Defense, Special Teams Let Jaguars Down in Opener Against Vikings

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - The highlight of Blaine Gabbert's career turned into an afterthought in Jacksonville's season opener.

Gabbert threw a perfectly placed, 39-yard touchdown pass to Cecil Shorts with 20 seconds remaining in regulation at Minnesota, a play that looked like it would be Gabbert's first game winner in two seasons.

But special teams and defense let the Jaguars down, resulting in a 26-23 loss in overtime to the Vikings on Sunday.

A day later, the Jaguars (0-1) are still reeling.

Coach Mike Mularkey says "those last two minutes were about as emotional highs and lows you can get in a game." Mularkey is telling players they need "to get over losses ... and not let this disappointment affect next week's game."

The Jaguars host AFC South rival Houston (1-0) on Sunday.