No. 23: Jacksonville Jaguars win 24-20 over Cleveland Browns

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We’re counting down to the 2020 NFL preseason opener what would have been the Jacksonville Jaguars preseason opener by ranking all 51 regular season wins over the past decade.

Today at No. 23? An enjoyable game against the Cleveland Browns. No, really! It was fun!

Week 11 — November 21, 2010

Maurice Jones-Drew consistently gouged the Cleveland Browns defense throughout the day on Sunday. He ended the day with 5.8 yards per carry and had quite a few plays that were close to turning into big time gains. You could feel all game he was going to do something huge.

He was due.

The Jaguars offense had shot itself in the foot for most of the game. Jones-Drew threw an interception on a half-back pass. The play call was fine, as wide receiver Mike Thomas was wide open, but Jones-Drew didn’t put enough on the football and it was picked off. David Garrard threw three interceptions, fumbled once, and Jones-Drew also fumbled the football which was returned for a touchdown.

Nearly all game it was “can’t get right” type of offense from the Jaguars. The only thing they did do right was run the football.

For the first time all season, it was the Jacksonville Jaguars defense that was carrying the team and keeping them in a football game. Despite the six turnovers, the Browns were unable to capitalize on the majority of them as their offense went stagnant in the second half. Running back Peyton Hillis controlled the game in the first half, but faded in the second. Once Hillis was removed as an offensive threat, the Browns were shut down by the oft-maligned Jaguars defense.

With 2:27 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, David Garrard dropped back and drew the defense in. He dumped the ball to Jones-Drew on a screen, who cut back up field, broke 2-3 tackles, and scampered 76-yards down the field to be brought down at the 1-yard line by Browns cornerback Joe Haden.

Pocket Hercules to the rescue.

Two plays later, Jones-Drew punched the ball in for the game winning touchdown.

Why the ranking at No. 23?

Any time you can move into the driver’s seat with a fun and exciting win and then have your hopes dashed with two wins over the final six games, you gotta do it!

Up tomorrow?

Jalen Ramsey’s breakout game against the Chicago Bears back in 2016.