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The Jacksonville Jaguars know they will have a full complement of offensive linemen when they ply at Cincinnati on Sunday,

The team announced that left tackle Luke Joeckel has been cleared to play after suffering a concussion last Sunday versus Miami.

According to Jaguars.com, the situation on the offensive line is improved, so now the team can focus on changes being made on the defensive side of the ball, most notably at linebacker.

Joeckel, the Jaguars’ starting left tackle in the first eight games of the season, was listed as probable on the team’s injury report Friday, with all indications he will start when the Jaguars visit the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday.

“I’d be shocked if we didn’t (have Joeckel Sunday),” Head Coach Gus Bradley said as the Jaguars (1-7) prepared to play the Bengals (4-2-1).

Joeckel, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, left a loss to Miami last Sunday with a concussion, and after missing practice Wednesday returned on a limited basis Thursday. He worked full in practice Friday.

“I missed out on Wednesday’s practice, but I’ve done the walkthroughs and all that stuff,” Joeckel said. “I feel good to go. I’ve watched plenty of film, so I’m ready to go.”

The team got some other good news when defensive back Dwayne Gratz was listed as probable for Sunday. His play has been limited throughout the week as elbow and groin issues continue to plague him.

Jeremiah George, signed off the New York Jets’ practice squad September 23, is expected to have an expanded role and could start at middle linebacker. If that happens, J.T. Thomas – who started at middle linebacker last week with starter Paul Posluszny (torn pectoral) having gone on injured reserve – would return to the Otto linebacker spot. Thomas started at Otto Weeks 3-7.

Dekoda Watson, who started at the Otto in Week 8, is questionable with a hamstring injury, with Bradley saying the decision to give George an expanded role was more about George earning an opportunity than anything else.

“He’s caught our attention,” Bradley said. “His speed, his instincts all caught our eye. We were waiting for him to see how well he could pick up the defense. He showed really well last week, then had another good week on top of it. He’s caught our eye.”

Bradley added that Thomas has proven he can play well at the Otto.

In other Jaguars news…

• Cornerback Will Blackmon (finger) and defensive end Andre Branch (groin) missed practice and will be out Sunday. Blackmon is out an extended period and Branch is expected to miss about five more weeks. Neither is expected to make the trip to Cincinnati or to London the week afterward.
• Safety Sherrod Martin is expected to play the nickel Sunday with Blackmon having played there the first eight weeks of the season. It will be Martin’s first extensive playing time since sustaining anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries in December 2012 while playing with Carolina. Martin, a second-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft from Troy, started for Carolina in 2010 and 2011. He has played five snaps this season. “When you get your opportunity, you have to step in and capitalize on it,” Martin said. “You just have to put your best foot forward.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars know they will have a full complement of offensive linemen when they ply at Cincinnati on Sunday,

The team announced that left tackle Luke Joeckel has been cleared to play after suffering a concussion last Sunday versus Miami.

According to Jaguars.com, the situation on the offensive line is improved, so now the team can focus on changes being made on the defensive side of the ball, most notably at linebacker.

Joeckel, the Jaguars’ starting left tackle in the first eight games of the season, was listed as probable on the team’s injury report Friday, with all indications he will start when the Jaguars visit the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday.

“I’d be shocked if we didn’t (have Joeckel Sunday),” Head Coach Gus Bradley said as the Jaguars (1-7) prepared to play the Bengals (4-2-1).

Joeckel, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, left a loss to Miami last Sunday with a concussion, and after missing practice Wednesday returned on a limited basis Thursday. He worked full in practice Friday.

“I missed out on Wednesday’s practice, but I’ve done the walkthroughs and all that stuff,” Joeckel said. “I feel good to go. I’ve watched plenty of film, so I’m ready to go.”

The team got some other good news when defensive back Dwayne Gratz was listed as probable for Sunday. His play has been limited throughout the week as elbow and groin issues continue to plague him.

Jeremiah George, signed off the New York Jets’ practice squad September 23, is expected to have an expanded role and could start at middle linebacker. If that happens, J.T. Thomas – who started at middle linebacker last week with starter Paul Posluszny (torn pectoral) having gone on injured reserve – would return to the Otto linebacker spot. Thomas started at Otto Weeks 3-7.

Dekoda Watson, who started at the Otto in Week 8, is questionable with a hamstring injury, with Bradley saying the decision to give George an expanded role was more about George earning an opportunity than anything else.

“He’s caught our attention,” Bradley said. “His speed, his instincts all caught our eye. We were waiting for him to see how well he could pick up the defense. He showed really well last week, then had another good week on top of it. He’s caught our eye.”

Bradley added that Thomas has proven he can play well at the Otto.

In other Jaguars news…

• Cornerback Will Blackmon (finger) and defensive end Andre Branch (groin) missed practice and will be out Sunday. Blackmon is out an extended period and Branch is expected to miss about five more weeks. Neither is expected to make the trip to Cincinnati or to London the week afterward.
• Safety Sherrod Martin is expected to play the nickel Sunday with Blackmon having played there the first eight weeks of the season. It will be Martin’s first extensive playing time since sustaining anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries in December 2012 while playing with Carolina. Martin, a second-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft from Troy, started for Carolina in 2010 and 2011. He has played five snaps this season. “When you get your opportunity, you have to step in and capitalize on it,” Martin said. “You just have to put your best foot forward.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to have to finish the season with yet another defensive player being placed in injured reserve.

The team announced, through its website on Wednesday that cornerback Alan Ball was placed on season ending injured reserve. Last week, the team placed linebacker and leading tackler Paul Posluszny on season ending IR and also announced that defensive end Andre Branch would be out 6-8 weeks with a groin injury.

According to jaguars.com, Ball, a seventh-year veteran and a starter in 22 of 24 games since joining the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in the 2013 offseason, finished the 2014 season with an interception, three passes defensed and 22 tackles. He had two interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 2013, when he started 15 games.

Second-year veterans Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray started against Miami last week with Ball injured. Gratz had opened the season at left corner starting opposite Ball, with McCray taking over that spot after Gratz sustained a concussion in Week 4 at San Diego. McCray had remained the starter after Gratz returned to health.

McCray is expected to start at left cornerback with Gratz starting at right corner.

Jaguars nickel corner Will Blackmon sustained a fractured finger against Miami. That leaves the corner position with Jeremy Harris backing up Gratz and McCray, with rookie Aaron Colvin possibly being activated this week to play the nickel spot.

