner Dwayne Gratz has been listed as questionable to play as well.

Still, these Jaguars are going to face the challenge, send the next man up and use the game plan that was drawn up earlier in the week to cover the Dolphins receivers.

“We’ve had to adjust a little bit,” Head Coach Gus Bradley said, on Jaguars.com.

Maybe a little bit is an understatement. The Dolphins have proven that their offense is getting better – and that is without running back Knowshon Moreno.

“Sometimes certain position groups may get hit throughout the season, and this week it’s the corner spot.”

Ball, who on Wednesday sought a second opinion on a biceps injury sustained against Cleveland Sunday, officially was ruled out Friday. While Ball was considered very doubtful throughout the week, Gratz’s situation was more of a surprise.

He practiced Wednesday, and then experienced tightness in his hip Thursday. He was listed as limited on the Thursday injury report, then did not practice Friday.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow, then on game day we’ll work it out and go from there,” Gratz said. “There was no specific thing. It was just tight and we tried to loosen it up and go out there and play. It didn’t work out as well as I planned it, but we’re being smart and doing the right things.”

Gratz was injured earlier in the season when he sustained a concussion in the team’s loss to San Diego.

Right now, Gratz is questionable – and has not been ruled out of the game on Sunday. Should he not be able to go, here is how the Jaguars will proceed with coverage.

The scenarios at corner are then as follows:

* If Gratz plays, he will start at left corner with Demetrius McCray moving to Ball’s right corner spot. Gratz started the first four games of the season at left corner before sustaining a concussion. McCray has started there since, getting roughly twice the reps as Gratz the past three weeks.

*If Gratz doesn’t play, second-year Jeremy Harris will start at right corner with McCray staying at left. It would be Harris’ first NFL start.

*Veteran Will Blackmon will remain the nickel corner, but would move to corner if Harris or McCray are injured. In that scenario, safety Sherrod Martin likely will move to the nickel to replace Blackmon.

Did the Tennessee Titans win or did the Jacksonville Jaguars loses? Regardless of the answer, there was a blocked kick at the end of regulation by Jaguars’ kicker Josh Scobee that helped the Titans secure their second win of the season and by doing so, kept Jacksonville winless at 0-6.

Sammie Hill blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds, and the Tennessee Titans held off the winless Jaguars 16-14 Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.

"Huge," Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey said. "We've been fighting for a win for so long and to come out with a win like this, it's kind of a bummer. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we fought to the end."

Jackie Battle ran for a touchdown, and Ryan Succop also kicked three field goals as the Titans (2-4) bounced back after blowing the biggest lead ever by a home team in the regular season with their loss last week to Cleveland.

"It was a relief," Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst said. "I think we kind of controlled the game most of the game, and we weren't able to sustain a drive in the second half to put it away. It would've been a little easier on everybody's hearts. It's a win, and we're very happy about it."

This was a game that was closely contested all four quarters, but in the end, the last 12 seconds of the contest made all the difference.

Here are three things we learned from Sunday’s game.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS CAME THROUGH

Injured quarterback Jake Locker was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst, who threw for 233 yards on the day.

Locker had plenty of company on the sideline as the Titans, who placed veteran starters, safety Bernard Pollard (Achilles tendon) and left tackle Michael Roos (right knee) on injured reserve this week, started three rookies.

Taylor Lewan, the No. 11 pick overall, replaced Roos. Second-round draft pick Bishop Sankey started at running back with Shonn Greene (hamstring) out.

Avery Williamson started his second straight game at inside linebacker. And the rookie returned a fumble 41 yards with 4:25 left to help seal the win.

MORE DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

While the Jaguars are winless, it does not mean the team does not have a defensive presence. The team went out and signed free agents to improve the pass rush. That has been a given this season and he front four for the team has played much better the past two weeks.

The Jaguars came in second in the NFL behind only the Bills and Jets with 16 sacks. They added three more of Whitehurst as they hit him repeatedly during the game.

300 YARDS AND COUNTING

The Jaguars have to be impressed with Blake Bortles performance. Bortles threw for 336 yards, his first 300-plus yard game of his career. It only took three games as a starter. Coincidently, Blaine Gabbert had only one 300-yard game in his career which spanned three seasons.

