Biggest Takeaways from Jacksonville Jaguars' Week 13 Loss

The Jacksonville Jaguars' devastating 42-39 loss to the Tennessee Titans last Sunday doesn't leave them out of the playoffs mathematically, but it's hard to think they have much of a shot after a loss like that.

For the umpteenth time, the Jaguars found a way to lose. Various plays and performances come to mind, but the simple truth is, this team has yet to make the progress it's needed to in the season's second half.

The AFC South title was not only a possibility, but it was also a tangible objective at points this season for the Jaguars. But at 4-8, two games back of the lead and with quite possibly their most morale-sapping loss of the season just behind them, it's hard to think that they can rebound this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.

However, there were a few positives that came out of Sunday's loss, at least on an individual scale. The Jaguars are still failing to put together the pieces for a win, but they have some players who are improving and doing positive things. 

The door for the playoffs may be getting shut, but there are signs that the future may not be too bleak.

Jaguars Defense Continues to Regress

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The San Diego Chargers shredded the Jaguars in Week 12. Jacksonville allowed 31 points to a squad that had sandwiched that win with two losses in Weeks 11 and 13 in which it scored three points each time. It's easy to criticize looking back, but that would be atrocious.

After quarterback Philip Rivers' decimation of the Jaguars, there were concerns heading into Week 13 considering Titans rookie QB Marcus Mariota had already shown a lot of promise this season. He continued his impressive season last Sunday, and the Jaguars did little to stop him.

Mariota threw for 268 yards and three TDs and ran for 112 yards and a TD, with most of that rushing total coming from an 87-yard sprint to the end zone in what was probably one of the poorest showings of adjustments and tackling the Jaguars will ever display.

The Titans were able to do as they pleased on Sunday, and if the Jaguars had been able to keep major errors elsewhere to a minimum, it may not have mattered. The Jaguars offense also had a field day, but a few glaring mistakes sunk the Jaguars.

The defense is now at its lowest point of the season. It hasn't allowed this many points since the 51-17 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 3, and it allowed 35 offensive points to a team it held to 13 just a couple of weeks prior. It's astonishing.

Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson Connect for Career Days

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There's no doubt QB Blake Bortles and wide receiver Allen Robinson have been the two best offensive players, but they solidified that as fact on Sunday with an electric performance.

Bortles threw for 322 yards and five TDs, and he reached Robinson 10 times for 153 yards and three scores. We've seen the two come together for astounding performances in the past, but Sunday was something else entirely.

For Robinson, it was a familiar day, but it showcased exactly how dominant he can be. The Titans had no answer for the sophomore receiver, and it's easily the most productive and impressive day of his NFL career.

And for Bortles, it was something unique. Bortles has shown a lot of progress, but there were moments where people started to wonder if he had hit his ceiling for the 2015 season, but he proved otherwise.

Perhaps the best aspect of his day wasn't the five touchdowns, but it was the 66.6 percent completion percentage and zero interceptions thrown. It was an all-around impeccable performance.

Chris Clemons and Andre Branch Continue to Disappoint

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It's no secret the Jaguars have been relatively poor at rushing the passer, but the real stinger has been the failure of the "Leo" position. In nearly all facets, the position has not delivered on its pass-rush specialist objective, and that rang true again on Sunday.

Defensive ends Andre Branch and Chris Clemons have been poor all season, but the two combined for a single assisted tackle on Sunday, and it almost seemed like they were completely absent from the game altogether.

It's puzzling, because this same position was responsible for 20.5 sacks in 2014, but through 12 games, they've only totaled eight sacks, and it doesn't seem like they'll get close to their impact in 2014.

Between Clemons, Branch and DEs Ryan Davis and Chris Smith, the Jaguars have been helpless at the Leo position. Davis leads the bunch with 3.5 total sacks, but he still takes a backseat to Clemons and Branch.

If Sunday wasn't a sign that Clemons and Branch aren't the answer, then it may be impossible for head coach Gus Bradley to make a proper adjustment.

T.J. Yeldon Starting to Kick Things in Gear

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Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon has had some exciting moments throughout the season, but Sunday may have been his best all-around performance. He ran for 57 yards and a TD on 15 carries and added 79 yards receiving as well.

Most of his receiving total came from a 67-yard checkdown that he turned into a massive gain, but that in itself is an example of the big plays the young RB can make.

As has been the case all season, Yeldon worked extremely hard for his yards. More often than not, he's met by defenders at the line of scrimmage or shortly thereafter, and his patience and work ethic is beyond his years.

He may not be having a massive season, but Yeldon has been functional and then some. The Jaguars have had a history of great running backs, and though Yeldon may not get to the level of Fred Taylor or Maurice Jones-Drew, he's certainly trying.

Jason Myers Misses Two Extra Points, Leaves Future in Jeopardy

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Kicker Jason Myers has had a season of high variance, with moments of joy and despair stemming from his performances. His two missed PATs on Sunday now have the kicker and the fanbase at the far end of that spectrum.

It's hard to blame a loss on one player, but he failed to convert two attempts on Sunday, and that makes the three-point deficit glares even harder. It's now hard to defend Myers, and it's even easier to call for his job.

With the two misses on Sunday, Myers now has six total PAT misses on the season—an almost unbelievable stat. He's not the only NFL kicker to be rattled by the new distance for extra points, but it's still a short "chip shot" of an attempt.

The Jaguars seemed to come out on the right end of the deal when they traded former K Josh Scobee to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, but Myers has made it a bit more valuable than the initial thoughts.

He's shown he has the talent, but he obviously lacks the consistency. Sure, he's young, but the Jaguars simply can't afford to deal with his misses after this season.

All stats provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.