Turning Point: Jaguars Defense Bent But Did Not Break
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguar defense bent in a first half storm but did not break en route to a 17-16 win, on the road.
It was a tale of two halves, the first belong to Chicago Bears and the second to the Jacksonville Jaguar defense. Early and often, the Chicago Bears marched up and down the field. It looked like the Jaguars were going to be broken by the onslaught of the Chicago Offense. They bent but not break.
The Bears had 171 yards passing but only 33 yards rushing in the first half. Bear quarterback Brian Hoyer never felt any pressure from the Jaguar pass rush. The Jaguars looked frustrated and tired because of the extended time that they were on the field.
After three Chicago offensive possessions, Jacksonville trailed 10-0. Hoyer made the correct play time and time again but Jacksonville looked resolved on defense. Towards the end of the first half, Jacksonville stopped the Bears from a potential field goal try. The horrific first half was over, Chicago 10 and Jacksonville 0.
Things looked bad for Jacksonville, no offense to speak of and the highly rated defense was being shredded. Bent but not broken. The Jaguars promptly went three plays and punted to open the second half. The Jaguar defense began to settle down and make plays.
On the Bears third possession of the second half, it was deja vu all over again. Chicago marched down the field utilizing big plays. The Bears had first and goal.
The Turning Point of the Game: Forcing The Field Goal on Fourth and Goal
The Jaguar defense had their back to the wall. Chicago had first and goal from the five yard line. Hoyer had bent the Jaguars defense but had not broken them. A touch down here would have hampered the Jaguars chances to win.
First down, Jacksonville stuffed the running play for zero yards. Led by Dante Fowler, Jr. and Abry Jones, Jacksonville held their ground.
Second down, Jaguar linebacker Paul Posluszny made an open field tackle on the tight end screen.
Third down, Hoyer looked to connect with Alshon Jeffery on a crossing route. The Jaguars were in their zone defense disguised as man coverage. Ramsey correctly passed Jeffery off to Tashaun Gipson which resulted in an incomplete pass.
Fourth down, Bears kick another field goal to lead 13-0.
The Jacksonville Jaguar defense has played tough all season, today they bent but did not break.