O-Zone Late Night, Week 9: Eagles 28, Jaguars 23

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – This felt inevitable, but then suddenly it wasn't.

The Jaguars lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The 28-23 result was a bit bizarre – and once again very frustrating for a Jaguars team that continues to fight but continues to come up short in critical moments.

It was a tough, tough matchup for the Jaguars – and for the second straight game, they nearly overcame a slow, slow start. But for the second time in a row, a dramatic – and at least somewhat brave – attempt failed in the second half.

The Jaguars were tied 28-23 on first-and-10 at the Eagles 13 shortly after the two-minute warning, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence's pass into the end zone to running back D'Ernest Johnson was intercepted by linebacker Nakobe Dean.

The Jaguars are 2-7 with three losses in their last five games. The schedule doesn't get any easier, with games against the Minnesota Vikings at home, the Detroit Lions away and the Houston Texans at home in the coming weeks.

They're all competitive teams, and it seems like it's been a long time for the good guys to compete against each other. Sigh.

Andrew from Los Angeles, California

Well, now what? Are we going to another remodel? No one can bring a spark. I really like head coach Doug Pederson, but there needs to be a change.

Eight games remain in the 2024 regular season. The Jaguars are 2-7, so I'm not saying these questions are unfair. And if the season continues like this, it is hard to imagine that changes in many areas will not be taken into account. That's the nature of the NFL. As for the specific nature of such a change… that's an important storyline for the next eight weeks. Stay tuned.

Is it time to make the playoffs yet? Do you think they can win the rest of the season?

It's time to make the playoffs. I don’t think the Jaguars will “win” the rest of the season.

Haney from Little Elm, TX

Um… just me really. I don't know. I don't even know what question to ask at this point.

It was that kind of season. The Jaguars have lost five games by five points or fewer, with all five losses decided in the final five minutes. That doesn't mean they're good. Good teams win games like this. It makes this season strange, confusing and very frustrating.

Jaguars do jaguar things. Who is Trammell anyway?

Austin Trammell is a veteran wide receiver who was called up from the practice squad on Saturday and returned punts on Sunday. He fumbled the first punt of the game, which led directly to the Eagles' first touchdown – a 20-yard pass from Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to running back Saquon Barkley. This was Trammell's first regular season appearance for the Jaguars, which makes your question understandable and the outcome of the game unfortunate. The Jaguars really needed a fast start and really couldn't have any stupid turnovers on Sunday. It was a tough start.

This team is fascinating. It's like there's a contagious disease running rampant in the locker room. Who will make a game-changing mistake on this ride? And how will it happen? Now I watch the games without passion, but with a certain amount of curious amusement. Interestingly, I feel like most Jags players view every game the same way.

It's the NFL. Most games are close. The good guys with big players find a way to win enough to get to the postseason. The bad teams find a way to stay well under .500.

Alex from St. Augustine, FL

Why doesn't Montaric Brown start ahead of Ronald Darby?

Because the coaches believe Darby is better at cornerback right now.

Scott from Fernandina Beach, FL

Imagine you are a Jaguars team playing 4 quarters.

This is a valid and incredibly relevant thought. Slow starts have become a prevalent and nerve-wracking trend that has defined the Jaguars' season. The team has not scored a first-drive offensive touchdown in the last 14 games and the offense managed just one first down in the first half on Sunday. The Jaguars played well in the second half on Sunday – and with fire and courage. They did the same thing last Sunday in the loss to the Green Bay Packers. But it's hard to beat contending teams that have double-digit deficits. It's just like that.

We win a lot of coin tosses, so we did it.

This was the much-hyped, sometimes gravity-defying, rarely whispered first email of the game. The Jaguars seem to win a lot of coin tosses, and they won the coin toss on Sunday. Things went wrong a little too quickly after that, so it didn't seem as relevant anymore. But the Jaguars are 2-7, so who am I to say what's relevant?

Keith from St. Augustine, FL

A first down in the first half?

Jeff from Atlantic Beach, FL

The Jaguars are really good at making the simple things look incredibly difficult.

This also applies to teams that lose.