Trevor Lawrence helps the Jaguars get the lead back vs. the Giants

Second-year running back Travis Etienne was on the wrong end of a costly fumble in the first half but he’s trying to make up for it and played a key role in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first scoring drive of the second half of their Week 7 matchup against the New York Giants. Thanks to a touchdown run on a quarterback sneak by Trevor Lawrence and a defensive stand on the goal line, the Jags are once again leading 17-11.

Etienne scored the Jags’ first touchdown of the game and has been pretty effective throughout most of the game but with a chance to score in the first half, he lost a fumble in the end zone that the Giants recovered. But the Jags’ coaching staff didn’t feel like benching him was necessary and instead gave him the ball in their first offensive possession after halftime.

Then, Lawrence capped a seven-play, 73-yard drive with a one-yard run up the middle of the field. Unfortunately, kicker Riley Patterson missed the extra point attempt, but because Jacksonville went for two after Etienne’s touchdown, its impact was somewhat lessened.

The former Clemson Tiger took advantage of his opportunity and broke off a 49-yard run. Later in the same drive, he had another carry go for eight yards. In the same drive, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. made a key 18-yard catch. Here’s Lawrence’s quarterback sneak that led to a touchdown, his third running score of the season.

The Jaguars’ defense must create a few takeaways vs. the Giants

You could make the case that the Jags’ offense is doing just enough to help them win the game but the defense needs to step up. Sure, they’ve managed to contain running back Saquon Barkley but they can’t stop quarterback Daniel Jones, who’s logged nearly 50 rushing yards.

To make matters worse, linebacker Devin Lloyd had an interception but it was negated due to a roughing the passer penalty on linebacker Foyesade Oluokun. On the bright side, the defense made a key stop near the Jags’ goal line and forced New York to turn the ball over on downs, and maybe that’s a sign of things to come.

The Jaguars have the lead but it’s too narrow to feel comfortable. If they can keep Daniel Jones in check and put more points on the scoreboard, they can then win the game, but it feels like it’s still too close.