The Jacksonville Jaguars have been on a eight game losing streak, no matter how you look at it, that is not good. Head coach Gus Bradley and general manager Dave Caldwell have been under criticism by the Jaguars fan base which is not necessary whatsoever.

Last year could have been listed as a expansion year for this team. Caldwell literally and figuratively gutted the team when he took over getting rid of much of the old Gene Smith roster. So any wins last year should have been greatly appreciated given that roster had zero talent or depth and could of gone winless.

Now, in the middle of the second year in the rebuilding process, this team doesn't naturally need to be a wild card contender but they need to be competitive.

They started off by saying 3rd overall pick Blake Bortles was going to sit the year to develop. That set them back each week veteran Chad Henne started a meaningful game. The Philadelphia Eagles game was in their hand and Henne did not and could not seal the game which was seemingly in the Jaguars hands while they lead 17-0 lead going into halftime and ended up losing. The next week they ended giving up a NFL record ten sacks versus the Washington Redskins. Washington was not afraid of Chad Henne beating them in the air so they had five or more guys rush the passer more often than not. The Colts game had the same feel as the Washington but with less sacks. Henne did not get a first down until the third possession of the game for the Jaguars. Then, against San Diego, Blake Bortles made his first career start. The game was very close until it hit the fourth quarter when the current MVP leader Phillip Rivers set on fire and put the game out of place. The Steelers game was there for the Jaguars to take thanks to their defense making a step forward, not giving up big plays that ended in touchdowns mostly due in part of releasing Winston Guy.

The team has been competitive in the two games Bortles has started and that is what you want in this team. Yes, losing is not acceptable, but when you only have had your better quarterback start for two games and you almost won those games with one being arguably the best team in the NFL you should have a glance of happiness while being win-less. The offensive line has been much improved since Bortles has been named the starter, which should have been expected since you don't have 5 or more rushers every passing play. Also, 3rd round pick Brandon Linder has arguably been Jacksonville's best offensive lineman the past few weeks, which is a bright spot given all of Dave Caldwell's offensive line acquisitions have played very underwhelming so far.

With three of the next five games before the bye week being winnable without any future changes to their team or the opponents, you should see this team get their first win or two with momentum and getting healthy on the bye week. 

The future for this team is not guaranteed nor predictable. They finally have building blocks in Johnathan Cyprien, Allen Robinson, Dwayne Gratz, Brandon Linder, Demetrius McCray and, nonetheless, at the quarterback position, Blake Bortles. They will need some young guys to develop at a faster rate, like Telvin Smith, Luke Bowanko and Marqise Lee to get to a winning way faster.

This team has young talent, there is no doubt about it, but if they want to be a playoff contender they have to hit in free agency and the draft at key positions to take another step in their process of rebuilding.