Did the Tennessee Titans win or did the Jacksonville Jaguars loses? Regardless of the answer, there was a blocked kick at the end of regulation by Jaguars’ kicker Josh Scobee that helped the Titans secure their second win of the season and by doing so, kept Jacksonville winless at 0-6.

Sammie Hill blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds, and the Tennessee Titans held off the winless Jaguars 16-14 Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.

"Huge," Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey said. "We've been fighting for a win for so long and to come out with a win like this, it's kind of a bummer. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we fought to the end."

Jackie Battle ran for a touchdown, and Ryan Succop also kicked three field goals as the Titans (2-4) bounced back after blowing the biggest lead ever by a home team in the regular season with their loss last week to Cleveland.

"It was a relief," Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst said. "I think we kind of controlled the game most of the game, and we weren't able to sustain a drive in the second half to put it away. It would've been a little easier on everybody's hearts. It's a win, and we're very happy about it."

This was a game that was closely contested all four quarters, but in the end, the last 12 seconds of the contest made all the difference.

Here are three things we learned from Sunday’s game.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS CAME THROUGH

Injured quarterback Jake Locker was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst, who threw for 233 yards on the day.

Locker had plenty of company on the sideline as the Titans, who placed veteran starters, safety Bernard Pollard (Achilles tendon) and left tackle Michael Roos (right knee) on injured reserve this week, started three rookies.

Taylor Lewan, the No. 11 pick overall, replaced Roos. Second-round draft pick Bishop Sankey started at running back with Shonn Greene (hamstring) out.

Avery Williamson started his second straight game at inside linebacker. And the rookie returned a fumble 41 yards with 4:25 left to help seal the win.

MORE DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

While the Jaguars are winless, it does not mean the team does not have a defensive presence. The team went out and signed free agents to improve the pass rush. That has been a given this season and he front four for the team has played much better the past two weeks.

The Jaguars came in second in the NFL behind only the Bills and Jets with 16 sacks. They added three more of Whitehurst as they hit him repeatedly during the game.

300 YARDS AND COUNTING

The Jaguars have to be impressed with Blake Bortles performance. Bortles threw for 336 yards, his first 300-plus yard game of his career. It only took three games as a starter. Coincidently, Blaine Gabbert had only one 300-yard game in his career which spanned three seasons.

Did the Tennessee Titans win or did the Jacksonville Jaguars loses? Regardless of the answer, there was a blocked kick at the end of regulation by Jaguars’ kicker Josh Scobee that helped the Titans secure their second win of the season and by doing so, kept Jacksonville winless at 0-6.

Sammie Hill blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds, and the Tennessee Titans held off the winless Jaguars 16-14 Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.

"Huge," Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey said. "We've been fighting for a win for so long and to come out with a win like this, it's kind of a bummer. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we fought to the end."

Jackie Battle ran for a touchdown, and Ryan Succop also kicked three field goals as the Titans (2-4) bounced back after blowing the biggest lead ever by a home team in the regular season with their loss last week to Cleveland.

"It was a relief," Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst said. "I think we kind of controlled the game most of the game, and we weren't able to sustain a drive in the second half to put it away. It would've been a little easier on everybody's hearts. It's a win, and we're very happy about it."

This was a game that was closely contested all four quarters, but in the end, the last 12 seconds of the contest made all the difference.

Here are three things we learned from Sunday’s game.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS CAME THROUGH

Injured quarterback Jake Locker was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst, who threw for 233 yards on the day.

Locker had plenty of company on the sideline as the Titans, who placed veteran starters, safety Bernard Pollard (Achilles tendon) and left tackle Michael Roos (right knee) on injured reserve this week, started three rookies.

Taylor Lewan, the No. 11 pick overall, replaced Roos. Second-round draft pick Bishop Sankey started at running back with Shonn Greene (hamstring) out.

Avery Williamson started his second straight game at inside linebacker. And the rookie returned a fumble 41 yards with 4:25 left to help seal the win.

MORE DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

While the Jaguars are winless, it does not mean the team does not have a defensive presence. The team went out and signed free agents to improve the pass rush. That has been a given this season and he front four for the team has played much better the past two weeks.

