Jags QB Trevor Lawrence
Jacksonville’s moment has arrived.
After years of near-misses and flashes of potential, the Jaguars showed on Monday night that they belong among the AFC’s elite.
This 31-28 victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs was a statement, one that said this team belongs in every playoff and Super Bowl conversation moving forward.
This was the Jaguars’ first victory over Kansas City since 2009, snapping a streak that had come to define the franchise’s frustrations against the NFL’s gold standard. And it didn’t come easy.
Jacksonville fell behind 14-0 early, trailed again 28-24 with less than two minutes to play, and yet found a way to win, something previous versions of this team simply didn’t do.
Trevor Lawrence Is Here
Jags QB Trevor Lawrence
GettyJags QB Trevor Lawrence
If there was ever a moment that captured Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s growth, it came on his 26th birthday, with 23 seconds left in regulation.
Down four. First and goal at the 1. His right guard stepped on his foot, sending him tumbling to the turf. He got up, stumbled again, ran through two defenders, and dove across the goal line for the game winning touchdown.
It was chaotic. It was ugly. And it was absolutely unforgettable.
“That’s what it comes down to,”head coach Liam Coen said afterward. “He wasn’t going to lose.”
For Lawrence, it wasn’t a perfect performance (far from it). He threw a pick, fumbled, and missed a few open throws.
But he also threw for 238 yards, ran for a team high 54 yards, accounted for three touchdowns, and delivered in the clutch.
That’s what franchise quarterbacks do: find ways to win when the game’s slipping away.
Others Show Fire
Jags WR and CB Travis Hunter
GettyJags WR and CB Travis Hunter
Devin Lloyd’s 99 yard interception return wasn’t just the turning point of the game, it was a snapshot of why this Jaguars defense has become one of the most opportunistic units in football.
Mahomes was driving for a potential knockout blow when Lloyd jumped a pass over the middle, juked out the quarterback’s tackle attempt, shed Kareem Hunt, and sprinted the length of the field for a touchdown.
It was the longest defensive score in Jaguars history (and also the longest pick six by a linebacker in NFL regular season history).
This game also was an incredible Travis Hunter showcase.
The rookie two-way sensation made a 44 yard grab that had just a 15.5% completion probability,according to Next Gen Stats. Hunter finished with 64 receiving yards and added two tackles and a pass breakup on defense.
The Jaguars are now 4-1, off to their best start since 2007, and fresh off back to back wins against two legitimate teams in San Francisco and Kansas City.
As linebacker Devin Lloyd said afterward: “Kansas City has been the team to beat for I don’t know how many years, and they’re still a great team. For us to win this on Monday Night Football is a big win for this organization.”
It’s time to have a serious conversation about the Jacksonville Jaguars, cause they’re not chasing anyone anymore. They’re setting the standard.