Jacksonville Jaguars: Second half surge fueled victory over Seattle
By Larry Brake
Blake Bortles played very efficient in leading the Jacksonville Jaguars to victory over the Seattle Seahawks 30-24
The Jacksonville Jaguars were wanting to make a statement in the game against Seattle. Jacksonville has played very well all season because of their ferocious defense. The Jaguars’ statement was loud and clear. This team is a contender, not a pretender.
Micheal Bennett gave the Jaguars some bulletin board material in March. Michael DiRocco of espn.com had Bennett’s comments at the time:
"“… One point. Most of the NFL games are decided by one point unless you’re playing the Jaguars or something. Then it’s decided by 50.”"
Bennett must have been talking about the Jaguars of seasons past. This Jaguars team is winning games, that they would have lost in past seasons, due to their tenacity. Since football is an emotional game, Jacksonville is playing with every ounce within there very souls.
Josh Lambo kicked a 38-yard field goal to open the scoring. Jacksonville went into the locker room leading 3-0 at the half. Lambo kicked two second-half field goals and made from 51 and 32 yards out. He has been very efficient since becoming the Jaguars kicker.
Blake Bortles hit Dede Westbrook for an 18-yard touchdown pass. Bortles lofted the ball perfectly into Westbrook’s hands as he caught the ball in stride. Westbrook has 18 receptions in the four games that he has played, due to being on injured reserve to begin the season.
Seattle tied the game at 10-10 midway through the third quarter. Blair Walsh missed a field goal late in the second quarter but connected on a 28-yard field goal to make the score 10-3. After Jacksonville fumbled the kickoff, Russell Wilson found Doug Baldwin in the end zone for a 26 yard touchdown pass.
Bortles put the Jaguars back on top with a 76-yard touchdown pass to Keelan Cole. The Jaguars defense forced a Seattle punt which Jaydon Mickens returned 72 yards to the Seattle 1-yard line. Leonard Fournette scored to extend the Jacksonville lead to 24-10.
Wilson threw two long touchdowns passes and Lambo’s two field goals made the final score 30-24. Although the offense scored all the points, this was a total team victory. The Jaguars defense and special teams contributed to the victory. Jalen Ramsey and A. J. Bouye combined for three interceptions. Malik Jackson and Yannick Ngakoue sacked Wilson once each. Jacksonville leads the NFL in sacks with 47.
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This statement was heard loud and clear. The Jaguars are rolling and will roll into the playoffs. Good things are happening because the Jaguars are winning with a total team effort.