JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11) lost to the New York Jets (4-10) at EverBank Stadium, 32-25. This marked Mac Jones’ first loss to the Jets after winning his first five games in his career against the team.
The Jaguars scored on their first drive of the game, with a 3 yard touchdown pass from QB Mac Jones to WR Brian Thomas Jr., with K Cam Little adding the extra point. On that play, Thomas also broke the team rookie record of 865 receiving yards, previously held by WR Justin Blackmon in 2012, as well as the franchise rookie record for receiving touchdowns of six, previously held by WR Allen Hurns in 2014. The Jets responded with a scoring drive that ended with a 22 yard touchdown pass by QB Aaron Rodgers to WR Garrett Wilson, followed by K Anderson Carlson’s XP. The score remained 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.
QB Mac Jones (Photo credit: Harry Castiblanco, Florida National News)
At the end of an eleven minute scoring drive, Cam Little kicked a 28 yard field goal late in the second quarter for the Jags. Little added another 23 yard field goal as the half ended, to put the team ahead 13-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Jaguars DT Jeremiah Ledbetter sacked Aaron Rodgers for a loss of 14 yards, and entertained fans with a celebratory backflip. While the play prevented a Jets touchdown, Anders Carlson did manage a 43 yard field goal on the next play. The Jaguars responded with Cam Little’s 43 yard field goal soon after. But Rodgers’ 1 yard touchdown pass to WR Davante Adams tied the game, and the XP by Carlson put the Jets ahead 17-16, which was the score at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth, Mac Jones found Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for a 19 yard touchdown pass. Their two point conversion attempt was incomplete, so the Jaguars pulled ahead 22-17. Anders Carlson missed a 48 yard field goal midway through the quarter. But Aaron Rodgers connected with Davante Adams for a 71 yard touchdown pass, and a two point conversion, to put the Jets ahead 25-22. But Cam Little’s 43 yard field goal tied the game at 25-25 with 1:51 remaining. But the Jets managed to score on a 1 yard touchdown run by RB Breece Hall, and the XP by Carlson. While the Jags had a chance to score, an interception ended their hopes. The final score was 32-25.
The Jaguars wore their “Prowler Throwback” jerseys in celebration of the team’s 30th season. The team debuted the ‘90s-inspired alternate uniform in week 5, when they beat the Colts 37-34.
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence is out for the remainder of the season, as he continues to recover from the concussion he suffered in week 13 by Texans’ LB Azeez Al-Shaair. Lawrence is also expected to undergo surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in the coming weeks.
Mac Jones finished with 294 yards and two TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 65 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 105 yards and 2 TDs. Today’s attendance was 63,251.
The Jaguars head to Las Vegas to face the Raiders on Sunday, 12/22. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. The Jaguars’ final home game of the season will be against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, 12/29 at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