The Jaguars came in second in the NFL behind only the Bills and Jets with 16 sacks. They added three more of Whitehurst as they hit him repeatedly during the game.

300 YARDS AND COUNTING

The Jaguars have to be impressed with Blake Bortles performance. Bortles threw for 336 yards, his first 300-plus yard game of his career. It only took three games as a starter. Coincidently, Blaine Gabbert had only one 300-yard game in his career which spanned three seasons.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans are forever linked in NFL history.

The Titans (then Houston Oilers) handed the Jaguars their first ever loss in the first game of the team’s history. Five games later, the Jaguars earned their first win over the then Oilers.

In 1999, the Jacksonville Jaguars played flawless basketball against the NFL, racking up 14 wins on the season against only 2 losses. Those losses came at the hands of the Titans. And in the AFC Championship Game that season, the Titans beat the Jaguars in their house to advance to the playoffs.

To make matters worse, then head coach Jeff Fisher called Jacksonville the Titans “Home Away From Home.”

As this year begins to unravel (ok, it started a few weeks ago), this is a “must” win for both franchises.

Here are to things to watch for according to John Oehser and Jaguars.com.

1. Pressure the passer. If the Jaguars have had a strength defensively, this season this has been it. Their 16 sacks are third in the NFL – and they’re legitimate. Whether it’s Charlie Whitehurst or Jake Locker at quarterback for Tennessee Sunday – and it appears more and more likely it will be Whitehurst – the goal should be the same. Pressure the quarterback, force mistakes. That leads to …

2. Force turnovers. The Jaguars went more than four games – from the first half of Week 1 to the second half of Week 5 – without a turnover. Abry Jones broke that drought with a sack/fumble on Ben Roethlisberger Sunday. Turnovers can come in bunches. Get a bunch Sunday, or at least get a few at key times.

3. Turn turnovers into points. Remember the first-half rush in Philadelphia? The Jaguars weren’t just sacking Eagles quarterback Nick Foles; they were getting the ball on the ground and scoring touchdowns after they recovered it. That created an energy the Jaguars haven’t matched since. This team needs to create momentum to win. They need points from unexpected sources. Turnovers do that.

4. Ignore the buzz. There are those – even those in the fan base – who believe the Jaguars aren’t getting better, that the 0-5 record has defined the entire season. This is a better team than the one that lost to the Colts two weeks ago. It’s better than the team that lost to Washington in Week 2. It has been competitive the last two weeks, which means the Jaguars are getting closer. Turn close into closer, and then turn it into getting ahead and winning.

5. Stay bold. This is about the quarterback position. Blake Bortles is nothing if not confident. He is poised and believes he and the team for which he plays should be good. That’s a critical trait for any young quarterback. There will be mistakes and there will be losses. But Bortles must be bold and he must keep turning into a player 53 players believe can lead them. He also must keep having the confidence to make plays in the passing game. There’s no sign he’s losing that.

6. Smooth out the rough edges. Remember No. 6? Stay bold? Well, that’s true for Bortles, but as Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said this week, you don’t want to be so bold that it leads to crushing interceptions. All of the edges won’t be smooth by Sunday. Shoot, they won’t all be smooth this season – or ever. Quarterbacks make mistakes, particularly young ones, but the quicker Bortles eliminates the one or two game-changing interceptions, the quicker the Jaguars’ offense starts moving toward its potential.

7. Get open. The young receivers have shown flashes, but often when Bortles drops, the kids haven’t been open. At least not enough. Yes, they have been without Marqise Lee and Cecil Shorts III. Yes, too, the group is young still learning the intricacies of NFL rout-running. But for Bortles to be effective, receivers need more separation.

8. Catch the ball. Allen Hurns had three drops last week. Clay Harbor also had one. Mike Brown had one the week before. Wide receivers drop passes. It happens in the NFL. But you don’t want to make it a habit. Make the play when it’s there. Catch the ball.

9. Build on last week. This is for the defense overall. The unit made significant strides against Pittsburgh last week, holding the Steelers to a first-half field goal and a first-half touchdown. The secondary covered better and the unit as a whole built on a good performance the week before against the run. This offense isn’t going to be dominant, but if the defense can play as it did last week, it gives the offense an opportunity to score enough to win games.

