Read the exhilarating highlights of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stunning 31-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 of the NFL season. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars shine in a Thursday Night Football showdown.
Jaguars vs. Saints Thriller
In a Week 7 NFL showdown, the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) squared off against the New Orleans Saints (3-4) in an exhilarating contest at the iconic Caesars Superdome. The Jaguars, riding a four-game winning streak, were determined to keep their momentum alive, while the Saints aimed to bounce back after a recent defeat to the Houston Texans.
Despite concerns about his fitness throughout the week due to a left knee sprain, the Jaguars’ star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, was deemed fit to start the game. In preparation for a possible Lawrence absence, Jacksonville had signed Nathan Rourke from their practice squad to the active roster.
The game began with the Jaguars displaying remarkable determination on their opening possession. Lawrence orchestrated a 10-play drive, racking up 60 passing yards, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Travis Etienne.
The Saints, however, had their share of opportunities. Blake Grupe missed a 51-yard field goal for the Saints, but they swiftly regained possession when cornerback Paulson Adebo stripped the ball from Jaguars’ wide receiver Christian Kirk. New Orleans managed to recover the fumble, setting the stage for a field goal that brought them within striking distance, trailing 7-3.
A significant turning point in the game occurred when Lawrence embarked on a 26-yard run, further aided by a defensive holding penalty. Etienne capitalized on this momentum, scoring a 17-yard touchdown for the Jaguars.
New Orleans managed to extend their drive late in the second quarter when Derek Carr connected with Alvin Kamara on fourth-and-3. Kamara’s 17-yard gain posed a challenge to the Jacksonville defense, eventually leading to another Saints field goal. At halftime, the Jaguars held a 17-6 lead, despite the Saints having more possession time.
In the third quarter, Jacksonville’s punter, Logan Cooke, executed a successful pass to wide receiver Tim Jones during a fake punt play. This extended their drive and allowed Brandon McManus to connect on a 43-yard field goal.
However, the Saints were not about to back down. Kamara broke through the Jacksonville defense with a remarkable 17-yard gain on a fourth-and-1 conversion. But, on the very next possession, Derek Carr had his pass tipped by Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams, resulting in a pick-six by linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, pushing Jacksonville’s lead to 24-9.
The Saints responded with determination, making it to the Jacksonville 2-yard line, but three consecutive runs failed to produce a touchdown. Taysom Hill finally succeeded in slamming the ball into the end zone, narrowing the gap to 24-16.
In a dramatic turnaround, the Saints managed to tie the game at 24 apiece with just 6:38 remaining in the fourth quarter. Michael Thomas hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Carr, and the Saints successfully converted a two-point attempt.
Yet, the Jaguars remained resilient. Two plays after Jamal Agnew’s punt return placed them on the Saints’ 46-yard line, Trevor Lawrence found Christian Kirk for a thrilling 44-yard touchdown. This remarkable play secured a 31-24 lead for the Jaguars with just 3:08 left on the clock.
The Saints had one last opportunity to level the game, making their way into the red zone. However, Carr’s four consecutive incomplete passes from the 6-yard line allowed the Jaguars to take a knee and close out the game with a hard-fought victory.
The Jacksonville Jaguars showcased their resilience and determination on Thursday night, securing their fifth win of the season in a thrilling contest against the New Orleans Saints. With Trevor Lawrence leading the way, the Jaguars continue to impress with their remarkable winning streak.
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