Mike Mularkey hopes Baltimore Ravens loss helps Jacksonville Jaguars bounce back strongly – NFL News
The Jacksonville Jaguars are still reeling under pressure of pounding they received from the Baltimore Ravens in the game they conveniently lost 17-48 but coach Mike Mularkey hopes the bad feeling stemmed from the defeat works as a platform for the team
to bounce back strongly in the next game.
Although the Ravens are a far better outfit in all aspects than the Jaguars, it is to see if the head coach’s self-satisfactory optimism becomes a reality in the next preseason game, which is the final one for them before the season starter against the Minnesota
Vikings next month.
Mularkey, the first-year coach who did not have much to say in response to the humiliating defeat inflicted on new owner Shahid Khan’s young side, said of the performance:
"Maybe that is what we needed, to have that bad a feeling, even in a preseason game. This is why we play exhibition games. This will be a true test of this team to see how we bounce back from this. I am anxious to see how this team responds after getting
pounded like we did. In all three phases, we didn't do the things we needed to do."
On the other hand, second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who lashed out at critics soon after coming out of a better run in the second preseason game, is baffled and unable to convince himself if they are ready to head to the regular season.
Blaine said:
"You can't go into the season feeling the way we do now. This one leaves a nasty, nasty taste in your mouth. You never want to lose a game like this, even if it isn't the regular season."
The Jaguars made a good start to their preseason campaign by defeating the reigning Super Bowl champions the New York Giants, but Thursday’s performance did not reflect if they have moved on from the last season’s poor showing.
It is not a good sign to their prospects at a time when the team is embarking upon a new beginning – led by new owner and a brand new coach. They can only hope now things turn into their favour for the rest of the season.
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