Unlikely Jaguars hero saving the day is a massive win for Liam Coen's coaching

The Jacksonville Jaguars finally got back in the win column, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 30-29 in overtime on Sunday. The game was a tense, back-and-forth battle that involved both teams scoring touchdowns in overtime. In overtime, the Jaguars, who scored first, successfully kicked a PAT, but the Raiders decided to play for the win and go for two. That was ultimately the difference in the game, as the two-point attempt was unsuccessful.

While Jacksonville celebrated the win, a closer look at the final play shows DaVon Hamilton’s quick thinking quite literally saved the day. Everyone saw the Jaguars defensive tackle bat down Geno Smith’s pass and end the game, but a second look at the play revealed Smith was actually targeting a wide open receiver. If not for Hamilton leaving the ground and getting his hands up, Jacksonville would’ve had its third straight loss.

DaVon Hamilton bails out Jaguars defense with game-winning play

During the final play, Jacksonville blew the coverage, and Raiders wideout Tyler Lockett was running wide open towards the back of the end zone. Smith saw him, but instead of just firing the throw to Lockett, the quarterback pump faked in his direction, then threw the ball. Fortunately for the Jaguars, Hamilton saw Smith double clutch, so he jumped into the air, and by the time the ball was actually thrown, it went right into the defensive tackle’s hand.

Rewatching this play will certainly be painful for Raiders fans, but it will result in Jacksonville fans breathing a sigh of relief. For Hamilton, it will be a highlight moment in his six-year career. Playing with the Jaguars since being drafted by the team in the third round of the 2020 Draft, the veteran defender has seen a lot.

The starting defensive tackle is now helping Liam Coen and company get things turned around. Thanks to Hamilton, the Jaguars are now 5-3 and starting the second half of their season with a win.