The Jaguars also could move safety Sherrod Martin to the nickel, and they also have first-year veteran Peyton Thompson available at corner. Thompson was signed from the practice squad Saturday.

SIZING UP THE BENGALS

As the Jaguars prepare for their road game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team still has plenty of questions regarding its recent play. The team opens up as an 11-point underdog. Can this team regroup from a poor offensive output last week and concentrate on winning on the road?

Here are a few questions from jaguars.com that needs to be answered.

Will the picks stop?

This overshadows all other Jaguars topics right now. Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles has thrown 12 interceptions in six games. Four have gone for touchdowns, including two Sunday in the loss to Miami. He knows they must stop. He’s also a rookie going through an NFL learning curve. Until that learning curve flattens out and involves fewer turnovers, this will be a weekly topic.

Can they keep running?

The Jaguars couldn’t run in Weeks 1-6. That changed over the last two Sundays when Denard Robinson ran for 122 and 108 yards and helped the Jaguars have to an average of 181 yards a game. Teams could soon see this as strength and defend it accordingly.

Can A.J. Green be stopped?

The first question here should be, “Will Green play?” The All-Pro wide receiver has missed the last three games with a toe injury, but has said this week he expects to play. The second question is, “How effective will be?” He has said he doubts he will be 100 percent again this season. Still, 80 percent of Green is better than most NFL receivers. Jaguar’s corners Demetrius McCray and Dwayne Gratz played well last week. They’ll need to do it again Sunday.

Can the trend continue?

The Jaguars’ defense has been dominant the last four games, with no opponent scoring more than 16 points and the defense providing sacks and turnovers. Now, injuries are starting to pile up. No Paul Posluszny. No Andre Branch. No Alan Ball. No Will Blackmon. The defense played through significant losses last week. Can they do it again, on the road, against a team with A.J. Green? We’re about to find out.

When will the offense grow up?

Bortles is not the only hot topic on offense. The Jaguars are playing a rookie quarterback, three rookie wide receivers and potentially three rookie linemen on offense. That’s just one of the reasons the team is struggling to finish drives. Red-zone efficiency and clutch, touchdown-producing plays are generally the domain of experienced players. The Jaguars don’t have many of those, and they won’t this season. When will they grow up? Realistically, not for a while…but the sooner the better.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to have to finish the season with yet another defensive player being placed in injured reserve.

The team announced, through its website on Wednesday that cornerback Alan Ball was placed on season ending injured reserve. Last week, the team placed linebacker and leading tackler Paul Posluszny on season ending IR and also announced that defensive end Andre Branch would be out 6-8 weeks with a groin injury.

According to jaguars.com, Ball, a seventh-year veteran and a starter in 22 of 24 games since joining the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in the 2013 offseason, finished the 2014 season with an interception, three passes defensed and 22 tackles. He had two interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 2013, when he started 15 games.

Second-year veterans Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray started against Miami last week with Ball injured. Gratz had opened the season at left corner starting opposite Ball, with McCray taking over that spot after Gratz sustained a concussion in Week 4 at San Diego. McCray had remained the starter after Gratz returned to health.

McCray is expected to start at left cornerback with Gratz starting at right corner.

Jaguars nickel corner Will Blackmon sustained a fractured finger against Miami. That leaves the corner position with Jeremy Harris backing up Gratz and McCray, with rookie Aaron Colvin possibly being activated this week to play the nickel spot.

The Jaguars also could move safety Sherrod Martin to the nickel, and they also have first-year veteran Peyton Thompson available at corner. Thompson was signed from the practice squad Saturday.

SIZING UP THE BENGALS

As the Jaguars prepare for their road game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team still has plenty of questions regarding its recent play. The team opens up as an 11-point underdog. Can this team regroup from a poor offensive output last week and concentrate on winning on the road?

Here are a few questions from jaguars.com that needs to be answered.

Will the picks stop?

This overshadows all other Jaguars topics right now. Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles has thrown 12 interceptions in six games. Four have gone for touchdowns, including two Sunday in the loss to Miami. He knows they must stop. He’s also a rookie going through an NFL learning curve. Until that learning curve flattens out and involves fewer turnovers, this will be a weekly topic.

Can they keep running?

The Jaguars couldn’t run in Weeks 1-6. That changed over the last two Sundays when Denard Robinson ran for 122 and 108 yards and helped the Jaguars have to an average of 181 yards a game. Teams could soon see this as strength and defend it accordingly.

Can A.J. Green be stopped?

The first question here should be, “Will Green play?” The All-Pro wide receiver has missed the last three games with a toe injury, but has said this week he expects to play. The second question is, “How effective will be?” He has said he doubts he will be 100 percent again this season. Still, 80 percent of Green is better than most NFL receivers. Jaguar’s corners Demetrius McCray and Dwayne Gratz played well last week. They’ll need to do it again Sunday.

Can the trend continue?

The Jaguars’ defense has been dominant the last four games, with no opponent scoring more than 16 points and the defense providing sacks and turnovers. Now, injuries are starting to pile up. No Paul Posluszny. No Andre Branch. No Alan Ball. No Will Blackmon. The defense played through significant losses last week. Can they do it again, on the road, against a team with A.J. Green? We’re about to find out.

When will the offense grow up?

Bortles is not the only hot topic on offense. The Jaguars are playing a rookie quarterback, three rookie wide receivers and potentially three rookie linemen on offense. That’s just one of the reasons the team is struggling to finish drives. Red-zone efficiency and clutch, touchdown-producing plays are generally the domain of experienced players. The Jaguars don’t have many of those, and they won’t this season. When will they grow up? Realistically, not for a while…but the sooner the better.

After Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins, rookie quarterback Blake Bortles took to the podium and did the right thing – he put the Jaguars 27-13 loss on his play behind center. The UCF product said he has to get better if this team is going to make progress.

The problem with accepting the team’s loss on his back is that these are the same issues he has faced week after week, especially when it comes to throwing interceptions at the most inopportune time.

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, the Jaguars hadn't been losing games because of Bortles' mistakes -- there were far too many other reasons -- but that changed against the Miami Dolphins. Bortles committed three turnovers, including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, and finally did keep the Jaguars from winning.

"I'm killing us," Bortles said after the Dolphins' 27-13 victory at EverBank Field. "I've got to try to eliminate different things and get better."

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.

While the Dolphins defense is nothing to sneeze at, the team will be on the road, facing Cincinnati this coming week with Dallas in two weeks at Wembley Stadium in London.

