LONDON, UK — In a season of lows, what's another indignity for the desperate Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium? Losing to the New England Patriots (1-5) in London on the English National Team's hallowed, enormously expensive ground?
After last week's 35-16 demolition at the hands of the Chicago Bears and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, would losing to the Patriots and rookie QB Drake Maye be some form of final act for the troika of Trevor, Doug, Trent and co.? Probably not. The schedule does not get easier, though there are two games against the Titans left.
The Jaguars would have circled the two London games as "definitely winnable;" the kinds of games that playoff teams win when no one is watching. The promise of Trevor Lawrence is still there, many pointed to the number of drops from this receiving group. Tank Bigsby has improved in his second season and will be looking for a greater role given Travis Etienne's absence Sunday. there's hope that Brian Thomas Jr.'s connection with Lawrence can continue to flourish next year.
Safety Andre Cisco accused the team of showing "quit" last week, but the defense has been OK, other than a lack of pass rush and turnovers, and besides the Bears and Buffalo Bills game. Well, Williams looked like prime Cam Newton last week so there's that.
I'm not going to pretend to preview the Patriots because I have had enough of that team for a lifetime from their 2001-2019 era.
The following Jaguars will be inactive for the game:
- 1 RB Travis Etienne Jr.
- 59 DE Myles Cole
- 62 OL Javon Foster
- 70 OL Cole Van Lanen
- 90 DT Esezi Otomewo
- 94 DT Maason Smith
The Jaguars kick off at 9:30 a.m. on ABC/WJXX 25. Stick with us for live updates.
GAME RECAP
The Jaguars won the coin toss and deferred to receive the ball the second half.
Right on schedule, the Jaguars defense let the Patriots run all around the field. Patriots quarterback, Drake Maye connects with JaMycal Hasty who takes it 16 yards to the house for a touchdown. New England getting on the board, early and take the first lead, 7-0.
In the Jaguars first drive of the game, the Patriots shut down the offense. The Jaguars forced to punt it away.
The cap the first quarter off, the Jaguars managed to get three penalties in one drive. The Patriots still on top, 7-0. The Patriots were able to get into field position and hit the 41-yard field goal. This is the first time all season the Patriots score in their first two drives. The Patriots are still on top 10-0 with 12-minutes left in the first half.
The second quarter found the Jaguars nicely as the pass and run game finally came back.
A huge Christian Kirk first down pumps life into the Jaguars offense. In the red zone, Trevor Lawrence finds Brian Thomas Jr. in the endzone for the first Jaguars touchdown of the game. Extra point good, 10-7. Patriots still on top.
From a Patriots punt, Parker Washington flashes 97-yards down the field for a touchdown, putting the Jaguars in a comfy lead 20-10. The Jaguars go for two after a Patriots penalty. They get the two from Brian Thomas Jr. The Jaguars up, 22-10.
The punt return is the longest in Jaguars history.
Still in the lead, Jaguars' kicker, Cam Little hits a 21-yard field goal stretching the lead, 25-10.
The Jaguars cap off the third quarter showing the entire fan base what they've been capable of all season.
In an attempt to clap back, the Patriots are able to get a touchdown in. This time from K.J. Osborn Pass with the 22-yard pass from Drake Maye. The Jaguars are still on top, 25-16. Extra point was no good.
Inside the two-minute warning, the Jaguars call on the Tank and it's Tank Bigsby who trucks the touchdown in. The extra point good, and the Jaguars are still comfortable. With 1:41 left in the game, Bigsby has 118 rushing yards logged so far. The Jaguars are up, 32-16.