Jacksonville Jaguars Fall to Cincinnati Bengals 23-33
By Luke Sims
It started well for the Jacksonville Jaguars, leading the game 3-0 after slow starts by both the Jaguars and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals responded, however, with 19 straight points. A touchdown, field goal, and blocked punt for a safety had the Jaguars down 12-3 at halftime.
The Jaguars were down big 19-3 in the second half but were clawing their way back. A 21-7 run in the third quarter gave the Jaguars hope in the fourth quarter. Nearing 8:00 left in the game, the Jaguars were down by just three points. Jeremy Hill, the rookie running back for the Bengals, ripped open a 60 yard run and put the Bengals back up by 10, however.
The Jacksonville Jaguars drove back, pushing the Bengals deep but it came down to a Blake Bortles interception in the end zone. With a little over 4:00 left to play Bortles tried to force a throw to the back of the end zone and it was an easy interception for George Iloka to make. The Bengals managed to get make a short drive and force the game within two minutes, putting the Jaguars in a rough position to try for a big touchdown and an onside kick.
It never came.
The final score shows a 10 point margin between the two teams but this one felt much closer for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bengals clung to their lead and were able to answer when the Jaguars put up points, making it difficult for Jacksonville to come back in the game and inch closer.
Two keys plays stand out in this one. First, the blocked punt for a safety. Second, the interception in the end zone from Bortles. Both of these plays are regular problems for the Jaguars. Special teams has had trouble all year on punts and field goals and Blake Bortles has been unable to keep the ball safe. For the Cincinnati Bengals today it was everything they could have hoped for. For the Jacksonville Jaguars it was just another showcase to the NFL and its fans that they have a lot of growing left to do.