Sep 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley argues a call with head linesman Jim Howey (37) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Field. The Panthers defeat the Jaguars 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The day after a season-opening 20-9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville head coach Gus Bradley emphasized the need to correct mistakes made in a number of areas as the team prepares to host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
"There's pressure for us to be at our best, to get this right and to execute like we're capable of," Bradley said, per the Florida Times-Union. "Our players will feel that."
One of the areas for improvement Bradley highlighted was the number dropped passes by the team's wide receivers. Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Rashad Greene each dropped a pass against the Panthers, with Hurns also fumbling once.
"We dropped three or four balls, three of those could have been explosive plays," Bradley said. "So again, things that we can control. We are good enough to catch a ball. We do it in practice. We need to carry those things over to the game field. If we do that, we get more explosive opportunities."
Bradley also singled out the defense, saying the unit needs to perform better.
"The truth also is that we gave up three really long drives and that's what really affected us defensively," Bradley said. "Those three long drives ended with a field goal, a field goal and a touchdown. Within those drives, I think if you add it all up, the third-down conversions for Carolina, they were six-for-nine, 67 percent. So we didn't do a good job on those drives on third down."
While kicker Jason Myers struggled, missing a field goal and an extra point, Bradley said the team will continue to be patient with the rookie.
"We don't anticipate that he'll be perfect throughout the season," Bradley said. "We know there might be some glitches, just didn't expect it to show in the first game. We'll keep working with him, support him and hopefully good things are to come for our kicking game."
Jaguars defensive tackle Roy Miller said while with the loss to Carolina was disappointing, the team needs to move forward and prepare for the Dolphins.
"We've got to stay positive," Miller said. "We've got the 24-hour rule in effect. You can be sad and have your feelings about what's going on. Come Wednesday, we have to come with a new mind frame ready to work and be excited for another opportunity."
(h/t Florida Times-Union)
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