Make no mistake, the only way the Jaguars were going to lose was if they beat themselves. They came out fired up and the energy lasted the entire game. To prove it, here is the final drive sequence that won the game. It was nothing special, just "We are better than you man on man".
It was just what everyone says, put the ball in the hands of the best player. Unfortunately, he needs a line to block. The Jaguars couldn't punch it in earlier on four chances, so this final sequence was risky.
Jacksonville Jaguars at 4:01, (1st play from scrimmage 3:57)
1-10-JAX 24 (3:57) M.Jones-Drew up the middle to JAX 24 for no gain (Z.Diles).
2-10-JAX 24 (3:19) M.Jones-Drew up the middle to JAX 39 for 15 yards (D.Barber). (Torry Holt thowing a nice block).
Timeout #1 by HST at 03:10.
1-10-JAX 39 (3:10) M.Jones-Drew up the middle to JAX 43 for 4 yards (Z.Diles).
2-6-JAX 43 (2:29) M.Jones-Drew right end to HST 48 for 9 yards (B.Pollard).
1-10-HST 48 (2:23) M.Jones-Drew up the middle to HST 48 for no gain (Z.Diles).
Timeout #2 by HST at 02:18.
2-10-HST 48 (2:18) M.Jones-Drew right end to HST 41 for 7 yards (B.Pollard).
Timeout #3 by HST at 02:13.
3-3-HST 41 (2:13) M.Jones-Drew right end to HST 38 for 3 yards (D.Barber).
Game over.
2-6-JAX 43 (2:29) M.Jones-Drew right end to HST 48 for 9 yards (B.Pollard).
Another run to Eben Britton side.
3-3-HST 41 (2:13) M.Jones-Drew right end to HST 38 for 3 yards (D.Barber).
If he makes 3 yards we win. We couldn't make three yards on the goal line before in four chances, now we have one chance. Again, the run is to Eben Britton side and there is no misdirection. This is an "in your face" bold move and it worked. The Texans could have stopped him for a loss, then they could have stopped him short. In the end, they couldn't stop him at all. Three yards needed, three yards delivered. Did we expect anything less?
It was a great struggle, but one the Jaguars deserved to win.
- Terry O'Brien