Jacksonville Jaguars: Huge victory over Houston clinches a playoff spot

The playoff drought is over for the Jacksonville Jaguars as Sunday’s Week 15 victory over the Houston Texans secured a playoff spot.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the playoffs. Yes, the playoff drought is over, due to the Jaguars demolishing Houston on Sunday in Week 15. Jacksonville took control of their destiny and the fans loved it. Sunday’s game was the last regular season home game. Fans began a chant of “playoffs” and “the wave” made several circles around the stadium. “I will see you in the playoffs” were heard as fans in the north end zone section said to each other as they left EverBank Field.

Jacksonville knew that if they defeated Houston that a playoff spot was theirs. It has been a long time since the Jaguars were in the playoffs. Could this young team handle the pressure?

In Week 1, Jacksonville trounced the Houston Texans 29-7. The Jaguars defense recorded 10 quarterback sacks and forced four turnovers. Blake Bortles effectively guided the Jacksonville offense. Would Jacksonville be able to repeat their dominating performance in Sunday’s rematch?

Leonard Fournette would not play because of a thigh and ankle injury. Marqise Lee left the game due to injury. Telvin Smith played after missing last week’s game. Perhaps the defense would provide the scoring, like against Pittsburgh.

Bortles played his very best game ever. He completed 21 passes for 326 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Most importantly, his quarterback rating was 143.7. Bortles is placing the ball better instead of forcing his receivers to make circus catches.

Tommy Bohanon became another offensive goal line weapon with Fournette out. Bohanon scored two touchdowns on two carries for two yards. The fullback dive play is a welcomed addition to the Jaguars red zone offense. Now, Jacksonville has many options from which opposing teams will have to prepare for.

Barry Church‘s interception led to another Jaguars touchdown. The Jaguars offense has been able to capitalize off turnovers created by the ferocious defense. Church intercepted his third pass of the 2017 season.

Finally, the Jaguars sacked Houston four times. Houston was only able to convert on four third down opportunities for a 25 percent success rate. Jalen Ramsey blanketed DeAndre Hopkins by only allowing four catches on 13 targets. Hopkins had two big plays, 40 and 25 yard receptions, only after Jacksonville led 31-0 and were playing soft.

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Jacksonville has a good chance to make a deep playoff run due to the defense and Bortles. They need to take care of business in the final two games. The playoff spot was earned by this talented team and guided by the coaching staff. Expect the Jaguars to flex their playoff muscle.