"It's going to happen. I think it's part of it [learning to be an NFL quarterback]," Bortles said. "Obviously you don't want to do it but it's going to happen and there's no reason to think about it or dwell on it or do anything. You can't do anything. It's over with. It's done. So try to move on and not let it happen again."

The problem is those are mistakes he has made before. Repeatedly, and as recently as last week against Cleveland. That's the most disturbing part of what happened Sunday. Bortles, who has thrown 12 interceptions in six games (five in the last two) and is on pace to tie Peyton Manning's rookie record of 28, doesn't seem to be learning from his mistakes.

GAME NOTES:

Jaguars running back Denard Robinson finished with 108 yards on the ground, the first Jacksonville player to top the century mark in consecutive games since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2011. ... Dolphins left guard Daryn Colledge left the game with migraines. His replacement, Nate Garner, came in for one play before leaving with an ankle injury. ... Jaguars recorded three sacks and allowed four.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to have to finish the season with yet another defensive player being placed in injured reserve.

The team announced, through its website on Wednesday that cornerback Alan Ball was placed on season ending injured reserve. Last week, the team placed linebacker and leading tackler Paul Posluszny on season ending IR and also announced that defensive end Andre Branch would be out 6-8 weeks with a groin injury.

According to jaguars.com, Ball, a seventh-year veteran and a starter in 22 of 24 games since joining the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in the 2013 offseason, finished the 2014 season with an interception, three passes defensed and 22 tackles. He had two interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 2013, when he started 15 games.

Second-year veterans Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray started against Miami last week with Ball injured. Gratz had opened the season at left corner starting opposite Ball, with McCray taking over that spot after Gratz sustained a concussion in Week 4 at San Diego. McCray had remained the starter after Gratz returned to health.

McCray is expected to start at left cornerback with Gratz starting at right corner.

Jaguars nickel corner Will Blackmon sustained a fractured finger against Miami. That leaves the corner position with Jeremy Harris backing up Gratz and McCray, with rookie Aaron Colvin possibly being activated this week to play the nickel spot.

The Jaguars also could move safety Sherrod Martin to the nickel, and they also have first-year veteran Peyton Thompson available at corner. Thompson was signed from the practice squad Saturday.

SIZING UP THE BENGALS

As the Jaguars prepare for their road game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team still has plenty of questions regarding its recent play. The team opens up as an 11-point underdog. Can this team regroup from a poor offensive output last week and concentrate on winning on the road?

Here are a few questions from jaguars.com that needs to be answered.

Will the picks stop?

This overshadows all other Jaguars topics right now. Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles has thrown 12 interceptions in six games. Four have gone for touchdowns, including two Sunday in the loss to Miami. He knows they must stop. He’s also a rookie going through an NFL learning curve. Until that learning curve flattens out and involves fewer turnovers, this will be a weekly topic.

Can they keep running?

The Jaguars couldn’t run in Weeks 1-6. That changed over the last two Sundays when Denard Robinson ran for 122 and 108 yards and helped the Jaguars have to an average of 181 yards a game. Teams could soon see this as strength and defend it accordingly.

Can A.J. Green be stopped?

The first question here should be, “Will Green play?” The All-Pro wide receiver has missed the last three games with a toe injury, but has said this week he expects to play. The second question is, “How effective will be?” He has said he doubts he will be 100 percent again this season. Still, 80 percent of Green is better than most NFL receivers. Jaguar’s corners Demetrius McCray and Dwayne Gratz played well last week. They’ll need to do it again Sunday.

Can the trend continue?

The Jaguars’ defense has been dominant the last four games, with no opponent scoring more than 16 points and the defense providing sacks and turnovers. Now, injuries are starting to pile up. No Paul Posluszny. No Andre Branch. No Alan Ball. No Will Blackmon. The defense played through significant losses last week. Can they do it again, on the road, against a team with A.J. Green? We’re about to find out.

When will the offense grow up?

Bortles is not the only hot topic on offense. The Jaguars are playing a rookie quarterback, three rookie wide receivers and potentially three rookie linemen on offense. That’s just one of the reasons the team is struggling to finish drives. Red-zone efficiency and clutch, touchdown-producing plays are generally the domain of experienced players. The Jaguars don’t have many of those, and they won’t this season. When will they grow up? Realistically, not for a while…but the sooner the better.

After Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins, rookie quarterback Blake Bortles took to the podium and did the right thing – he put the Jaguars 27-13 loss on his play behind center. The UCF product said he has to get better if this team is going to make progress.

The problem with accepting the team’s loss on his back is that these are the same issues he has faced week after week, especially when it comes to throwing interceptions at the most inopportune time.

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, the Jaguars hadn't been losing games because of Bortles' mistakes -- there were far too many other reasons -- but that changed against the Miami Dolphins. Bortles committed three turnovers, including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, and finally did keep the Jaguars from winning.

"I'm killing us," Bortles said after the Dolphins' 27-13 victory at EverBank Field. "I've got to try to eliminate different things and get better."

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.

While the Dolphins defense is nothing to sneeze at, the team will be on the road, facing Cincinnati this coming week with Dallas in two weeks at Wembley Stadium in London.

"It's going to happen. I think it's part of it [learning to be an NFL quarterback]," Bortles said. "Obviously you don't want to do it but it's going to happen and there's no reason to think about it or dwell on it or do anything. You can't do anything. It's over with. It's done. So try to move on and not let it happen again."

The problem is those are mistakes he has made before. Repeatedly, and as recently as last week against Cleveland. That's the most disturbing part of what happened Sunday. Bortles, who has thrown 12 interceptions in six games (five in the last two) and is on pace to tie Peyton Manning's rookie record of 28, doesn't seem to be learning from his mistakes.

GAME NOTES:

Jaguars running back Denard Robinson finished with 108 yards on the ground, the first Jacksonville player to top the century mark in consecutive games since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2011. ... Dolphins left guard Daryn Colledge left the game with migraines. His replacement, Nate Garner, came in for one play before leaving with an ankle injury. ... Jaguars recorded three sacks and allowed four.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to have to finish the season with yet another defensive player being placed in injured reserve.

The team announced, through its website on Wednesday that cornerback Alan Ball was placed on season ending injured reserve. Last week, the team placed linebacker and leading tackler Paul Posluszny on season ending IR and also announced that defensive end Andre Branch would be out 6-8 weeks with a groin injury.

According to jaguars.com, Ball, a seventh-year veteran and a starter in 22 of 24 games since joining the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in the 2013 offseason, finished the 2014 season with an interception, three passes defensed and 22 tackles. He had two interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 2013, when he started 15 games.