10. Believe. It has been a long time since the Jaguars won. There have been a lot of double-digit losses this season. But the last two weeks have shown that this team has a formula – young quarterback; young, talented skill players; improving offensive line; scrappy defense – that should keep it in games. This is a team that can win. The first half of San Diego showed it, and the first three-and-a-half quarters against Pittsburgh showed it, too. Forget what outsiders say. Believe what you know. Believe you can win.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans are forever linked in NFL history.

The Titans (then Houston Oilers) handed the Jaguars their first ever loss in the first game of the team’s history. Five games later, the Jaguars earned their first win over the then Oilers.

In 1999, the Jacksonville Jaguars played flawless basketball against the NFL, racking up 14 wins on the season against only 2 losses. Those losses came at the hands of the Titans. And in the AFC Championship Game that season, the Titans beat the Jaguars in their house to advance to the playoffs.

To make matters worse, then head coach Jeff Fisher called Jacksonville the Titans “Home Away From Home.”

As this year begins to unravel (ok, it started a few weeks ago), this is a “must” win for both franchises.

Here are to things to watch for according to John Oehser and Jaguars.com.

1. Pressure the passer. If the Jaguars have had a strength defensively, this season this has been it. Their 16 sacks are third in the NFL – and they’re legitimate. Whether it’s Charlie Whitehurst or Jake Locker at quarterback for Tennessee Sunday – and it appears more and more likely it will be Whitehurst – the goal should be the same. Pressure the quarterback, force mistakes. That leads to …

2. Force turnovers. The Jaguars went more than four games – from the first half of Week 1 to the second half of Week 5 – without a turnover. Abry Jones broke that drought with a sack/fumble on Ben Roethlisberger Sunday. Turnovers can come in bunches. Get a bunch Sunday, or at least get a few at key times.

3. Turn turnovers into points. Remember the first-half rush in Philadelphia? The Jaguars weren’t just sacking Eagles quarterback Nick Foles; they were getting the ball on the ground and scoring touchdowns after they recovered it. That created an energy the Jaguars haven’t matched since. This team needs to create momentum to win. They need points from unexpected sources. Turnovers do that.

4. Ignore the buzz. There are those – even those in the fan base – who believe the Jaguars aren’t getting better, that the 0-5 record has defined the entire season. This is a better team than the one that lost to the Colts two weeks ago. It’s better than the team that lost to Washington in Week 2. It has been competitive the last two weeks, which means the Jaguars are getting closer. Turn close into closer, and then turn it into getting ahead and winning.

5. Stay bold. This is about the quarterback position. Blake Bortles is nothing if not confident. He is poised and believes he and the team for which he plays should be good. That’s a critical trait for any young quarterback. There will be mistakes and there will be losses. But Bortles must be bold and he must keep turning into a player 53 players believe can lead them. He also must keep having the confidence to make plays in the passing game. There’s no sign he’s losing that.

6. Smooth out the rough edges. Remember No. 6? Stay bold? Well, that’s true for Bortles, but as Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said this week, you don’t want to be so bold that it leads to crushing interceptions. All of the edges won’t be smooth by Sunday. Shoot, they won’t all be smooth this season – or ever. Quarterbacks make mistakes, particularly young ones, but the quicker Bortles eliminates the one or two game-changing interceptions, the quicker the Jaguars’ offense starts moving toward its potential.

7. Get open. The young receivers have shown flashes, but often when Bortles drops, the kids haven’t been open. At least not enough. Yes, they have been without Marqise Lee and Cecil Shorts III. Yes, too, the group is young still learning the intricacies of NFL rout-running. But for Bortles to be effective, receivers need more separation.

8. Catch the ball. Allen Hurns had three drops last week. Clay Harbor also had one. Mike Brown had one the week before. Wide receivers drop passes. It happens in the NFL. But you don’t want to make it a habit. Make the play when it’s there. Catch the ball.

9. Build on last week. This is for the defense overall. The unit made significant strides against Pittsburgh last week, holding the Steelers to a first-half field goal and a first-half touchdown. The secondary covered better and the unit as a whole built on a good performance the week before against the run. This offense isn’t going to be dominant, but if the defense can play as it did last week, it gives the offense an opportunity to score enough to win games.

