53-yard field goal lifts Jaguars, earns them first win of 2021 season

Things weren’t always smooth for the Jaguars in the first half.

The Jaguars had no trouble containing the Dolphins on first and second downs but couldn’t stop them when it matter the most, third downs. Miami moved the ball with ease in their first two possessions of the game and the Jags’ secondary offered little resistance. The Dolphins scored a touchdown in their first drive and a field goal in the second, which gave them a 10-3 lead.

The Jaguars had a forgettable second drive. Guard Ben Bartch made a low block and was flagged for clipping, which moved the offense back 12 yards. Jacksonville went three and out and ended up punting the ball. At last, the Jaguars’ defense forced the Dolphins’ offense to punt the ball in their third possession but the offense couldn’t seize the opportunity and went three and out for the second straight time in the game. Credit defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah for batting the pass that forced Jacksonville to punt the ball.

In the Jaguars’ last drive before halftime, running back James Robinson broke off a 20+ yard run but it was called back due to a facemask penalty by tight end Luke Farrell. Later, wide receiver Laviska Shenault dropped a pass that could give the offense a fresh set of downs and the team ended up punting the ball.

It looked like the Jaguars were going to be trailing by ten points ahead of halftime. But then, they put together a solid drive that ended on a 28-yard reception by wide receiver Marvin Jones. In their first drive of the third quarter, they had a five-play, 75-yard that ended on a one-yard touchdown run by James Robinson. This shift in momentum ended up being big.

The Jaguars should feel good about heading into their BYE after winning their first victory of the season. While there’s still plenty left to do, it’s good to see their hard work pay off. Hopefully, many more wins will come in 2021.