The Jacksonville Jaguars needed to get off to a hot start to have a shot at beating the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. While the Chiefs scored first, the Jags are doing their best to keep up with them. A receiving touchdown by Christian Kirk tied the game before Kansas City kicked a field goal to make it 10-7.
Jacksonville got the ball first but wasn’t able to do much. They went three-and-out on their first drive and ended up punting. The Chiefs wasted no time and reach the Jaguars’ end zone after driving 83 yards down the field on 12 plays. Patrick Mahomes had no trouble moving the ball, going 6-of-8 for 57 yards and finding tight end Travis Kelce four times for 35 yards with a touchdown.
But then, special teams ace Jamal Agnew gave the Jags a spark, returning a kick 63 yards. The favorable field position helped Trevor Lawrence and the offense put together a five-play, 39-yard drive that ended in Kirk’s trip to the end zone.
Following Jacksonville’s second drive, Lawrence was 3-of-5 for 23 yards with one touchdown. Meanwhile, running back Travis Etienne has two carries for 20 yards. Here’s a clip of Kirk reaching the end zone.
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The Jaguars could have the edge after Patrick Mahomes injury
Patrick Mahomes suffered an ankle injury and was limping to the Chiefs sidelines. He’s still playing but he isn’t 100 percent, which will most likely hinder his performance. Before getting hurt, he had no trouble getting rid of the ball even when with the Jags relentlessly applying pressure.
But Mahomes is now limited and that could potentially have an impact in the outcome of the game. It’s too early to tell how things will play out but the Jaguars are showing they won’t give up without a fight. If they avoid falling behind and can reach the end zone once again, they might have a shot a pulling off the upset.