10. Believe. It has been a long time since the Jaguars won. There have been a lot of double-digit losses this season. But the last two weeks have shown that this team has a formula – young quarterback; young, talented skill players; improving offensive line; scrappy defense – that should keep it in games. This is a team that can win. The first half of San Diego showed it, and the first three-and-a-half quarters against Pittsburgh showed it, too. Forget what outsiders say. Believe what you know. Believe you can win.

If there was ever optimism that the Jacksonville Jaguars could finally win their first game of the season on Sunday, it may have come in the form of news about the team’s wide receivers.

According to a report from Jaguars.com, Cecil Shorts III, a veteran wide receiver who has missed three of five games this season with hamstring issues, returned to practice on a full-participation basis.

That meant all of the Jaguars’ active wide receivers practiced full Thursday.

It also means the team could be a little more active in the passing game against the Tennessee Titans on the road.

“I think we need just to see him stack it up now,” Bradley said of Shorts.

If the Jaguars continue to show life in the offense and some continued success on the defensive side of the ball, with a unit that has 19 sacks in five games, the team could cause nightmares for whoever is behind center for Tennessee. Starter Jake Locker has a hand injury and it is not known whether he will play or will Charlie Whitehurst get the call. That could prove to be even better for Jacksonville on Sunday.

Here are four other things to know about this matchup.

GRATZ CLEARED TO PLAY

After suffering a concussion in the loss to San Diego two weeks ago, defensive back Dwayne Gratz was cleared to practice and play on Sunday. Gratz had a good practice on his second day back working after missing Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh with a concussion, Bradley said. Demetrius McCray, who started in place of Gratz Sunday, has worked with the first team in practice each of the last two days and is expected to start against Tennessee Sunday. “I thought Gratz really stood out today,” Bradley said. “He made a couple of plays that really stood out. That was good to see.

GERHART MISSED AGAIN

Running back Toby Gerhart, who has dealt with a foot/ankle injury since Week 1, missed practice with a foot injury after practicing full Wednesday. Gerhart has started each of the first five games this season, rushing for 123 yards on 48 carries. The Jaguars split running back repetitions between Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Denard Robinson and Storm Johnson against Pittsburgh last week.

BORTLES CONTINUES TO GAIN CONFIDENCE

Until he threw the interception for a touchdown last week that sealed the loss by the Jaguars, there was a feeling the rookie could win the game with his arm, ending the four-game losing streak. That did not happen.

Bortles is gaining more praise for his ability in the chance to win. One reason is that Bortles checked to about seven pass plays from run plays in the loss to Pittsburgh Sunday and another is that Bortles has thrown six interceptions in 10 quarters as a starter. While Bradley talked on Monday about having some run-only plays called and possibly discouraging Bortles from calling an audible in those situations, the overriding feeling is there’s no need or inclination to curtail the rookie quarterback. “He will be the first to admit that (he) has to make good decisions,” Bradley said. “We love his mentality and that’s not a concern of ours that you’ve got to handle with kid gloves.”

JAGUARS WIN

It is a strong possibility that the Titans have a better roster of players, but there is something to be said for confidence and growth and the ability to finally get it right. The Titans are 1-4, the Jaguars 0-5. But when you look at everything, you get the idea the Jaguars are about to finally get one in the win column.

JACKSONVILLE 17 TENNESSEE 14

If there was ever optimism that the Jacksonville Jaguars could finally win their first game of the season on Sunday, it may have come in the form of news about the team’s wide receivers.

According to a report from Jaguars.com, Cecil Shorts III, a veteran wide receiver who has missed three of five games this season with hamstring issues, returned to practice on a full-participation basis.

That meant all of the Jaguars’ active wide receivers practiced full Thursday.

It also means the team could be a little more active in the passing game against the Tennessee Titans on the road.

“I think we need just to see him stack it up now,” Bradley said of Shorts.

If the Jaguars continue to show life in the offense and some continued success on the defensive side of the ball, with a unit that has 19 sacks in five games, the team could cause nightmares for whoever is behind center for Tennessee. Starter Jake Locker has a hand injury and it is not known whether he will play or will Charlie Whitehurst get the call. That could prove to be even better for Jacksonville on Sunday.

