Today is an excellent day for this topic following the Jaguars' 5th consecutive exasperating defeat. Prior to game 1, my expectations for this team were very positive due to the promise of the new acquisitions on the roster and coaching staff. I expected a slow start due to the natural "growing pains" when a roster and coaching staff experiences such a dramatic turnover rate. I predicted the team would win 6-8 games, but get much better as the season progressed.

This season has gone nothing like I expected. The wins over the Chargers and Colts gave our fanbase an unreasonable amount of expectations. In hindsight, both those teams were missing several key players but the Jaguars did play extremely well in both games. The subsequent 5 losses have been the most frustrating consecutive losses in team history. We have undoubtably played much worse during previous losing streaks, but our expectations were low due to terrible rosters and poor coaching (mostly Gus and Meyer). Most would agree that losing a close game is harder to take than a blowout and every one of the 5 losses was very close. I believe the Jaguars roster was equal to or better than all 5 teams with the exception of the Chargers, who were playing without several key players and with a quarterback at about 70%. We could easily point to 1 or 2 "boneheaded" plays primarily responsible for each loss. What would the record be without Travon Walker's 2 roughing penalties, Lawrence's unexplainable interceptions (especially today on 1st and goal at the one) and Etienne's dropped passes at the most inopportune times?

After today's heartbreak, I decided to take a week off from everything Jaguars (except this site which allows me to vent). I won't be watching the game next Sunday which is a first in 27 seasons, 25 of which I was a season ticket holder. Losing to a bad Raiders' team who got blown out today would seriously threaten my mental health! Of course, I will still watch the Red Zone next week and hope the Jaguars can beat the Raiders. I only see 2 potential "winnable" games going forward (Raiders and Texans), although Detroit is pretty bad, also. It will be interesting to see how the locker-room handles another painful loss. I don't see this team quitting, but the lack of success can't help but lower their confidence. This especially applies to Lawrence. I don't agree with those who have already labeled him as a bust since he is only in his 2nd year and 1st with a good coaching staff. He has improved this season, but the interceptions and overthrows must be corrected if he is to become a quarterback that can eventually lead this team to the "promised land." It is anyone's guess whether he can learn from his mistakes and not let all this adversity destroy his confidence for the future.

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