Second-year veterans Dwayne Gratz and Demetrius McCray started against Miami last week with Ball injured. Gratz had opened the season at left corner starting opposite Ball, with McCray taking over that spot after Gratz sustained a concussion in Week 4 at San Diego. McCray had remained the starter after Gratz returned to health.

McCray is expected to start at left cornerback with Gratz starting at right corner.

Jaguars nickel corner Will Blackmon sustained a fractured finger against Miami. That leaves the corner position with Jeremy Harris backing up Gratz and McCray, with rookie Aaron Colvin possibly being activated this week to play the nickel spot.

The Jaguars also could move safety Sherrod Martin to the nickel, and they also have first-year veteran Peyton Thompson available at corner. Thompson was signed from the practice squad Saturday.

SIZING UP THE BENGALS

As the Jaguars prepare for their road game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team still has plenty of questions regarding its recent play. The team opens up as an 11-point underdog. Can this team regroup from a poor offensive output last week and concentrate on winning on the road?

Here are a few questions from jaguars.com that needs to be answered.

Will the picks stop?

This overshadows all other Jaguars topics right now. Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles has thrown 12 interceptions in six games. Four have gone for touchdowns, including two Sunday in the loss to Miami. He knows they must stop. He’s also a rookie going through an NFL learning curve. Until that learning curve flattens out and involves fewer turnovers, this will be a weekly topic.

Can they keep running?

The Jaguars couldn’t run in Weeks 1-6. That changed over the last two Sundays when Denard Robinson ran for 122 and 108 yards and helped the Jaguars have to an average of 181 yards a game. Teams could soon see this as strength and defend it accordingly.

Can A.J. Green be stopped?

The first question here should be, “Will Green play?” The All-Pro wide receiver has missed the last three games with a toe injury, but has said this week he expects to play. The second question is, “How effective will be?” He has said he doubts he will be 100 percent again this season. Still, 80 percent of Green is better than most NFL receivers. Jaguar’s corners Demetrius McCray and Dwayne Gratz played well last week. They’ll need to do it again Sunday.

Can the trend continue?

The Jaguars’ defense has been dominant the last four games, with no opponent scoring more than 16 points and the defense providing sacks and turnovers. Now, injuries are starting to pile up. No Paul Posluszny. No Andre Branch. No Alan Ball. No Will Blackmon. The defense played through significant losses last week. Can they do it again, on the road, against a team with A.J. Green? We’re about to find out.

When will the offense grow up?

Bortles is not the only hot topic on offense. The Jaguars are playing a rookie quarterback, three rookie wide receivers and potentially three rookie linemen on offense. That’s just one of the reasons the team is struggling to finish drives. Red-zone efficiency and clutch, touchdown-producing plays are generally the domain of experienced players. The Jaguars don’t have many of those, and they won’t this season. When will they grow up? Realistically, not for a while…but the sooner the better.

After Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins, rookie quarterback Blake Bortles took to the podium and did the right thing – he put the Jaguars 27-13 loss on his play behind center. The UCF product said he has to get better if this team is going to make progress.

The problem with accepting the team’s loss on his back is that these are the same issues he has faced week after week, especially when it comes to throwing interceptions at the most inopportune time.

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, the Jaguars hadn't been losing games because of Bortles' mistakes -- there were far too many other reasons -- but that changed against the Miami Dolphins. Bortles committed three turnovers, including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, and finally did keep the Jaguars from winning.

"I'm killing us," Bortles said after the Dolphins' 27-13 victory at EverBank Field. "I've got to try to eliminate different things and get better."

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.

While the Dolphins defense is nothing to sneeze at, the team will be on the road, facing Cincinnati this coming week with Dallas in two weeks at Wembley Stadium in London.

"It's going to happen. I think it's part of it [learning to be an NFL quarterback]," Bortles said. "Obviously you don't want to do it but it's going to happen and there's no reason to think about it or dwell on it or do anything. You can't do anything. It's over with. It's done. So try to move on and not let it happen again."

The problem is those are mistakes he has made before. Repeatedly, and as recently as last week against Cleveland. That's the most disturbing part of what happened Sunday. Bortles, who has thrown 12 interceptions in six games (five in the last two) and is on pace to tie Peyton Manning's rookie record of 28, doesn't seem to be learning from his mistakes.

GAME NOTES:

Jaguars running back Denard Robinson finished with 108 yards on the ground, the first Jacksonville player to top the century mark in consecutive games since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2011. ... Dolphins left guard Daryn Colledge left the game with migraines. His replacement, Nate Garner, came in for one play before leaving with an ankle injury. ... Jaguars recorded three sacks and allowed four.

After Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins, rookie quarterback Blake Bortles took to the podium and did the right thing – he put the Jaguars 27-13 loss on his play behind center. The UCF product said he has to get better if this team is going to make progress.

The problem with accepting the team’s loss on his back is that these are the same issues he has faced week after week, especially when it comes to throwing interceptions at the most inopportune time.

According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, the Jaguars hadn't been losing games because of Bortles' mistakes -- there were far too many other reasons -- but that changed against the Miami Dolphins. Bortles committed three turnovers, including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, and finally did keep the Jaguars from winning.

"I'm killing us," Bortles said after the Dolphins' 27-13 victory at EverBank Field. "I've got to try to eliminate different things and get better."

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.

While the Dolphins defense is nothing to sneeze at, the team will be on the road, facing Cincinnati this coming week with Dallas in two weeks at Wembley Stadium in London.

"It's going to happen. I think it's part of it [learning to be an NFL quarterback]," Bortles said. "Obviously you don't want to do it but it's going to happen and there's no reason to think about it or dwell on it or do anything. You can't do anything. It's over with. It's done. So try to move on and not let it happen again."

The problem is those are mistakes he has made before. Repeatedly, and as recently as last week against Cleveland. That's the most disturbing part of what happened Sunday. Bortles, who has thrown 12 interceptions in six games (five in the last two) and is on pace to tie Peyton Manning's rookie record of 28, doesn't seem to be learning from his mistakes.

GAME NOTES:

Jaguars running back Denard Robinson finished with 108 yards on the ground, the first Jacksonville player to top the century mark in consecutive games since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2011. ... Dolphins left guard Daryn Colledge left the game with migraines. His replacement, Nate Garner, came in for one play before leaving with an ankle injury. ... Jaguars recorded three sacks and allowed four.