Here are four other things to know about this matchup.

GRATZ CLEARED TO PLAY

After suffering a concussion in the loss to San Diego two weeks ago, defensive back Dwayne Gratz was cleared to practice and play on Sunday. Gratz had a good practice on his second day back working after missing Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh with a concussion, Bradley said. Demetrius McCray, who started in place of Gratz Sunday, has worked with the first team in practice each of the last two days and is expected to start against Tennessee Sunday. “I thought Gratz really stood out today,” Bradley said. “He made a couple of plays that really stood out. That was good to see.

GERHART MISSED AGAIN

Running back Toby Gerhart, who has dealt with a foot/ankle injury since Week 1, missed practice with a foot injury after practicing full Wednesday. Gerhart has started each of the first five games this season, rushing for 123 yards on 48 carries. The Jaguars split running back repetitions between Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Denard Robinson and Storm Johnson against Pittsburgh last week.

BORTLES CONTINUES TO GAIN CONFIDENCE

Until he threw the interception for a touchdown last week that sealed the loss by the Jaguars, there was a feeling the rookie could win the game with his arm, ending the four-game losing streak. That did not happen.

Bortles is gaining more praise for his ability in the chance to win. One reason is that Bortles checked to about seven pass plays from run plays in the loss to Pittsburgh Sunday and another is that Bortles has thrown six interceptions in 10 quarters as a starter. While Bradley talked on Monday about having some run-only plays called and possibly discouraging Bortles from calling an audible in those situations, the overriding feeling is there’s no need or inclination to curtail the rookie quarterback. “He will be the first to admit that (he) has to make good decisions,” Bradley said. “We love his mentality and that’s not a concern of ours that you’ve got to handle with kid gloves.”

JAGUARS WIN

It is a strong possibility that the Titans have a better roster of players, but there is something to be said for confidence and growth and the ability to finally get it right. The Titans are 1-4, the Jaguars 0-5. But when you look at everything, you get the idea the Jaguars are about to finally get one in the win column.

JACKSONVILLE 17 TENNESSEE 14

You could tell by the expression on Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley’s face he was not happy with the results on Sunday. Following a 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradley was not short on words, and his sentences were succinct – losing is not a part of the team’s culture. After the fifth straight loss of this season and the eighth overall since the Jaguars celebrated a victory which was last season.

One, there definitely was improvement.

“As a team, I truly believe we’re getting better,” Bradley said Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field.

Bradley said he saw improvement individually, from a defense that had its best game of the season and from rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

He also said the team’s spirit and will to improve remains strong – and he said that’s important.

At the same time …

“I also pointed out, to make something clear, that it’s not OK to lose,” Bradley said. “That’s also part of our culture. It is not OK. We set up our culture, we strive to get better, and we strive to be our best all for the very reason so that we can reach the objective of winning.

“It’s that strict. I want to make sure it’s clear to them that it’s not OK. They know it, but I think it’s a message that needs to be stressed.”

After continual double-digit losses, the nine-point loss has to be a step in the right direction. Right now, Jacksonville is one of two teams right now (Oakland) that does not have a victory this season. Fighting for the first pick in the NFL Draft was not what team general manager Dave Caldwell and Bradley had in mind for this season. Instead, there were thoughts by NFL media that this team would compete for a playoff spot. Right now, that is a pipe dream at best.

The Jaguars, after losing their first four games by a combined 152-58, trailed 10-9 early in the fourth quarter Sunday before Steelers cornerback Brice McClain intercepted Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and scored untouched on a 23-yard return.

The Jaguars held the Steelers offense to 10 points a week after allowing three long pass plays to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in a 33-14 loss.

“I feel like we’re getting closer,” Bradley said. “Our team feels like we’re getting closer, but it feels like we’re not there yet.  That was really the message for the team. They’re in good spirits, although you can tell it stings them. They felt like we missed an opportunity and we did, but we’ll learn from it and grow and move forward.”

Bradley during his meeting with the media emphasized the play of several players Sunday, including cornerback Demetrius McCray, running back Storm Johnson, defensive end Chris Clemons, safety Johnathan Cyprien and safety Josh Evans.

