Why Jaguars Can't Let Demoralizing Loss to Texans Linger

The Jacksonville Jaguars just took their worst loss of the season — perhaps even their most brutal defeat in years. This one hurt more than falling victim to a 90-yard game-winning drive from backup quarterback Jake Browning and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. It was certainly more of a sting than the narrow loss in the slugfest against the Seattle Seahawks.

It was even worse than the blowout beatdown handed to them by Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in London. Their latest L to the Houston Texans was so demoralizing because they had the win firmly in hand and absolutely gave it away. The Jaguars led 29-10 entering the fourth quarter before proceeding to allow a 26-0 run to end the game.

Not only was it a crushing collapse from Jacksonville, but this loss had all the elements of their other losses, too: penalties, turnovers, defensive breakdowns, an upset from an understudy QB, etc. This horrid showing is one that will stick with fans for years to come, but the Jaguars can't allow it to stay with the team.

Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL, Houston Texans, Trevor Lawrence — Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws an interception as Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) attempts to make a tackle during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Jaguars have to move on

As devastating as their loss to the Houston Texans was, the Jacksonville Jaguars are still in a decent place, all things considered. In their first year playing under new head coach Liam Coen, they find themselves firmly entrenched in the playoff race in the AFC 10 weeks in.

They're currently seventh in the conference at 5-4, tied with the Kansas City Chiefs but given the edge in the standings due to their head-to-head win in Week 5. Jacksonville has work to do to stave off KC as well as the other teams vying for a postseason bid this year, including the surging 4-5 Baltimore Ravens, the now 4-5 Houston Texans, and the 3-5 Cincinnati Bengals, who are looking to bring Joe Burrow back as soon as possible, in addition to all of the contenders currently ahead of them in the standings.

"Our division is wide open." - Joe Burrow knows the Bengals probably have to win the AFC North if they're going to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

Watch: https://t.co/gUL2RVV9Zt

Listen: https://t.co/LuKggeCyvi pic.twitter.com/xO2zcxar18
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) November 11, 2025

Clearly, the Jaguars have to bounce back after their brutal loss. Head Coach Liam Coen spoke on how his team has to move on:

"Yeah, we just talked about as a team that this game can't beat us again. It can't beat us on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., because we're kicking off against the Chargers and have a very quality opponent coming into town. We're at home, and nobody cares — it's just the next opportunity that we have to go try to get a W."

"That's the reality is that we gave up a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter essentially and didn't get it done. Their back was against the wall. And they played like it — they played like it, and we didn't. So those are tough ones to swallow, as you mentioned, they are. And it's hard to move forward, but come Wednesday, we're preparing for another opponent. When the players get back in the building, we are preparing for another opponent. We’ve got to get this tape fixed."

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