There ain’t nothing wrong with a little interstate rivalry. The Dolphins travel to Jacksonville this weekend to face the Jaguars in a game that is now a “must win” for both teams as they march forward in the second half of the season.

For the Dolphins, a win means continued momentum. It is proof positive that Miami is marching toward the postseason and is the definitive second best team in the AFC East.

For the Jaguars, a win – along with the one last week against Cleveland – means the franchise has turned on the switch and is ready to be taken somewhat seriously in an AFC that is truly up for grabs with the exception of Denver.

Can the Dolphins get another road win? Here are five keys to a victory on Sunday – according to miamidolphins.com.

Run The Ball - Most of the consistent teams in the NFL usually control the line of scrimmage and have the ability to run the football. It sets the tone for the game and gives the offense flexibility in play calling and play action passing game. I believe this is where quarterback Ryan Tannehill excelled last week in the first half, using a positive running game and turning it into space in the passing game. Also Tannehill's ability to execute the zone-read just adds to the running totals and completely freezes the edge of the defense.

Miami is fourth in the league in rushing averaging 136.3 yards per game and facing a Jaguars defense minus arguably their best defender in linebacker Paul Posluszny. This unit likes to get after opposing quarterbacks - Jacksonville's 22 sacks rank 2nd in the NFL - so it would be beneficial for the Dolphins to continue to have balance in their offensive attack.

Play With The Lead - It must have been a great feeling for this team last week to generate a 14-0 lead and take that two touchdown spread into halftime. It's only the second time this season - the Oakland game in London - the Dolphins have been able to gain an advantage after 30 minutes, and in both games, that lead allowed both sides of the football to play at their desired tempo.

The offense doesn't need to press or lean on the passing game, and the defense can mix it up, not relying on creating pressure with exotic pressures that might expose a secondary. The fast start on offense last week looked like a continuation of the second half execution against Green Bay and let's hope there's more of the same in North Florida on Sunday.

Squeeze Bortles - It's been fun to watch this defense get after the quarterback this year, from Tom Brady in the opener to chasing Aaron Rodgers all over the field two weeks ago. This week comes a different challenge in rookie quarterback Blake Bortles, who has some of the same characteristics as Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger. Bortles stands at 6'5 232 pounds and is not afraid to take chances down the field, but also completes a high percentage of throws.

He can also use his elusiveness to shake off pass rushers and use his legs to extend the play. It will be important for the front seven to get consistent pressure on the rookie early, which might get his eyes looking out for the pass rush instead of scanning the secondary for room to fit the football into.

Keep The Red Zone Green - This is one area on the field where Miami must convert and find a way to get into the end zone against the Jaguars. The last couple of weeks, this offense didn't execute consistently (fourth and goal against Green Bay and a blocked field goal against Chicago) and failed to convert positive field position into easy points.

The Dolphins defense set the table three times (plus 23, 16 and 35 yard line) and the offense could only generate 10 points.

This is the formula that Jacksonville used last week to beat the Browns, where the Jaguars defense held Cleveland to only six points and also stopped them on a fourth and one on the 24-yard line. Miami has been efficient for the most part converting chances into touchdowns (53 percent) and this must continue on the road against Jacksonville.

Stay Aggressive - Now is the time for this team to start stacking up the W's and creating some separation from the bottom of the AFC East. Now is the time to keep pace with New England and matching a victory with a victory. In order to do that this team needs to stay aggressive in the way they approach each week, every quarter and every series.

The Miami Dolphins have enough talent to make a run and are proficient in all aspects to get this win in Jacksonville on Sunday, and the way to do that is to keep attacking on both sides of the ball. If the Dolphins continue to attack and be aggressive against a team that they are more talented in across the board, it should be enough to come out of EverBank Field with a win on Sunday.

There ain’t nothing wrong with a little interstate rivalry. The Dolphins travel to Jacksonville this weekend to face the Jaguars in a game that is now a “must win” for both teams as they march forward in the second half of the season.

For the Dolphins, a win means continued momentum. It is proof positive that Miami is marching toward the postseason and is the definitive second best team in the AFC East.

For the Jaguars, a win – along with the one last week against Cleveland – means the franchise has turned on the switch and is ready to be taken somewhat seriously in an AFC that is truly up for grabs with the exception of Denver.

Can the Dolphins get another road win? Here are five keys to a victory on Sunday – according to miamidolphins.com.

Run The Ball - Most of the consistent teams in the NFL usually control the line of scrimmage and have the ability to run the football. It sets the tone for the game and gives the offense flexibility in play calling and play action passing game. I believe this is where quarterback Ryan Tannehill excelled last week in the first half, using a positive running game and turning it into space in the passing game. Also Tannehill's ability to execute the zone-read just adds to the running totals and completely freezes the edge of the defense.

Miami is fourth in the league in rushing averaging 136.3 yards per game and facing a Jaguars defense minus arguably their best defender in linebacker Paul Posluszny. This unit likes to get after opposing quarterbacks - Jacksonville's 22 sacks rank 2nd in the NFL - so it would be beneficial for the Dolphins to continue to have balance in their offensive attack.

Play With The Lead - It must have been a great feeling for this team last week to generate a 14-0 lead and take that two touchdown spread into halftime. It's only the second time this season - the Oakland game in London - the Dolphins have been able to gain an advantage after 30 minutes, and in both games, that lead allowed both sides of the football to play at their desired tempo.

The offense doesn't need to press or lean on the passing game, and the defense can mix it up, not relying on creating pressure with exotic pressures that might expose a secondary. The fast start on offense last week looked like a continuation of the second half execution against Green Bay and let's hope there's more of the same in North Florida on Sunday.

Squeeze Bortles - It's been fun to watch this defense get after the quarterback this year, from Tom Brady in the opener to chasing Aaron Rodgers all over the field two weeks ago. This week comes a different challenge in rookie quarterback Blake Bortles, who has some of the same characteristics as Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger. Bortles stands at 6'5 232 pounds and is not afraid to take chances down the field, but also completes a high percentage of throws.

He can also use his elusiveness to shake off pass rushers and use his legs to extend the play. It will be important for the front seven to get consistent pressure on the rookie early, which might get his eyes looking out for the pass rush instead of scanning the secondary for room to fit the football into.

Keep The Red Zone Green - This is one area on the field where Miami must convert and find a way to get into the end zone against the Jaguars. The last couple of weeks, this offense didn't execute consistently (fourth and goal against Green Bay and a blocked field goal against Chicago) and failed to convert positive field position into easy points.

The Dolphins defense set the table three times (plus 23, 16 and 35 yard line) and the offense could only generate 10 points.