You could tell by the expression on Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley’s face he was not happy with the results on Sunday. Following a 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradley was not short on words, and his sentences were succinct – losing is not a part of the team’s culture. After the fifth straight loss of this season and the eighth overall since the Jaguars celebrated a victory which was last season.

One, there definitely was improvement.

“As a team, I truly believe we’re getting better,” Bradley said Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field.

Bradley said he saw improvement individually, from a defense that had its best game of the season and from rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

He also said the team’s spirit and will to improve remains strong – and he said that’s important.

At the same time …

“I also pointed out, to make something clear, that it’s not OK to lose,” Bradley said. “That’s also part of our culture. It is not OK. We set up our culture, we strive to get better, and we strive to be our best all for the very reason so that we can reach the objective of winning.

“It’s that strict. I want to make sure it’s clear to them that it’s not OK. They know it, but I think it’s a message that needs to be stressed.”

After continual double-digit losses, the nine-point loss has to be a step in the right direction. Right now, Jacksonville is one of two teams right now (Oakland) that does not have a victory this season. Fighting for the first pick in the NFL Draft was not what team general manager Dave Caldwell and Bradley had in mind for this season. Instead, there were thoughts by NFL media that this team would compete for a playoff spot. Right now, that is a pipe dream at best.

The Jaguars, after losing their first four games by a combined 152-58, trailed 10-9 early in the fourth quarter Sunday before Steelers cornerback Brice McClain intercepted Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and scored untouched on a 23-yard return.

The Jaguars held the Steelers offense to 10 points a week after allowing three long pass plays to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in a 33-14 loss.

“I feel like we’re getting closer,” Bradley said. “Our team feels like we’re getting closer, but it feels like we’re not there yet.  That was really the message for the team. They’re in good spirits, although you can tell it stings them. They felt like we missed an opportunity and we did, but we’ll learn from it and grow and move forward.”

Bradley during his meeting with the media emphasized the play of several players Sunday, including cornerback Demetrius McCray, running back Storm Johnson, defensive end Chris Clemons, safety Johnathan Cyprien and safety Josh Evans.

You could tell by the expression on Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley’s face he was not happy with the results on Sunday. Following a 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradley was not short on words, and his sentences were succinct – losing is not a part of the team’s culture. After the fifth straight loss of this season and the eighth overall since the Jaguars celebrated a victory which was last season.

One, there definitely was improvement.

“As a team, I truly believe we’re getting better,” Bradley said Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field.

Bradley said he saw improvement individually, from a defense that had its best game of the season and from rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

He also said the team’s spirit and will to improve remains strong – and he said that’s important.

At the same time …

“I also pointed out, to make something clear, that it’s not OK to lose,” Bradley said. “That’s also part of our culture. It is not OK. We set up our culture, we strive to get better, and we strive to be our best all for the very reason so that we can reach the objective of winning.

“It’s that strict. I want to make sure it’s clear to them that it’s not OK. They know it, but I think it’s a message that needs to be stressed.”

After continual double-digit losses, the nine-point loss has to be a step in the right direction. Right now, Jacksonville is one of two teams right now (Oakland) that does not have a victory this season. Fighting for the first pick in the NFL Draft was not what team general manager Dave Caldwell and Bradley had in mind for this season. Instead, there were thoughts by NFL media that this team would compete for a playoff spot. Right now, that is a pipe dream at best.

The Jaguars, after losing their first four games by a combined 152-58, trailed 10-9 early in the fourth quarter Sunday before Steelers cornerback Brice McClain intercepted Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and scored untouched on a 23-yard return.

The Jaguars held the Steelers offense to 10 points a week after allowing three long pass plays to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in a 33-14 loss.

“I feel like we’re getting closer,” Bradley said. “Our team feels like we’re getting closer, but it feels like we’re not there yet.  That was really the message for the team. They’re in good spirits, although you can tell it stings them. They felt like we missed an opportunity and we did, but we’ll learn from it and grow and move forward.”

Bradley during his meeting with the media emphasized the play of several players Sunday, including cornerback Demetrius McCray, running back Storm Johnson, defensive end Chris Clemons, safety Johnathan Cyprien and safety Josh Evans.