Here's what we learned in the Jaguars' 17-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday.
Some of it's good. Some of it's bad. But here it is . . .
- The defense has heart. Heart? Guts? Whatever you call it, the Jaguars' defense has it. In the NFL these days, you're going to have some stretches when you give up big yards. The question is, "Can you rebound from those stretches?" The Jaguars' defense rebounded in a big way Sunday.
- The Jaguars are in trouble.Not that there's not hope, and not that there aren't bright spots, but at 1-5, there's no question now it's going take something remarkable and unlikely to get back in the postseason race.
- Cameron Bradfield can provide good depth.The rookie left tackle was thrust into a difficult situation, making his first career start against the Steelers' blitzing defense. The line allowed five sacks, but Bradford afforded himself well. He run-blocked particularly well and did not seem to be a liability in pass protection.
- Aaron Kampman's still working his way back.The veteran defensive end returned from a knee injury, didn't seem to get much penetration while playing on a limited basis. That may be the aftereffects of a long layoff and rehabilitation, and it was his first game back.
- Maurice Jones-Drew is running really well.Yes, we knew this already. As well as he's playing again it's worth mentioning.
- Cecil Shorts must develop.The rookie has yet to catch a pass this season, and has struggled returning punts. A lot of rookies struggle and Shorts is among them.
- Josh Scobee's really, really good.He hasn't missed a field goal this season, and in a rough season for the special teams, he has been a bright spot.
- Jason Hill can contribute. He may not be destined for the Pro Bowl any time soon, but after the criticism he received early in the season, you've got to give him some credit for the last couple of weeks. Put him in the right situation, and he can make plays. He has two touchdowns in the last two weeks, and his 18-yarder Sunday was his best play of the season.
- Marcedes Lewis needs to find himself.He made the Pro Bowl last season, and when the Jaguars talked about their receiving corps in the offseason the thought was that he would make a major contribution. So far this season, he hasn't been as productive as last season and that hasn't helped the offense.
- Greg Jones is not to be messed with.OK, we knew that already. Now LaMarr Woodley does, too.