HOUSTON, Texas – Close was better, but close wasn't enough.

It wasn't even close to enough.

The Jaguars lost to the AFC South-leading Houston Texans, 24-20, at NRG Stadium Sunday. Yes, they played better than they did a week before in a one-sided road loss to the Buffalo Bills. Yes, they played with desire. No, they didn't quit.

But the Jaguars on Sunday needed a victory. They didn't need "close" – a reality reflected in an aftermath that featured Head Coach Doug Pederson’s tense, terse post-game media availability. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence followed that with an availability in which he spoke mostly of frustration and needing to improve.

That's where the Jaguars are after four games: 0-4, three games behind the Texans. The season's not over because this is the NFL and 13 games remain. But we're so far from postseason talk that it will be insulting to speak of it until the Jaguars win enough to change that.

This wasn't remotely what was expected from this season. But this is the Jaguars' reality. Sigh.

Let's get to it …

Izzy from Jagless

Lawrence is hurting the team - give him some time off to get his head straight. Last game won was with backup!!

Lawrence indeed is struggling. While it's fair to note that he had a few really nice throws Sunday – particularly a 32-yard completion to rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. that set up a third-quarter touchdown – it's just as fair to note that he missed Thomas in the first quarter and wide receiver Christian Kirk wide open in the third quarter for touchdowns. He has to play better. He had protection Sunday and still struggled. The Jaguars aren't going to give him time off to get his head straight. He's the starting quarterback. He has to figure it out.

Ray from Richmond, VA

The biggest issue today was missing two receivers that were open for touchdowns. The inability to complete the deep balls is glaring. We've also got to complete more than 54 percent of our passes. The O line seemed to play fairly well so the issue didn't look like pressure.

Right.

Jeremy from Gilbert, AZ

How much money is invested in our defensive line? And what exactly would you say they do?

This was the much-ballyhooed, oft-reactionary, sometimes-pertinent First Email of the Game. It came on the Texans' first drive of the game. It was not the only email along these lines. There were two questions in this specific email amount the Jaguars' defensive line. Two answers. One, a lot of money has been invested in the defensive line. Two, the unit has done been good enough yet this season. It was better as the game continued on Sunday.

Tony from Johns Creek, GA

1st and goal at the 4 yard line, 1st and goal at the 4 yard line, 1st and goal at the 4 yard line…

The Jaguars indeed faced first-and-goal at the Texans' 4-yard line late in the third quarter. Running back Tank Bigsby should have scored on the 58-yard run that set up the situation. The Jaguars also should be able to score on four plays from there. It defined the game. It also sort of defined the season.

Brandon from Louisville

The passing offense is just not good. Saying, "Execution" doesn't explain it all.

It was better in spots Sunday. There were moments. Moments and spots in Year 3 of the offensive system and quarterback aren't good enough.

James from Titusville, NJ

The season may not be over for the players, but for the fans this season is now irrelevant. I think this team can stack a few wins this year and plays tough to the end. However, that's just not enough.

Fair.

Oscar from Palm Coast, FL

Why is TL not able to close out a game?

This is a fair question. It's one a lot of people – Lawrence included – around the Jaguars must answer. The sooner the better.

Haney from Little Elm, TX

Once again, this team can't convert third downs and can't stop third Downs on defense. What does this team actually work on during the week, KOAF?

Stuff like that.

JT from Palm Coast, FL

What is going on with ETN? He was listed as healthy, but it is clear that there is more going on. Hopefully you get a solid answer and not "coach speak."

Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. sustained a first-quarter should injury and returned to the game. This is not CoachSpeak. This is what happened.

Andy from Alpharetta, GA

This team and season are such BS. I don't know how to do this 13 more times.

Fair.

Bud from Duval

0-17 is looking possible right?

Oh and four sucks. The Jaguars just lost a game they could have – and probably should have – won on the road against the AFC South leaders. They're not going to go 0-17. That's zero consolation to anything right now, but they're not going to go 0-17.

Hilarious from Funnytown

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the worst football team in the National Football League.

This isn't "funny."