Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) – New England Patriots (1-6): 32-16
It all started as usual: a monotonous Jacksonville team in the first quarter. From the outset led to the score, the sluggishness of the play calls in attack being in tune with a wait-and-see defense.
Everyone felt it coming: another defeat for the Jaguars and coach Doug Pederson learning of his dismissal as he got off the plane. But from the second quarter, the course of the match was completely reversed!
The Jaguars scored three touchdowns to reach the break with a 22-10 advantage. A lead that they then preserved over the minutes?.
Tank Bigsby is man of the match
Runner Cartavious Bigsby shows that he lives up to his nickname “Tank”! Too powerful, the defenders cannot stop him: 118 yards and 2 touchdowns for the former Auburn University player.
After 424 yards and three touchdowns in the first six games, receiver Brian Thomas splashes the Thames in his class: 89 yards and a touchdown with an average of 17.8 yards per reception. In particular, a reception bringing 58 yards at once!
Despite the concussion exit of tackle Cam Robinson, the Jacksonville offensive line did not allow any sacks from its quarterback. It also allowed the runners to shine.
On the defensive side, Travon Walker is present from the first play of the match. The former number 1 of the 2022 draft is also decisive in money time: he puts Drake Maye on the ground forcing a desperate 4th&26 after the timeout of the last two minutes. Excellent against the ground game in 2024 and signing 12 pressures including 6 sacks in 7 games, he finally seems able to silence certain criticisms.
But the action of the match is undoubtedly possible, the punt return 96 yards for a touchdown! Receiver Parker Washington (cover photo) brings all his quality to a phase of the game that is sometimes underestimated. But this touchdown, Jacksonville's third in a row in the second quarter, is the one that calmed the Patriots.
Hope Drake Maye
From his first offensive series, Drake Maye showed why he was chosen in the top 3 of the 2024 draft. The precision of his passes worked wonders, especially in the middle of the 3rd quarter where he consecutively found Hunter Henry, Kayshon Boutte then KJ Osborn for his second touchdown. And at the start of the match, he led his team to a touchdown and a field goal to start the game and lead 10-0.
Poorly protected by his offensive line and lacking quality targets, he gives a lot of hope for the future despite the defeat. His 26 completed passes out of 37 (70%), his two touchdowns thrown as well as his calmness in the pocket, promise Patriots fans better days. But it won't be easy next weekend against the New York Jets.
The Jaguars are offering themselves a little respite. Notably coach Doug Pederson.
