Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports News
The Jacksonville Jaguars held off a strong second-half rally by the New England Patriots with a 32-16 performance in an international clash at Wembley Stadium in Week 7. Going into the second quarter down 10 points, the Jaguars used the strong offense from quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Tank Bigsby to run up a 32-6 margin that sealed the win.
Slow start for Jaguars, fast break for Patriots
The game has thus far seen the Patriots dictate both pace and scoreboard. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was crisp for most of the opening two quarters, getting running back JaMycal Hasty open for a 16-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and assisting New England to go up 7-0. By the second quarter, though, the Patriots have driven their lead to 10-0 off of Joey Slye's 41-yard field goal.
The Patriots' defense, rest on a sturdy front, held the Jaguars at bay for most of the first 20 minutes of play. Even though the offense struggled early, it was that persistence which began to reveal itself when Jacksonville finally found its rhythm toward the middle of the second quarter.
Jaguars Comeback: Lawrence and Bigsby Take Charge
The Jaguars responded with a timely third-down play in which Trevor Lawrence connected on a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for the cut to 10-7. The very offense, as that touchdown ignition did give momentum to the Jaguars from there, with the running game taking over.
Tank Bigsby became the focal point for Jacksonville, pounding the ball down the field and wearing down the Patriots' defense. A 1-yard touchdown run by Bigsby later in the second quarter put the Jaguars ahead for the first time, 14-10. Shortly thereafter, a sensational special teams play by returner Parker Washington, who ran back a Patriots' punt 96 yards for a touchdown, further extended Jacksonville's lead to 22-10 just before halftime.
The Jaguars' defense firmed up as well, making big stops and keeping New England from getting any momentum. Lawrence did not overreact, spreading the ball very well, and Bigsby continued to pound the rock. His strength and agility allowed the Jaguars to control the clock and exhaust the New England defense.
End
Patriots' offense which had a bright beginning could not sustain consistency and kept being stifled by Jacksonville's defensive front for Drake Maye. The Patriots managed only two field goals after several promising drives in the second half.
However, Jacksonville capitalized on their chances. A third-quarter field goal by kicker Chris Little put it ahead 25-10, and another 1-yard touchdown run by Bigsby early in the fourth quarter more or less sealed the win at 32-10. The Patriots added a late touchdown pass from Maye to K.J. Osborn, but that came much too late as the Jaguars comfortably closed out the game 32-16.
Game Breakout for Bigsby
outed Jacksonville's Superstar Tank Bigsby ended up the game with 118 yards on 26 carries and two key touchdowns. He was really good at hard yards and his capability of finding the end zone played an important role in winning for the Jaguars. Lawrence is not flashy but did manage the game well, completing 26 of 37 passes, gaining 276 yards, and completing one touchdown.
Key contributors for the Jaguars were made by wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who caught five passes for 89 yards and one touchdown. The Jaguars' defense, led by linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and defensive lineman Josh Allen, was relentless against the Patriots, harassing them constantly while being stingy about allowing runs.
What's Next?
Win this, and the Jaguars move ahead to 5-2 on the season and well situate themselves in the race for the AFC South. The Jaguars are proving to be contenders, especially with the duo of Lawrence and Bigsby really looking like a force to be reckoned with on offense.
New England falls to 2-5 after struggling for offensive consistency once again. Quarterback Drake Maye was fine with 276 yards and two touchdown passes, but turnovers and an inconsistent running attack capped their chances to keep pace with the Jaguars.
Final Thoughts
This game brings a turn for Jaguars, who have now come out three straight times and seem to hit their rhythm. The quality of their ability to overcome an early deficit and dominating most of the game shows the amount of strength, resilience, and depth in them. The Patriots face a tough road ahead if they look to change their fortunes, as their offense continues to struggle.
The Jaguars return to the United States for a crucial Week 8 matchup, with New England hoping to regroup as their season fades further out of view.
