Jaguars Week 2 Home Opener Loss to Browns

JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars’ 18-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns in a 2024 Week 2 game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Sunday

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. Simply baffling. The good news for the Jaguars Sunday: They didn’t quit and made what looked for a time like a one-sided game tight in the fourth quarter. The truthful news is not quitting isn’t enough in the NFL – and 0-2 with two tight losses is still 0-2, which isn’t good enough. Head Coach Doug Pederson was visibly frustrated afterward. That’s understandable considering this is a veteran team with established playmakers who aren’t making big plays at critical times. Also baffling: The Jaguars in a key early-season home opener played a remarkably sluggish first half with seemingly little energy – allowing the Browns to take what turned out to be an insurmountable lead. “That’s something we need to we need to look into and find out why,” Pederson said. “We have an opportunity to play a football game. We’re blessed to coach and play. You should be excited about stepping on the field and giving everything you have. It’s something I have to figure out with the guys and see what’s going on.” Pederson seemed befuddled at multiple aspects of Sunday’s game. This was just one, but it was a big one.
2. A good sign (maybe). Searching for good signs for a 0-2 team that expected to be better isn’t easy. But if there is one, it might be quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s demeanor in the post-game press conference. The fourth-year veteran from this view was as angry and pointed as he has been after any loss in his four NFL seasons. While he typically is as candid and as transparent as possible in these circumstances, Sunday was different. He spoke with an edge and an urgency. He seemed tired of the mistakes that have plagued this team through two games. He called for players,…