The Jacksonville Jaguars wrapped up their two-week London stay with a resounding victory, defeating the New England Patriots 32-16. This much-needed win not only snapped their recent slide but also granted embattled head coach Doug Pederson some vital breathing room as the Jaguars’ season hangs in the balance.
The win wasn’t handed to them easily. After the Patriots opened with dominance, Jacksonville responded in style, reclaiming control of the game by halftime.
Patriots Dominate Early Before Jaguars Bounce Back
The game didn’t start as Jaguars fans would’ve hoped. The Patriots took control early, with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, in only his second NFL start, leading a strong opening drive. Maye had time to scan the field, thanks to solid protection from his offensive line, allowing him to calmly guide the Patriots to their first opening drive touchdown of the season. After a quick punt by Jacksonville, the Patriots added a field goal, extending their lead to 10-0.
But Jacksonville wasn’t ready to fold. In the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence finally found his groove, orchestrating a smooth 68-yard touchdown drive. That momentum carried over into their next possession when Lawrence connected with a deep pass, leading to another score. Suddenly, the Jaguars found themselves in the lead for the first time.
Jaguars Surge Ahead in Electrifying Second Quarter
The Jaguars’ comeback didn’t stop at offense. Their special teams delivered an exhilarating moment with a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown, the longest in Jacksonville’s history. It was the spark that sent the Jaguars’ fan base into a frenzy, and when they added a successful two-point conversion, the team had scored 22 unanswered points by halftime.
- Key stats from the second quarter:
- Trevor Lawrence: 58-yard deep pass completion
- Jaguars’ first punt return TD in four years
- Two-point conversion success
By the time the teams headed into the locker room, the Jaguars had complete control. New England’s hot start felt like a distant memory, and the Patriots were left to regroup after being completely outplayed in the second quarter.
Patriots Struggle to Regain Control in Second Half
After the electrifying second quarter, the game’s intensity dialed down, but the Patriots couldn’t find a way to break through Jacksonville’s defense. The Jags’ defensive line was relentless, consistently pressuring Maye and stifling any attempt to regain momentum.
New England did manage to mount a late comeback attempt. Maye found K.J. Osborn for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving the Patriots a chance to close the gap. Head coach Jerod Mayo made the aggressive decision to go for two points, but the conversion failed, leaving the Patriots trailing by nine.
At that point, time was not on New England’s side. With only minutes left on the clock, the Patriots didn’t have enough left in the tank to mount a complete comeback. Jacksonville’s defense remained solid, and the offense sealed the game with a final touchdown in the closing minute, doubling their score over the Patriots to 32-16.
Jaguars Leave London on a High Note
With this victory, Jacksonville ends their two-game London stay on a positive note, giving fans and Pederson a much-needed sense of relief. For the Jaguars, this win not only salvaged a portion of their season but also added momentum as they return stateside.
For New England, the loss raises more questions than answers. The promising early performance by Maye wasn’t enough to overcome the Jaguars’ balanced attack. The Patriots now face a tough climb to get back on track in the coming weeks.
This win also marked the conclusion of the NFL’s 2024 London games, with the international series set to continue in Munich next month.