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Defense, Run Game Come Up Huge in Jaguars' Win Over Bengals
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- Defense, Run Game Come Up Huge in Jaguars' Win Over Bengals
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
In a game where they shot themselves in the foot repeatedly with penalties, the Jacksonville Jaguars got a standout performance from their defense, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran in a 25-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to lead the team to a tough 22-17 road win over the Cincinnati Bengals .
The Jaguars couldn't seem to get out of their own way in the first half. By halftime, Jacksonville, which had been tied for the least number of penalties through three games, had been flagged 10 times for 100 yards.
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Not only were the penalties frequent, but they were also incredibly costly. Travis Hunter had a beautiful interception and long return wiped out by a roughing-the-passer penalty. Running back Bhayshul Tuten had not one, but two, touchdowns called back due to penalties.
The Jaguars were more disciplined in the second half, only being flagged twice for 20 yards.
Defense Makes Huge Plays
With the flags flying, the Jaguars' defense stepped up when it mattered most. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis had a huge interception of Joe Burrow and returned it 45 yards to set up a seven-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence to Brian Thomas Jr., giving Jacksonville a 13-3 lead right before halftime.
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With the Jaguars leading 16-10 in the third quarter, the Bengals were driving, looking to take the lead with a touchdown when linebacker Foye Oluokun intercepted Joe Burrow at the Jacksonville 10-yard line.
Then, with the Bengals driving for a game-winning TD, the Jaguars stopped a fourth-and-10 from the 21-yard line. Running back Chase Brown, who had 11 catches for 71 yards, was stopped about a half-yard short on a terrific play by safety Rayuan Lane III, who was forced into action after an early injury to Caleb Ransaw.
Burrow would finish the afternoon 39 for 54 for 428 yards with one TD and the two picks.
While the Jaguars gave up a ton of passing yards, their defensive backs battled all game, aided by superstar Ja'Marr Chase leaving the game early with a concussion and Tee Higgins, who had an incredible 11-catch, 157-yard performance, being unable to take the field on the last drive after being injured on the previous drive.
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While Cincinnati's passing attack was lethal, the Bengals were held to 23 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Running Game Shines
Jacksonville was committed to the running game on Sunday, and it came through. The Jaguars finished with 27 rushes for 111 yards, with Bhayshul Tuten turning in his fourth straight solid game, finishing with 17 carries for 75 yards. His day would have been even bigger if not for his two TDs being called back.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s 25-yard scamper was the game-winner. He ended the game with 35 yards on six carries.
Quick Hits
Lawrence had an incredibly efficient performance despite being under constant pressure. He completed 18 of 23 passes for 227 yards, with the TD to BTJ. He did not throw an interception.
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It was a quiet day for WR Parker Washington, whose one catch for seven yards almost iced the game, but replay showed he stepped out of bounds short of the first down, after originally being credited with a 39-yard catch-and-run, which would have resulted in victory formation had it stood.
Tight end Brenton Strange stepped up in a big way, catching seven passes for 95 yards.
It was a rough day for the offensive line. The line was flagged numerous times throughout the game, including twice on the opening drive. It also allowed four sacks and many more pressures and hits on Lawrence.
Travis Hunter is becoming a really, really good cornerback. He had the beautiful INT/return wiped out, but was great in coverage, timed his breaks on the ball perfectly, and is a willing tackler.
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Final Thoughts
For the second week in a row, the Jaguars were able to beat an AFC contender, this time on the road.
Jacksonville came up with the big plays when it needed them the most, and now in first place at 3-1 with back-to-back "home" games in London coming up.
