JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) lost to the Houston Texans (8-5) 23-20, eliminating the Jags from the playoffs. Today’s game marked the Jaguars’ return to the field after a week 12 bye. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence started the game after missing the last two with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, but left the game late in the second quarter after suffering a concussion in a heated moment between the two AFC South rivals.
QB Trevor Lawrence (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
The first quarter set the tone for today’s defensive battle, with no scoring by either team. Texans’ K Ka’imi Fairbairn was the first to put points on the scoreboard with a 53 yard field goal early in the second quarter. Fairbairn later added a 30 yard field goal to put the Texans ahead 6-0. A few plays later, QB Trevor Lawrence had to be taken off the field in a cart, after a rough helmet-to-helmet hit by Texans’ LB Azeez Al-Shaair. Al-Shaair and Jaguars’ CB Jarrian Jones were both ejected after the ensuing brawl between the teams. Lawrence was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion, so QB Mac Jones entered the game to take his place. On that same drive, K Cam Little kicked a 33 yard field goal, to leave the Jaguars trailing 6-3 at halftime.
QB Mac Jones (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
Little added a 30 yard field goal early in the third quarter, to tie the game at 6-6, extending his streak to 15 consecutive field goals made, the longest by a rookie in Jaguars’ franchise history. The Texans’ next drive ended with a 7 yard touchdown run by RB Joe Mixon and extra point by Fairbairn, putting Houston up 13-6. Fairbairn kicked a 28 yard field goal late in the third quarter, extending their lead to 16-6.
Early in the fourth quarter, Little missed a 55 yard field goal attempt, ending his franchise rookie streak at 15 consecutive field goals made. The Texans scored on a 22 yard pass by QB C.J. Stroud to TE Dalton Schultz, followed by Fairbairn’s XP, extending their lead to 23-6. Jaguars TE Evan Engram joined Jeremy Shockey and George Kittle as the only three tight ends in NFL history to record at least 40 receptions in each of their first eight seasons. Soon after, the Jaguars added a 22 yard touchdown pass by Jones to WR Parker Washington. A failed two point conversion attempt left the Jags down 23-12. Jones later connected with WR Brian Thomas Jr. for a 6 yard touchdown pass, tying Thomas for first place in receiving touchdowns by a rookie in franchise history (six). A two point conversion narrowed the deficit to 23-20. But the Texans were able to run out the clock to seal their victory, and knock the Jags out of the postseason.
During today’s game, players, coaches, and staff wore customized cleats and sneakers in support of various charitable organizations that they support, as part of the NFL’s “My Clause My Cleats” campaign. In all, more than fifty charitable causes were represented, including youth health and wellness, cancer research, and social justice.
Mac Jones finished with 235 yards and two TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 46 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 103 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 62,588.
The Jaguars head to Tennessee to face their AFC South rival Titans on Sunday, 12/8. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The Jaguars’ next home game will be against the New York Jets on Sunday, 12/15 at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.comfor more.
