The Jaguars Victory Over New England Was a Win for Jacksonville
By David Levin
With the 31-20 victory over the New England Patriots 31-20 on Sunday at TIAA Bank Field, the Jacksonville Jaguars answered a lot of questions the fan base wanted answered.
I don’t usually rejoice in a victory like this, but when the Jacksonville Jaguars systematically defeated the New England Patriots, I felt a sense of euphoria that can only be felt by a fan base that has wanted this victory for the past eight months.
If there was no other win on the Jacksonville Jaguars schedule, beating the Patriots after their 24-20 loss in the AFC Title game would be enough to make the city of Jacksonville happy. Winning the team’s first home game of the season and walking back into TIAA Bank Field next week for a tilt with the Tennessee Titans gives the Jacksonville momentum and a chance to exhale a bit.
This is a huge win for Jacksonville. Not just the team and the organization, but the city.
When the Jaguars lost last year in the AFC title game, there was a feeling of loss. Fans went through it like they had lost a dear friend or family member. This erases those memories.
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A local sports talk radio host said in order for this team to win on Sunday, the Jaguars needed “Playoff” Blake Bortles. The fifth-year starter delivered in such fashion with four touchdowns and 377 yards of offense, the naysayers who have tried to run the former UCF star in the ground may have finally eased up on their assessment of the Jaguars starter.
It’s the kind of win that makes everything better. It’s the kind of game we all can rejoice in. It’s the kind of game that made Tom Brady, despite two touchdowns, look pedestrian.
If you couldn’t tell, I am loving every minute of writing this blog.
Now, as the Jaguars have gone from a franchise that the national media still had doubts about, they move into a position they aren’t used to – favorites in the AFC. The attitude won’t change. The swagger will remain the same. The fans will remain hungry for more wins. The team that is 53-strong will deliver.
I predicted the Jaguars would win this game 17-14. I am glad I was wrong.
The Jaguars beat the Patriots, the mystique of a franchise and the national media expecting them to lose. It’s a victory the fans won’t forget. Hopefully, it’s a win the team will savor and know for at least one day, they were the best in the NFL.
Maybe now the national media will consider the team from North Florida better than they thought and a serious contender to win the Super Bowl this season.