JACKSONVILLE — Coach Gus Bradley is going to stay true to his convictions.

Despite a 31-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in London before the bye week when the Jacksonville Jaguars became the first team in NFL history to start 1-9 for three years in a row, Bradley decided not to conduct any practices during the bye week.

The players came in Tuesday for meetings and then were given five days off before they return for practice Monday. Only the injured players have to report for treatment.

Bradley followed the same routine a year ago when the team was 0-8, and they responded after the bye by going 4-4.

This year, they have six games left and the Jaguars again have a shot at .500 in the remaining games at 3-3.

They have two games left with Houston, which has a new quarterback in Ryan Mallett, and one with Tennessee, which has a rookie quarterback in Zach Mettenberger. The Jaguars figure to be competitive in those three games.

Their other three games are against Indianapolis with Andrew Luck, the New York Giants, who are struggling but still have Eli Manning, and the Baltimore Ravens, who have Joe Flacco, so they will be difficult tests for the Jaguars.

Explaining why he decided not to practice, Bradley said, “We didn’t do it last year and I think more mentally that we had conversations (about) what took place and I think physically right now where we’re at to get everybody back to health, I think it will be the best thing for us right now with this approach.”

Bradley also saw positives despite the record.

“We’re not where we want to be record-wise,” he said. “I think everybody would agree with that. I do see some things that the mentality of our team, how we go out and attack every practice, the challenges they’ve faced all year and how strong they’ve been.

“Those things we are not going to take for granted and we’re going to appreciate those things because that’s not how every NFL team is,” Bradley said. “We’ve all seen teams that have gotten disheartened or maybe don’t play with great effort throughout. Now that part hasn’t gotten any victories (one win), or what we’re looking forward for right now but I do think it’s a big part of the future, for when we come back that it’s important.”

On dealing with the losses personally, he said, “It’s a great challenge now. It really, really changes your conviction.”

His mantra has been, if they continue to get better, the results they want will come.

“How strong do you feel about this when the results you hoped for aren’t coming?” he said. “It challenges your convictions, but I do have really, really strong convictions.”

Bradley doesn’t have to worry about his job security because owner Shad Khan is a strong supporter of Bradley and general manager David Caldwell. Not that he would worry anyway.

“Me worrying about my record is not helping,” he said. “Shad Khan wants me to exhaust everything in me to help this team get better. There is nothing in there about ‘Gus, I want you to think about your record.’ Hey, get this team better, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

The final six games will show whether they can get a split to match last year’s 4-12 mark.