JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FSC) – The Jacksonville Jaguars returned to EverBank Stadium with a narrow 30-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers. After battling back from an early deficit and seizing a brief lead, the Jaguars ultimately couldn’t stave off the Packers, who clinched victory with a last-second field goal.
The Jaguars defense shone early with rookie CB Jarrian Jones intercepting a Packers pass deep in Jaguars territory, electrifying fans. Unfortunately, QB Trevor Lawrence’s interception on the next drive cost the Jags momentum, and Packers RB Josh Jacobs capped it off with a 3-yard touchdown.
“Jarrian’s pick was huge; it sparked us,” said Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson, adding that turnovers were ultimately “what kept us from sealing the win.”
Jacksonville’s offense found footing, with Lawrence leading a promising late-second-quarter drive to set up K Cam Little’s 39-yard field goal, narrowing the score to 13-10 at halftime. The Jaguars surged ahead early in the third quarter with Lawrence’s 14-yard TD pass to rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. “Brian’s speed and catch were clutch,” said Lawrence. “We’ve got a lot of fight, but we can’t afford mistakes.”
The fourth quarter saw both teams trading plays, including Trevor Lawrence’s 14-yard touchdown pass to TE Evan Engram that tied the game at 27-27 with just under two minutes left. The Packers, however, executed a methodical drive, with former Jaguars K Brandon McManus sealing the Packers’ victory with a 24-yard field goal as time expired.
Jacksonville’s injury list deepened, with key players Gabe Davis, Ronald Darby, Brandon Scherff, Ezra Cleveland, Brian Thomas Jr., and Christian Kirk all suffering injuries. Coach Pederson expressed concern over the toll these injuries may take on the team’s depth. “It’s tough to lose that many key players; we’ll assess and adjust,” he said postgame.
The Jaguars (2-6) now turn their focus to a challenging away game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 3. Kickoff is at 4:05 p.m.
