Nigel Pearson says too many of his players were under par and below the levels he expects as Bristol City suffered their third consecutive league defeat.
While positives could be taken from the losses at Norwich and Burnley, the Robins could have no complaints with the 2-1 defeat after a series of first-half defensive errors gave the hosts too much of a mountain to climb in the second period.
City started brightly and were on top for 15 minutes before Andi Weimann's mistake was punished when he conceded possession in his own half. Chris Willock's effort from distance was tipped onto the post by Dan Bentley to leave Stefan Johansen with the easiest of finishes.
It sparked a dismal 30 minutes for the Robins who were found wanting defensively as they failed to cope with the pressure and pace of QPR's front three. Kal Naismith was guilty of conceding possession and Rob Atkinson struggled to deal with the ball over the top.
Three minutes after the opener, QPR doubled their lead when Tyler Roberts scored at the back post and, in truth, it could have been three or four by the half-time whistle when a chorus of boos rang around Ashton Gate. City were better in the second period and Nahki Wells' goal at the hour mark gave the hosts hope but QPR defended resolutely to see out the contest.
Pearson bemoaned his side's errors that contributed to defeat and was equally frustrated at the fashion in which his side performed. He said: "Too many unforced errors out there today. It remains frustrating that we gift goals.
"I think too many of our team were under par. I'm not going to talk about reasons now but you can't go into any game and give teams that sort of start and expect to get back every week.
"We've had three narrow defeats on the spin but today feels very different because we contributed too heavily to that ourselves. Unforced errors and a bit of nervousness as well.
"The players at least got back into the game in the second and we've had chances but they've had many chances too so I've got no complaints today. Just disappointment.
"We had too many individuals who were below the levels they have been so far this season. I've not felt the need to be overly critical when results haven't gone our way before but today is not a performance befitting of what we're about.
"I didn't see the same character traits as I've seen in every other game. Whether we've won, lost or drawn I think we've shown character and desire and I think today we fell short of that collectively and I think that's the most important thing.
"We were under par. I'm not saying that everybody played badly or underperformed but I still think we showed a willingness to come back but we just continued to show some poor mistakes.
"It's a disappointment because of the fashion at which we've lost today. I can always reflect on defeats and say have we done everything we can? The other two games yes, but today it was a hard watch I'm sure for everybody."
"When you work in the Championship and the margins for error are so small, and you come up against sides like QPR - they are a good Championship side. Are we capable of beating them? Yes, but we have to be as close to our best as we can. Today, too many mistakes."
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