The New York Jets suffered their third consecutive loss on Sunday, outdone by an early three-possession deficit that made it impossible to contend.
Blake Bortles threw for two touchdowns and a career-high 388 yards, and the Jacksonville Jaguars took home a 31-12 victory from the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon at EverBank Field.
The Jets’ nightmarish afternoon began with resiliency, holding the Jaguars to simple field goals despite going a combined 27 plays and 153 yards on their opening couple of drives, all while earning just one first down on their own first pair of possessions.
However, the Jaguars finally broke through on their third drive, with Bortles finding T.J. Yeldon from 31 yards out for the 13-0 Jaguars lead.
TJ Yeldon just strolls into the endzone for the score ?♂️?♂️?♂️ pic.twitter.com/YLPTQz3Tn7
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) September 30, 2018
The Jets were able to move the ball on their next possession, reaching midfield before a failed fourth down conversion. Jacksonville took further advantage, as Josh Lambo tallied his third triple of the game.
Further embarrassment awaited the Jets in the second half, with Jacksonville earning a rare two points in the continuing dominance. Pinned two yards away from their own end zone after a strong Logan Cooke punt, the Jaguars defense broke through for a safety, Calais Campbell tackling Isaiah Crowell in the end zone to create an 18-0 lead.
#Jaguars Calais Campbell is having another dominating season.
Records a Safety here.pic.twitter.com/AgEmUepeXW
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 30, 2018
The Jets were finally able to break through in the third quarter, with Jason Myers notching a 27-yard field goal. The three-pointer was set up by a Darryl Roberts interception, one that set the Jets up deep in Jacksonville territory.
Momentum, however, was not to be, as the Jaguars immediately struck back with a 67-yard touchdown pass from Bortles to Donte Moncrief that reestablished a three-possession lead.
Perfect pass from Blake Bortles to Donte Moncrief (@drm_12) for the 67-yard @Jaguars TD! #NYJvsJAX
?: FOX pic.twitter.com/U8RYcoiSZ2
— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2018
In the fourth quarter, the Jets got back into the game with a seven-play, 50-yard drive, but, facing a fourth and eight at the Jacksonville 20, opted to go for another Myers field goal, its success making it 25-6.
On the next play from scrimmage, a Yeldon fumble forced by Avery Williamson was taken by Trumaine Johnson. Stopped five yards short of the goal line, the Jets would capitalize with a five-yard Darnold pass to Jordan Leggett.
Avery Williamson with the strip and Trumaine Johnson returns it to the 5 yard line. I think it was a clean strip. #Jets pic.twitter.com/1Cjm6DLdYU
— Jesse Finver (@JfinverSports12) September 30, 2018
Touchdown Jordan Leggett pic.twitter.com/2pnXb8MMD8
— Kathleen Ciaramello (@kciaramello) September 30, 2018
Further opportunities, however, were not to be, as a Jacksonville punt led to a mere three-and-out, one that opened with a Barry Church sack.
Barry Church & this Defensive line want revenge! Eat up pic.twitter.com/2VrQEEEtIA
— Laurie Fitzpatrick (@LaurieFitzptrck) September 30, 2018
As the Jets saw their time disappear, the Jaguars rubbed things in with a nine-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a one-yard Yeldon score that ended things on the sourest notes. Even more shockingly, the Jaguars went for two on the ensuing point-after try. Though it went for naught, the damage was done, and the Jaguars earned their 31-12 victory.
The Jets will return home next weekend, taking on the Denver Broncos (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS).
