This was a gutsy, tough performance by a gutsy, tough team. New head coach has pushed physicality and grit, and it was on display in a statement-making Jacksonville Jaguars win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the refs doing their darndest to get Patrick Mahomes and company to 3-2, the Jags never quit. Not when they were down by 14, and not when a missed defensive pass interference essentially led to seven points for the Chiefs.
They came out on top, winning on the legs and arm of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It's time to look back, play a little Monday morning quarterback, and criticize these guys. With this in mind, here are some winners and losers.
Jaguars winner No. 1: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence
Yes, I know Trevor Lawrence fumbled the ball at the one millimeter line (though it might be debatable), but that was a risky playcall to begin with. And yes, he started slow before getting his act together. AND YES, he threw an interception that led to the Chiefs scoring and tying the game, but it was a clear pass interference. I'm not putting that one on No. 16's shoulders. Joe Buck and ESPN's rules analyst Russell Yurk both said in-game how egregious the missed call was.
ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk: "That's a big miss. That should've been pass interference."
Joe Buck: "I mean, a huge, huge miss." 🏈🎙️🦓 #NFL #MNF pic.twitter.com/nm0fYGAnrl
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 7, 2025
But my man responded—even when he got stepped on.
We entered this game knowing that Lawrence had to at least play close to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, despite how tall an ask that is. He went 18-of-25, for 221 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception (that he didn't deserve). He added another 54 yards and a pair of touchdowns with his legs. It wasn't always pretty, but the Jaguars came out on top, and Lawrence's play was a big reason why.
Trevor Lawrence when trailing tonight:
🔥 251 total yards
🔥 3 total touchdowns
🔥 88.2% adjusted completion % pic.twitter.com/ev60i0avzL
— PFF (@PFF) October 7, 2025
Jaguars winner No. 2: Wide receiver Travis Hunter
We talked about the storylines coming into this game, and we knew the offense had to step up. No. 16 did his part, but it was also time for the Jaguars to use Hunter more than they have on offense. His first reception was a stylish, flashy pair of moves that earned a fist down, and his second was a 56-yard bomb where he showed off his hands.
No. 12 still has a ways to go before he proves himself a true threat on both offense and defense, but he's starting to lay the groundwork.
Jaguars winner No. 3: Linerbacker Devin Lloyd
Even I'm getting tired of writing about this dude.
Okay, that's a lie. I'll put his name here every week if he keeps playing this way. He's coming off a stellar performance against the San Francisco 49ers, earning the defensive player of the week and defensive player of the month. He entered the game with three interceptions, and he added another against Mahomes this week—returning it 99 yards for a touchdown.
Lloyd is going to give general manager James Gladstone a difficult decision this offseason. Here's hoping he's back in the black and teal for a sixth season next year.
Related:Head-turning TD is proof Jaguars must give Parker Washington the ball
Jaguars loser No. 1: Running back Travis Etienne (and the run game)
I didn't want to put him here because he doesn't deserve it, but the Jaguars' running game struggled mightily against Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Lawrence led the team in rushing with 54 yards, and Etienne only had 49 yards on 12 carries, averaging a measly 4.1. While he's technically a loser this week, he drew enough attention to let Lawrence, Hunter, and Thomas finally have the game they needed all season.
Final thoughts
It wasn't over until it was over, and even then, I wasn't so sure. The Jacksonville Jaguars fought and scraped and clawed and came out on top.