Minshew, Defense Lead Jaguars to 29–15 Home Victory Over Jets

The Jacksonville Jaguars are back at the .500 mark thanks to a big home win vs. the struggling Jets.

It’s nice to see the Jaguars win games that they’re supposed to win. After the first Jets drive it was all Jaguars, minus a bit of a late rally by the Jets in the fourth quarter, as the Jaguars rolled to a 29-15 home victory. 

This was a complete game for the Jaguars, as both the offense and defense contributed greatly to the victory. Offensively, rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew came to play, making it harder and harder every week for the Jaguars to start Nick Foles in Week 11 when healthy. He went 22-of-34 with 279 yards and three touchdowns, one of his best performances as a pro.

Minshew also demonstrated what makes him so special, his awareness in the pocket. He evaded Jamal Adams and other defenders on a gorgeous 70-yard touchdown strike to Chris Conely in the first half. He also put the dagger in Jets after a five-yard touchdown strike to DJ Chark to put them up two possessions in the fourth quarter. With this game, he should rack up another Pepsi Rookie of the Week award.

Fournette also put together another solid performance for the Jaguars offense as he contributed in every facet of the offense. He only rushed for 76 yards despite a big 66 yard run in the opening drive, but he was huge in the passing game as both a receiver and blocker. 

He also once again demonstrated his growth in character when Brian Poole was clapping in his face after a third-down stop. Fournette just looked at him with a smirk on his face. He’s come leaps and bounds from the fight he had with Shaq Lawson this time last year.

The Jaguars' defense was exceptional this week as well as they racked up eight sacks against Sam Darnold. Everyone on the defensive line played spectacular, Josh Allen Yannick Ngkaoue, Calias Campbell and Dwanne Smoot all grabbed at least one sack.

Despite a late rally from the Jets, the secondary still played well. Tre Herndon got his first two interceptions of the season which you love to see. He now has two more interceptions than Jalen Ramsey has this season.

AJ Bouye snagged a game-clinching interception - the pass was the best throw Darnold made all day. It was beautifully placed back-shoulder pass right to Bouye. It was also the veteran's first interception this season. 

The Jaguars decided to roll with Austin Calitro at the weak side linebacker position due to all of the injuries. He managed to get some pressure on Sam Darnold as a pass rusher - but he did awful in the pass coverage. Including a blown pass coverage on a two-point conversion.

The Jaguars move back to .500 which is huge heading into the London game against the Houston Texans.