The Jaguars received relegation marks for their fight to the end in a 23-20 loss to Houston

Times-Union sports columnist Gene Frenette evaluates the Jaguars’ performance in a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans based on effort, execution and game circumstances.

Attack: B-minus

Until concussed quarterback Trevor Lawrence was carted off the field in the second quarter after an illegal hit by Texas linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, the Jaguars’ offense hadn’t done much. That left arm on Lawrence’s helmet sparked two separate scuffles that seemingly lit fires on the Jaguars’ offensive line. The Jaguars ran six straight and picked up a couple of first downs, setting up Cam Little’s 33-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 6-3 at halftime.

The Jaguars had just 43 yards on their first four possessions and 57 yards on the scoring drive at the end of the half. Backup QB Mac Jones came off the bench after two disastrous performances in his previous two starts and delivered a strong performance considering the Jaguars are missing receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Jones had by far his best performance for his hometown team, completing 20 of 32 passes for 235 yards and two TDs (105.6 rating).

Unfortunately, the Jaguars couldn’t do much ground play as Travis Etienne only managed 46 yards on 13 carries. Parker Washington (6 catches, 103 yards) and Brian Thomas Jr. (4 catches, 76 yards) each had TD receptions in the fourth quarter that sparked a late rally. The offensive line was excellent in pass defense as the Texans had no sacks after eight sacks last week against the Tennessee Titans.

More than a loss:Trevor Lawrence’s concussion overshadows the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans

Defense: C-plus

Houston’s suspect offensive line had more trouble on defense, as Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen registered sacks in the first half, which contributed to the Texans’ inability to get into the end zone despite two red zone penetrations. But when Ryan Nielsen’s unit got going with two offensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter, it couldn’t make the one more stop needed to give Jones a chance to tie or win.

Houston ran the ball five times in a row with Joe Mixon (20 carries, 101 yards), got two first downs and ran the final 3:31. Texas QB CJ Stroud (22 of 34, 242 yards, 1 TD, 95.5 rating) did just enough to help his team avoid a fourth loss in the last five games and maintain their 2-game lead in the AFC South in front of the newcomer Indianapolis Colts had a bye week.

Special Teams: C

Rookie kicker Cam Little saw his streak of 15 straight field goals come to an end when a 55-yard attempt missed the target after previous attempts from 33 and 30 yards. The missed FG set up a touchdown for the Texans, extending their lead to 23-6. His only miss came in Week 2, when a 43-yard attempt against the Cleveland Browns failed at the right upright. Logan Cooke hit two punts inside the 20-yard line in the first half, but had a rare short kick of just 38 yards in the third quarter that was returned by Tank Dell from 21 yards. This set up a field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn. Houston gave Devin Duvernay three chances to rebound, but none went longer than 25 yards.

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