After enjoying a strong preseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars were looking at their Week 2 meeting with the Houston Texans as a chance to prove it wasn't all for nothing.
A strong showing against the Texans — win or lose — would have spelled an interesting next few weeks, at least according to the guys over at Big Cat Country. But after a franchise-low for offensive yards was posted against the Texans on Sunday, the bloggers were sure any momentum gained previously was gone.
After watching the Jaguars fall apart against the Texans, I can deliver this message: All momentum is lost, ladies and gentlemen. Every last bit is gone. Do not confuse that with me saying: The season is over/lost.
The historically bad offensive showing for the Jaguars was the focal point of much of the criticism.
Blaine Gabbert played with a distressed look on his face throughout the game as none of the WR's looked open and the line constantly allowed pressure, though I only saw through the broadcast angles. All-Pro RB Maurice Jones-Drew couldn't get to the line of scrimmage with regularity, though that was hardly his own fault. The run game did not work, the pass game did not work. The offensive line, in short, got dominated.
The blog has not yet turned to complete panic, but stressed that the performance Sunday was not easy to stomach.
The season isn't over and let's not write every national media pundit to complain about the way they write about backup QB Chade Henne replacing Gabbert in the 4th quarter. ... However, if the abysmal play continues..... well, let's cross that bridge when we get there.
For more Jaguars coverage, check out all the posts at Big Cat Country.