This is the formula that Jacksonville used last week to beat the Browns, where the Jaguars defense held Cleveland to only six points and also stopped them on a fourth and one on the 24-yard line. Miami has been efficient for the most part converting chances into touchdowns (53 percent) and this must continue on the road against Jacksonville.

Stay Aggressive - Now is the time for this team to start stacking up the W's and creating some separation from the bottom of the AFC East. Now is the time to keep pace with New England and matching a victory with a victory. In order to do that this team needs to stay aggressive in the way they approach each week, every quarter and every series.

The Miami Dolphins have enough talent to make a run and are proficient in all aspects to get this win in Jacksonville on Sunday, and the way to do that is to keep attacking on both sides of the ball. If the Dolphins continue to attack and be aggressive against a team that they are more talented in across the board, it should be enough to come out of EverBank Field with a win on Sunday.

There ain’t nothing wrong with a little interstate rivalry. The Dolphins travel to Jacksonville this weekend to face the Jaguars in a game that is now a “must win” for both teams as they march forward in the second half of the season.

For the Dolphins, a win means continued momentum. It is proof positive that Miami is marching toward the postseason and is the definitive second best team in the AFC East.

For the Jaguars, a win – along with the one last week against Cleveland – means the franchise has turned on the switch and is ready to be taken somewhat seriously in an AFC that is truly up for grabs with the exception of Denver.

Can the Dolphins get another road win? Here are five keys to a victory on Sunday – according to miamidolphins.com.

Run The Ball - Most of the consistent teams in the NFL usually control the line of scrimmage and have the ability to run the football. It sets the tone for the game and gives the offense flexibility in play calling and play action passing game. I believe this is where quarterback Ryan Tannehill excelled last week in the first half, using a positive running game and turning it into space in the passing game. Also Tannehill's ability to execute the zone-read just adds to the running totals and completely freezes the edge of the defense.

Miami is fourth in the league in rushing averaging 136.3 yards per game and facing a Jaguars defense minus arguably their best defender in linebacker Paul Posluszny. This unit likes to get after opposing quarterbacks - Jacksonville's 22 sacks rank 2nd in the NFL - so it would be beneficial for the Dolphins to continue to have balance in their offensive attack.

Play With The Lead - It must have been a great feeling for this team last week to generate a 14-0 lead and take that two touchdown spread into halftime. It's only the second time this season - the Oakland game in London - the Dolphins have been able to gain an advantage after 30 minutes, and in both games, that lead allowed both sides of the football to play at their desired tempo.

The offense doesn't need to press or lean on the passing game, and the defense can mix it up, not relying on creating pressure with exotic pressures that might expose a secondary. The fast start on offense last week looked like a continuation of the second half execution against Green Bay and let's hope there's more of the same in North Florida on Sunday.

Squeeze Bortles - It's been fun to watch this defense get after the quarterback this year, from Tom Brady in the opener to chasing Aaron Rodgers all over the field two weeks ago. This week comes a different challenge in rookie quarterback Blake Bortles, who has some of the same characteristics as Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger. Bortles stands at 6'5 232 pounds and is not afraid to take chances down the field, but also completes a high percentage of throws.

He can also use his elusiveness to shake off pass rushers and use his legs to extend the play. It will be important for the front seven to get consistent pressure on the rookie early, which might get his eyes looking out for the pass rush instead of scanning the secondary for room to fit the football into.

Keep The Red Zone Green - This is one area on the field where Miami must convert and find a way to get into the end zone against the Jaguars. The last couple of weeks, this offense didn't execute consistently (fourth and goal against Green Bay and a blocked field goal against Chicago) and failed to convert positive field position into easy points.

The Dolphins defense set the table three times (plus 23, 16 and 35 yard line) and the offense could only generate 10 points.

This is the formula that Jacksonville used last week to beat the Browns, where the Jaguars defense held Cleveland to only six points and also stopped them on a fourth and one on the 24-yard line. Miami has been efficient for the most part converting chances into touchdowns (53 percent) and this must continue on the road against Jacksonville.

Stay Aggressive - Now is the time for this team to start stacking up the W's and creating some separation from the bottom of the AFC East. Now is the time to keep pace with New England and matching a victory with a victory. In order to do that this team needs to stay aggressive in the way they approach each week, every quarter and every series.

The Miami Dolphins have enough talent to make a run and are proficient in all aspects to get this win in Jacksonville on Sunday, and the way to do that is to keep attacking on both sides of the ball. If the Dolphins continue to attack and be aggressive against a team that they are more talented in across the board, it should be enough to come out of EverBank Field with a win on Sunday.

While the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrated their first win of the 2014 season on Sunday, the team lost two key players on defense – the same unit that helped key the Cleveland Browns to six points.

Paul Posluszny, the Jaguars’ starting middle linebacker and the team’s on-field defensive leader, will be placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. Announcing the situation on Monday, Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley left no doubt: This is an important player, who played a critical role on and off the field.

And he will be missed.

“It’s a big loss,” Bradley said on Jaguars.com Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Field. “He’s been playing really well lately.

“He’s been playing well ever since I’ve been here, but I think he’s really coming into his own and really understands the defense. He really takes total command of the defense. That will be a difficult one.”

The news regarding Posluszny came the same day the Jaguars announced that defensive end Andre Branch will miss about six weeks with a torn groin muscle sustained against the Browns. Branch has three sacks this season.

While Posluszny is the heart and soul and definitive leader of the defense, there isn’t a belief that the team will got out and sign a veteran to play in the middle for the Jaguars defense. The team signed Dekota Watson in the offseason and will count more on the play of J.T. Thomas and rookie linebacker Telvin Smith.

Smith had a sack and interception in the 24-6 win on Sunday.

Watson or LaRoy Reynolds likely will play the Otto outside linebacker position. Watson was signed as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason to play the Otto, and when he missed the offseason and much of training camp with a groin injury, Reynolds started the first three games of the regular season.

Bradley said the position will be competitive this week, and that Watson has improved in recent weeks.

While the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrated their first win of the 2014 season on Sunday, the team lost two key players on defense – the same unit that helped key the Cleveland Browns to six points.

Paul Posluszny, the Jaguars’ starting middle linebacker and the team’s on-field defensive leader, will be placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. Announcing the situation on Monday, Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley left no doubt: This is an important player, who played a critical role on and off the field.

And he will be missed.

“It’s a big loss,” Bradley said on Jaguars.com Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Field. “He’s been playing really well lately.

