Jacksonville Jaguars Embarrass Cleveland Browns 24-6

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6) picked up their first win of the season against a hot Cleveland Browns squad (3-3) at home. The ground game proved effective for the first time all season while the Jaguars put together just enough to stay ahead of the Browns and, ultimately, pile on points in the fourth quarter to put the final hurt on a team that was considered by many to be a contender heading into the weekend. The game ball belongs to

offensive weapon

running back Denard Robinson and the defense.

Denard Robinson provided a steady presence in the rushing attack for the first time all season. He started in place of “workhorse” free agent acquisition (and major disappointment) Toby Gerhart and provided the home crowd with the first 100 yard rushing performance by any back this season. His 127 yards on 22 carries allowed the Jaguars to eat up clock while still moving the ball. Robinson tacked on a touchdown with an eight yard run following a muffed punt by the Browns. His TD extended the Jaguars’ lead to 11, putting even more pressure on Brian Hoyer to pass the Browns to victory.

The vaunted Browns rushing attack couldn’t get anything going as the Jaguars held Ben Tate and company to just 69 yards on 30 carries. The front four in particular played exceptionally for the Jaguars, putting the pressure on Brian Hoyer to will his Browns to victory. The call was too much for Hoyer who couldn’t muster up enough passing firepower for the Browns to pull ahead of the Jaguars. An interception with just under 5 minutes and 30 seconds left in the game gave the Jaguars the chance to seal the victory, putting the game out of reach 24-6.

The Jacksonville played a far from perfect game, though. Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles in particular struggled against a decent Browns defense that performed well all game, allowing the final two touchdowns due to special teams and offensive mistakes which gave the Jaguars the ball inside their own 20. Bortles finished the day 17 of 31 with 159 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. One interception in particular was particularly bad as Bortles opted to throw across his body late despite an open running lane. His lone touchdown ultimately belongs to receiver Allen Robinson who evaded a tackle and outran defenders for the score.

The Jaguars showed a major improvement overall compared to the first six games of the season. As they move onward to take on the Miami Dolphins (who beat the Chicago Bears handily this week) they have to feel good with some serious momentum built up.