JACKSONVILLE – A day later, Gus Bradley found plenty to like.
And if a lot of what the Jaguars' head coach liked Monday was the same stuff he liked immediately after Sunday's victory over the Miami Dolphins, that's OK.
It was that sort of day – and that sort of victory.
In the wake of an emotional 23-20 victory at EverBank Field on Sunday, Bradley had praised the Jaguars overall for responding to adversity, making timely plays and for showing fight throughout a "hard-fought" second half.
He said reviewing the game Monday revealed the same traits.
"I thought it was really a great victory, total team effort," Bradley said a day after the Jaguars (1-1) won in September for the first time in his three seasons as head coach.
"We talk about playing hard, playing fast and playing together. I thought we saw multiple examples of those things taking place all week."
Bradley said he also was pleased the Jaguars played composed in a "heightened environment" Sunday, with the defense holding the Dolphins scoreless after a Miami touchdown early in the third quarter. The defense held Miami to three fourth-quarter first downs, none on the final three series.
Quarterback Blake Bortles and the Jaguars' offense managed just 123 yards in the second half after scoring 20 first-half points and producing 273 first-half yards. But on their final series, the Jaguars drove 66 yards to set up a 28-yard, game-winning field goal by rookie kicker Jason Myers.
Bortles completed three of four passes for 46 yards on that drive.
"We are looking for guys that can quickly recover (from adversity): 'It happened, next play, let's move forward …'" Bradley said during his next-day press conference Monday. "Again, countless examples of that. Overall total team effort. All three phases had a big part in it: offense, defense and special teams. Great effort that way."
Bradley lauded the individual play of left tackle Sam Young filling in for starter Luke Joeckel, as well as defensive ends Jared Odrick and Ryan Davis and linebacker Telvin Smith. He also noted reserve cornerbacks Peyton Thompson and Nick Marshall playing key roles late with Dwayne Gratz injured and Davon House and Aaron Colvin out with dehydration and cramping, respectively.
Bradley said the Jaguars in addition to playing well in adversity, improved their level of play defensively Sunday. Coaches counted 10 missed tackles, an improvement from a week before.
The Jaguars allowed the Dolphins 42 rushing yards, with 17 of those yards coming on three runs by quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
"We did tackle better," Bradley said. "I really liked our leverage. I liked how guys ran to the ball. Plus, when we hit, it stopped them. There weren't a lot of yards after contact."
The Jaguars visit defending Super Bowl champion New England Sunday.
"I think we've identified how we can respond to adversity," Bradley said. "Now, how do we respond to prosperity? That will be the challenge this week. They had a great look in their eye. They're very excited about moving on, learning from this film and getting back to work. It's the same mentality they had last week."
On the Jaguars' injury front:
*Running back Denard Robinson sustained a sprained knee Sunday and is considered week-to-week moving forward. He sustained the injury on a first-quarter carry Sunday, his lone carry of the game.
*Wide receiver Rashad Greene sustained a thumb injury Sunday, and was undergoing evaluation as of early Monday afternoon.
*Cornerback Davon House played through chest congestion Sunday, leaving the game at halftime and spending Sunday night in the hospital because of dehydration. He is expected to return to practice this week.
*Cornerback Aaron Colvin left the game in the fourth quarter because of cramps but returned to the game for the final series. He has been cleared to practice this week.
*Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks, who has yet to play this season after reconstructive knee surgery this past January, is expected to practice limited this week. He returned to practice on a limited basis last week.
*Tight end Julius Thomas (hand) also is expected to continue practicing on a limited basis this week after returning to practice in that capacity last week.
*Running back Toby Gerhart (abdomen) is expected to return to practice on a limited basis this week.
*Defensive end Andre Branch, out since the preseason with a knee injury, is expected to increase functional activities this week.