“He’s been playing well ever since I’ve been here, but I think he’s really coming into his own and really understands the defense. He really takes total command of the defense. That will be a difficult one.”

The news regarding Posluszny came the same day the Jaguars announced that defensive end Andre Branch will miss about six weeks with a torn groin muscle sustained against the Browns. Branch has three sacks this season.

While Posluszny is the heart and soul and definitive leader of the defense, there isn’t a belief that the team will got out and sign a veteran to play in the middle for the Jaguars defense. The team signed Dekota Watson in the offseason and will count more on the play of J.T. Thomas and rookie linebacker Telvin Smith.

Smith had a sack and interception in the 24-6 win on Sunday.

Watson or LaRoy Reynolds likely will play the Otto outside linebacker position. Watson was signed as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason to play the Otto, and when he missed the offseason and much of training camp with a groin injury, Reynolds started the first three games of the regular season.

Bradley said the position will be competitive this week, and that Watson has improved in recent weeks.

On Sundays, the media is usually looking to Blake Bortles to make something happen for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team has found another rising star who can now help lead the team this week.

Behind 127 yards rushing from Denard Robinson and the play of rookie linebacker Telvin Smith, the Jaguars finally won its first game of the season, 24-6 over the Cleveland Browns.

Robinson was named the starter this week as the team has tried to find a rushing attack since Toby Gerhart went down with an injury the first game of the season. Jacksonville stopped a nin-game losing streak and won for the first time since December of last year.

Cleveland, which entered the game with the league's third-best rushing attack, was held in check most of the day. The Browns ran 30 times for 69 yards, including 36 by Ben Tate. Jacksonville ran 35 times for 185 yards, the team's most in Bradley's two seasons.

Robinson's 8-yard TD run in the fourth quarter provided some cushion, and rookie Storm Johnson added a 4-yard scoring run a few minutes later -- the exclamation point in Jacksonville's third home victory in the last three seasons.

The Jaguars made up for two near misses the last two weeks against Pittsburgh and Tennessee. Here are three things we learned in the Jaguars first win.

RUNNING TO DAYLIGHT

This is the first time the Jaguars have had a 100-yard rushers since last season when Maurice Jones-Drew accomplished the feat. Robinson was a quarterback in college at Michigan and was drafted by the Jaguars last season to play running back. The Jaguars also got a rushing touchdown from Storm Johnson with the score 17-6 in the fourth quarter. Johnson was in the same backfield as Blake Bortles at UCF in college.

HE IS JUST A ROOKIE

Not to complain about anything to do with the team’s performance, but Blake Bortles did play like a rookie on Sunday. Although he did throw a 31-yard scoring strike to Allen Robinson, the UCF passer threw three interceptions on the day. Bortles threw for 159 yards and a touchdown, but the three interceptions which could have been costly during the game. One was deep in the Browns territory, which stopped a scoring drive.

NEWS AND NOTES

The Browns failed to score 21 points for first time this season. ... The Jaguars have allowed two touchdowns in their last three games. ... The Jaguars DE Andre Branch (groin) left the locker room on crutches. ... The Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny will have an MRI on his right shoulder.

On Sundays, the media is usually looking to Blake Bortles to make something happen for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team has found another rising star who can now help lead the team this week.

Behind 127 yards rushing from Denard Robinson and the play of rookie linebacker Telvin Smith, the Jaguars finally won its first game of the season, 24-6 over the Cleveland Browns.

Robinson was named the starter this week as the team has tried to find a rushing attack since Toby Gerhart went down with an injury the first game of the season. Jacksonville stopped a nin-game losing streak and won for the first time since December of last year.

Cleveland, which entered the game with the league's third-best rushing attack, was held in check most of the day. The Browns ran 30 times for 69 yards, including 36 by Ben Tate. Jacksonville ran 35 times for 185 yards, the team's most in Bradley's two seasons.

Robinson's 8-yard TD run in the fourth quarter provided some cushion, and rookie Storm Johnson added a 4-yard scoring run a few minutes later -- the exclamation point in Jacksonville's third home victory in the last three seasons.

The Jaguars made up for two near misses the last two weeks against Pittsburgh and Tennessee. Here are three things we learned in the Jaguars first win.

RUNNING TO DAYLIGHT

This is the first time the Jaguars have had a 100-yard rushers since last season when Maurice Jones-Drew accomplished the feat. Robinson was a quarterback in college at Michigan and was drafted by the Jaguars last season to play running back. The Jaguars also got a rushing touchdown from Storm Johnson with the score 17-6 in the fourth quarter. Johnson was in the same backfield as Blake Bortles at UCF in college.

HE IS JUST A ROOKIE

Not to complain about anything to do with the team’s performance, but Blake Bortles did play like a rookie on Sunday. Although he did throw a 31-yard scoring strike to Allen Robinson, the UCF passer threw three interceptions on the day. Bortles threw for 159 yards and a touchdown, but the three interceptions which could have been costly during the game. One was deep in the Browns territory, which stopped a scoring drive.

NEWS AND NOTES

The Browns failed to score 21 points for first time this season. ... The Jaguars have allowed two touchdowns in their last three games. ... The Jaguars DE Andre Branch (groin) left the locker room on crutches. ... The Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny will have an MRI on his right shoulder.

On Sundays, the media is usually looking to Blake Bortles to make something happen for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team has found another rising star who can now help lead the team this week.

Behind 127 yards rushing from Denard Robinson and the play of rookie linebacker Telvin Smith, the Jaguars finally won its first game of the season, 24-6 over the Cleveland Browns.

Robinson was named the starter this week as the team has tried to find a rushing attack since Toby Gerhart went down with an injury the first game of the season. Jacksonville stopped a nin-game losing streak and won for the first time since December of last year.

Cleveland, which entered the game with the league's third-best rushing attack, was held in check most of the day. The Browns ran 30 times for 69 yards, including 36 by Ben Tate. Jacksonville ran 35 times for 185 yards, the team's most in Bradley's two seasons.

Robinson's 8-yard TD run in the fourth quarter provided some cushion, and rookie Storm Johnson added a 4-yard scoring run a few minutes later -- the exclamation point in Jacksonville's third home victory in the last three seasons.

The Jaguars made up for two near misses the last two weeks against Pittsburgh and Tennessee. Here are three things we learned in the Jaguars first win.

