The biggest game in Jacksonville in a decade? The Seahawks came into town, with two 8-4 teams battling it out at Everbank field. The Jaguars had a chance to make a statement today. Could they?
After a three and out on their first drive, the Jaguars overcame starting on their own 7-yard line to put up the first points of the game. The Jaguars 9 play, 73-yard drive ended in a 38 yard field goal by Josh Lambo, which gave the Jaguars a 3-0 lead.
Both teams traded punts a few times, till it was time for the vaunted Jaguars defense to make a huge play. On 1st and 10 from the Jaguars 45-yard line, Russell Wilson threw a deep ball in the direction of Doug Baldwin. Baldwin, who is no Larry Fitzgerald, did not come down with the catch, as Jalen Ramsey snatched it in the back of the end-zone, resulting in a touchback.
The Seahawks, desperate to put up some points at the end of the half, road some 10 plus yard runs into Jaguars territory near the end of the half. A Jaguars sack seemed to put their drive to an end. However, Dante Fowler Jr. was called for his second hands to the face call of the day, keeping the drive alive.
The Seahawks were forced into a 38-yard field goal, with Blair Walsh missing it, taking the Jaguars 3-0 lead into the 2nd half.
The Jaguars defensive dominance continued to begin the 2nd half. A.J. Bouye picked off Russell Wilson on the 3rd play of the 2nd half, setting up the Jaguars with good field position.
It did not take long for the Jaguars to take advantage, capping off the 5-play, 42-yard drive with a 18-yard touchdown pass from Blake Bortles to Dede Westbrook. Lambo made the extra point, extending the Jaguars lead to 10-0.
The Seahawks finally found some life offensively on their next drive. Wilson dropped in a deep pass to Doug Baldwin close to the sideline, connecting for 43-yards. The Jaguars defense stepped up, and held the Seahawks to a field goal attempt. This time, Walsh made the 28-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 10-3.
On the ensuing kickoff, Corey Grant took the ball out of the end-zone, was throttled on the 15-yard line, forced into a fumble, which was recovered by the Seahawks at the Jaguars 25-yard line.
Two plays later, Wilson threw a dime to Baldwin on a play action pass for a 26-yard touchdown. With Walsh making the extra point, the game was tied up.
In the blink of an eye, the Jaguars responded. Bortles hit Keelan Cole deep, and Cole took it to the house, tip toeing his way at the end for a 75-yard touchdown. Lambo nailed the extra point, and the lead was in the Jaguars favor again at 17-10.
Big plays continued to be a theme in this game, with Jaylon Mickens returning a punt for 72 yards, just short of a touchdown by a yard. On the ensuing play, Leonard Fournette ran the ball in easily for a 1-yard touchdown. Lambo made the extra point, and Everbank Field was rocking as the Jaguars took a 24-10 lead.
On the following Seahawks possession, Wilson tried the Jaguars deep again, and once again was picked off by Bouye, this time at the Jaguars 2-yard line.
The Jaguars went on to burn over 7 minutes on the next drive, though were held to a 51-yard field goal attempt. Lambo nailed the long kick, and the Jaguars lead extended to 27-10.
Needing a huge play, the Seahawks got what they desired on their next offensive play. Wilson escaped a sack, and threw a deep pass to Paul Richardson, who made Tashaun Gipson miss, and ran in easily for a 61-yard touchdown. Walsh made the extra point, and the lead was cut down to 27-17.
Once again, the Jaguars responded to adversity. This time, burning over 5 minutes off the clock in the drive. The drive included a fade pass on 3rd and 3 from Bortles to Westbrook, who made the best catch of his young career. Lambo capped off the drive with a 32-yard field goal, making it a two-touchdown game at 30-17.
The Seahawks struck quickly again on the following drive, this time a 74-yard pass from Wilson to Tyler Lockett, who was wide open down the right side of the field. Walsh made the extra point, and just like that it was 30-24 game.
With under 3 minutes to go, the Seahawks were forced into a 4th and 9 after a Malik Jackson sack on Wilson the play before. The Jaguars blitzed 6 on 4th down, and forced Wilson into throwing the ball downfield in desperation to Baldwin, with the ball traveling too far.
On 3rd down and 11, and the Jaguars needing a 1st down to win the game, Leonard Fournette put the game away with a 13-yard run.
While in victory formation, the Seahawks pulled some bush-league moves. Michael Bnnet under-cut center Brandon Linder, and fights ensued after. Sheldon Richardson was ejected from the game, but don’t be surprised if fines are ensued as the week goes by.
The Jaguars went on to win the game 30-24, and move on to 9-4 on the season. With the Titans losing 12-7 to the Cardinals today, the Jaguars now have sole possession of the AFC South.
The Texans come to Jacksonville next week to wrap up a three game home-stand, in a game in which the Jaguars could clinch their first playoff birth in 10 years.