Thursday Night Football Recap: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars’ defense dominate Jets in 19-3 win

Jaguars 19, Jets 3 

The Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets kicked off Thursday night’s battle at Metlife Stadium both badly needing a win, and it became immediately apparent that the windy and rainy weather was going to be a factor all night. Jacksonville felt the effects of the elements first when quarterback Trevor Lawrence lost a fumble, setting up the Jets at the Jaguars 19-yard line. New York would kick a field goal to take a 3-0 lead, but the rest of the first quarter favored the Jags. 

Jacksonville kicked a field goal of its own to tie the game on its next drive, and finished the quarter outgaining the Jets 125 yards to just 30. The Jaguars ended the first quarter in the midst of an impressive trip down field, and punched in a touchdown when Trevor Lawrence reached over the goal line early in the second quarter. The 96-yard journey put Jacksonville ahead, 10-3. 

The Jaguars picked up another stop on New York’s next possession and drove the length of the field for another field goal with three minutes to go in the first half. Trailing 13-3, the Jets’ offense began to hear boos from the poncho-laden home crowd as the first half wound to a close with a Zach Wilson interception.

Jacksonville completely dominated the game’s first half, outgaining the Jets 251 yards to 66 while picking up 13 first downs to the Jets’ three. 

New York’s fifth consecutive empty possession started the second half to a continued chorus of boos, and Jacksonville promptly extended its lead to 16-3 with a field goal on its first drive of the third quarter. Much to the excitement of the Metlife Stadium crowd, the Jets turned to Chris Streveler at quarterback with 3:31 to play in the third quarter. 

Streveler’s first drive at quarterback was easily the Jets’ most successful of the night. The former Canadian Football League star from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers exhibited a willingness to take off running while also connecting with multiple wide receivers, quickly leading New York into Jacksonville territory. The Jets’ drive would stall out on fourth down inside the Jaguars 15-yard line, but completely changed the energy in the stadium nonetheless. With 37 yards gained on the run, Streveler was New York’s leading rusher for the game by the end of the possession. 

New York’s chances at a late comeback disappeared for all intents and purposes on its next drive when Jaguars’ safety Tre Herndon recovered Garrett Wilson’s fumble with 4:20 to go in the game. Jacksonville added a fourth field goal moments later, extending its lead to 19-3 where the score would remain for the rest of the night. 

Trevor Lawrence managed the game effectively all night, leading the Jaguars up and down the field without taking any more chances than needed. He finished the night with 229 yards passing and 51 yards rushing, including seven passes to tight end Evan Engram for 113 yards. Travis Etienne paced the Jaguars with 83 yards rushing on 22 carries, giving him exactly 1,000 yards rushing for the season. 

Zach Wilson’s benching calls into question his future with the New York Jets after going 9-for-18 with 92 yards passing and an interception. Given the better rhythm the Jets’ offense has immediately found when either Mike White or Chris Streveler have had chances, it’s difficult to imagine Wilson getting another chance this season. 
Next Week: Jacksonville: at Houston, New York: at Seattle