RUNNING TO DAYLIGHT

This is the first time the Jaguars have had a 100-yard rushers since last season when Maurice Jones-Drew accomplished the feat. Robinson was a quarterback in college at Michigan and was drafted by the Jaguars last season to play running back. The Jaguars also got a rushing touchdown from Storm Johnson with the score 17-6 in the fourth quarter. Johnson was in the same backfield as Blake Bortles at UCF in college.

HE IS JUST A ROOKIE

Not to complain about anything to do with the team’s performance, but Blake Bortles did play like a rookie on Sunday. Although he did throw a 31-yard scoring strike to Allen Robinson, the UCF passer threw three interceptions on the day. Bortles threw for 159 yards and a touchdown, but the three interceptions which could have been costly during the game. One was deep in the Browns territory, which stopped a scoring drive.

NEWS AND NOTES

The Browns failed to score 21 points for first time this season. ... The Jaguars have allowed two touchdowns in their last three games. ... The Jaguars DE Andre Branch (groin) left the locker room on crutches. ... The Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny will have an MRI on his right shoulder.

On Sundays, the media is usually looking to Blake Bortles to make something happen for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team has found another rising star who can now help lead the team this week.

Behind 127 yards rushing from Denard Robinson and the play of rookie linebacker Telvin Smith, the Jaguars finally won its first game of the season, 24-6 over the Cleveland Browns.

Robinson was named the starter this week as the team has tried to find a rushing attack since Toby Gerhart went down with an injury the first game of the season. Jacksonville stopped a nin-game losing streak and won for the first time since December of last year.

Cleveland, which entered the game with the league's third-best rushing attack, was held in check most of the day. The Browns ran 30 times for 69 yards, including 36 by Ben Tate. Jacksonville ran 35 times for 185 yards, the team's most in Bradley's two seasons.

Robinson's 8-yard TD run in the fourth quarter provided some cushion, and rookie Storm Johnson added a 4-yard scoring run a few minutes later -- the exclamation point in Jacksonville's third home victory in the last three seasons.

The Jaguars made up for two near misses the last two weeks against Pittsburgh and Tennessee. Here are three things we learned in the Jaguars first win.

RUNNING TO DAYLIGHT

This is the first time the Jaguars have had a 100-yard rushers since last season when Maurice Jones-Drew accomplished the feat. Robinson was a quarterback in college at Michigan and was drafted by the Jaguars last season to play running back. The Jaguars also got a rushing touchdown from Storm Johnson with the score 17-6 in the fourth quarter. Johnson was in the same backfield as Blake Bortles at UCF in college.

HE IS JUST A ROOKIE

Not to complain about anything to do with the team’s performance, but Blake Bortles did play like a rookie on Sunday. Although he did throw a 31-yard scoring strike to Allen Robinson, the UCF passer threw three interceptions on the day. Bortles threw for 159 yards and a touchdown, but the three interceptions which could have been costly during the game. One was deep in the Browns territory, which stopped a scoring drive.

NEWS AND NOTES

The Browns failed to score 21 points for first time this season. ... The Jaguars have allowed two touchdowns in their last three games. ... The Jaguars DE Andre Branch (groin) left the locker room on crutches. ... The Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny will have an MRI on his right shoulder.

Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said he wanted the loss to Tennessee to hurt a little bit so the team could learn from it. The Jaguars, a team that has lost six straight games this season and have lost eight in a row over the course of two seasons, failed to capture an opportunity to earn their first win of the season on a missed field goal in the closing seconds of a 16-14 loss to the Titans.

Jacksonville’s defense appears to be headed in the right direction and the play of rookie quarter Blake Bortles dazzled with his first 300-yard passing game of the season.

Questions about the running game and offensive line remain, however the steps are more toward the good, than towards the bad when three weeks ago, this was a team that was beaten by 31 points on the road.

Here is what we learned from the loss at Tennessee on Sunday, according to Jaguars.com senior writer, John Oesher.

1. Close hurts. The Jaguars’ post-game locker room was a quiet, disconsolate place Sunday. This is a team that feels like its close and it is indeed getting closer. The Jaguars have been competitive for a half in one of Blake Bortles’ starts and were competitive for the entire game in his other two starts. That’s better than before. But this is also fast becoming a team that knows close isn’t enough. On Sunday, it was again a team that came close and this time, close really hurt.

2. Blake Bortles is developing … It appears we’re going to keep learning this the rest of the year, and that’s a good thing for the Jaguars. Bortles led a productive opening drive Sunday and stayed poised late. He threw for 336 yards despite being sacked six times. He continues to look the part and is remarkably in control and comfortable for a player making his third NFL starts. Those are good things.

3. … and he’s not yet perfect. It was difficult to tell at first look what happened on Bortles’ lone interception Sunday, a third-quarter pass to wide receiver Allen Hurns. The rookie receiver either slipped or tripped on the play, but cornerback Blidi Wreh Wilson also appeared to have a read on the pass and made a pretty easy interception. That play tilted the game’s momentum, with the Titans turning the opportunity into a field goal and a 16-7 lead.

4. But the arrow is way, way up on the quarterback. We can analyze the interception all we want – and some absolutely want. But Bortles completed 32 of 46 passes for 336 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He looked in control in the pocket and was poised at the end of the game with the Jaguars trying to rally. Those are all very, very good signs.

5. Stats aren’t everything. The Jaguars had 27 first downs to 14 for the Titans and they outgained Tennessee 379-290, but they never led in the second half and needed an unlikely onside kick recovery to have a chance at a miracle at the end. A good sign for the Jaguars to dominate statistically; a better sign would be eliminating the mistakes that prevented them from taking advantage of the statistics.

6. The offensive line’s work in progress … remains in progress. The line allowed 10 sacks against Washington in Week 2. This game wasn’t that, but the line allowed six sacks and there were spurts in the middle of the game – particularly the second quarter – where the pressure put the Jaguars in too many difficult down-and-distance situations. The pass blocking took a step forward the last couple of weeks. This was not a step forward.

7. The work in progress isn’t just pass protection. The Jaguars wanted to establish the run Sunday. Early on, offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch called plays to do so, but by game’s end the Jaguars had 82 yards on 23 carries with Bortles rushing for 38 yards on five carries. That’s not enough production from the backs, and too often Sunday, the holes just weren’t there.

8. It wasn’t all Gerhart’s fault after all. Jaguar’s running back Toby Gerhart had taken a lot of heat the last two weeks. Well, Storm Johnson started for an injury Gerhart on Sunday and rushed for 21 yards on 10 carries. In the NFL, the running game usually is line-centric and the Jaguars’ line is still searching for the experience and continuity needed for consistency.