Fan Friday: Answering your questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of Week 5

It's not always easy to get over a loss. It's especially not easy to do after the Jacksonville Jaguars won in convincing fashion during the two weeks prior to the team's 29-21 sloppy loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (4-0).

But, that's exactly what Jacksonville (2-2) must do heading into Week 5 against the Houston Texans (0-3-1), a winless division rival that's playing with a lot of heart and determination.

It's an ideal week for the Jaguars to get right, and erase the nonsense that occurred during the team's loss to the Eagles, a five-turnover showing by starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

With that, we are moving on to the Texans, and I'll answer the questions you have for me ahead of Sunday when the Jaguars return to TIAA Bank Field.

Note: To submit questions, stay tuned to my Twitter page at @Demetrius82 or email me directly at dsharvey@gannett.com.

More Jaguars coverage:

• Ship has sailed: Former Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blake Bortles announces retirement from NFL

• Day-to-day: Foley Fatukasi injury could put stress on Jacksonville Jaguars' thin defensive line group

• By the numbers: What did we learn about the Jaguars' Week 4 loss to the Eagles?

Robert from Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

Question: Why can't (Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence) hold on to the ball? Does he have a loose grip?

Demetrius: Hi Robert, thanks for your question! This undoubtedly is referencing Lawrence's four-fumble showing against the Eagles last Sunday.

First, I'm glad you mentioned it because I believe there was a misconception about the weather during that contest. It's my understanding — and by watching back the TV copy — that the rain and conditions didn't really shine through. Let me just say, the conditions were dreadful.

There was consistent rain before, during and after the game with chilly temperatures and wind. That's to give you an idea about how bad it was out there. But, to answer your question, no, it's not about a loose grip, moreso he needs to have better awareness and keep two hands on the football when scrambling, especially in those conditions.

There's really not much more to it.

Andrew S. from Fayetteville, Ark.

Q: What defensive matchup are you most looking forward to?

D: Hi Andrew, I appreciated you taking the time to ask a question. I'm assuming your question is referring to the Jaguars' defense against the Texans offense.

If not, I apologize in advance. But, the one matchup I'm most looking forward to watch will be the Jacksonville front-seven against Texans running back Dameon Pierce. I covered Pierce for two years at the University of Florida and he's every bit as good as he looked on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, or perhaps better.

He's tough, slippery and sneaky quick. He's not going to wow you with his speed, but he can certainly outrun a defense, just as he did on his 75-yard TD run last week. After a poor showing against the Eagles, seeing what Jacksonville has in store for Houston will be fun to watch.

James from Jacksonville, Fla.

Q: Do you see either of the young WRs getting any real work — Tim Jones or Kendric Pryor? Seems like they may have some big-play ability but don't get on the field.

D: I appreciate your question, James. Tim Jones, the team's second-year wideout, received his first good chunk of playing time against the Eagles last week, filling in for the role Zay Jones would typically handle had it not been for an ankle injury that kept him inactive.

Tim Jones played 26 snaps, the most of his young NFL career, and was targeted just once. The pass was high and dropped, not a great first outing, but the conditions were less than ideal. I think we will see Tim before we see Kendric Pryor, the team's rookie wideout who was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals after final cuts.

The second-year receiver has shown promise through camp and the preseason, but it will be tough for him to crack the top four receiver rotation held by Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Marvin Jones and Jamal Agnew.

Don W. from Miami, Fla.

Q: With the next stretch of games and the strength of our upcoming opponents, it is highly possible that we will go into the game vs. the Chiefs with a 7-2 record. If we do, what do you believe the chances are to beat them, and what do you need to see this week vs. the Texans to further prove that?

D: The Jaguars play the Texans (0-3-1), Indianapolis Colts (1-2-1), New York Giants (3-1), the Denver Broncos (2-2) and the Las Vegas Raiders (1-3) over the next five weeks. That stretch of games has the makings of being one of the more important stretches of the season, certainly the most important stretch they'll have until near the end.

The most important games will come against the Texans and the Colts, two division opponents, giving Jacksonville some wiggle room in that regard and a nice 3-0 start before facing the Tennessee Titans twice down the road.

If they go 5-0, then I would have to assume their chances of winning against the Chiefs are much better than anticipated and they'll need to assert their dominance this week against a lesser opponent to earn that type of respect. And then they'll need to do it over and over and over and over again.

Nathan from Orange Park, Fla.

Q: With injuries up front, do you expect the Jags to be active in the trade/free agency market? Especially if the team keeps playing well I expect to add a player a la Marcell Dareus.

D: Hi Nathan! The Jaguars are currently anticipating veteran defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi to be healthy sooner rather than later, giving him the status of "day-to-day." As of Wednesday evening, Fatukasi was held out of practice but should practice in some regard later this week, if everything holds true to what head coach Doug Pederson said at his Wednesday press conference.

But, yes, Jacksonville could have some issues up front if he were to be held out, and that'll be a position of interest for the team if there are any long-term issues. As of right now, I wouldn't anticipating them veering down the road of trading for or signing a player not currently in the building.

Jesse Schuster from Duval

Q: Will the silent Jags killer be (Houston Texans receiver Brandin) Cooks this week? Or is there another problem we should worry about?

D: I've referenced him already, but Dameon Pierce will be the "silent killer" this week for Jacksonville. If the team isn't able to get a hat on a hat and swarm as they have done for three weeks prior to their loss to the Eagles, they'll be in big trouble.

Cowley from Little Rock, Ark.

Q: Looking ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft and seeing the Jags picking in the early to mid-20s. What do you think is a bigger priority to this roster, WR, Interior defensive line, or a safety?

D: Cowley, congratulations on being my first way-too-early NFL Draft question! I'll say this, the Jaguars' issues coming into the season have remained issues to me as they continue through it. The team does have a need at receiver, though they've gotten more production out of the unit than anticipated.

I still believe, especially with Marvin Jones likely leaving via free agency after the year, they'll be in the hunt for another guy to man the position. Cornerback could be another position they target. But, again, it's way too early to talk about this.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter at @Demetrius82.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars fan mailbag ahead of Week 5 against the Houston Texans