Jaguars Secure Overtime Win Against Cardinals 27-24
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The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a thrilling overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 27-24. This intense matchup showcased the Jaguars' resilience and defensive strength, continuing to build momentum for their season as they improved to 7-4.
According to Big Cat Country, this victory marks the fifth game this season that the Jaguars have won by a single score, a testament to their ability to close out tight games, which is crucial as the season progresses.
The Jaguars' defense played a pivotal role in this win, achieving six sacks, a significant increase from their previous games where they had only eight total sacks in the prior seven. Standout performances included Dennis Gardeck and Devin Lloyd, who each recorded one and a half sacks, while DaVon Hamilton, Josh Hines-Allen, and Antonio Johnson each contributed with solo sacks.
Gardeck, in particular, was noted for his impactful performance against his former team, the Cardinals. The defense allowed only one touchdown following Trevor Lawrence's turnovers, managing to limit the damage from three interceptions and a fumble, resulting in just 17 points against them.
Foye Oluokun also achieved a milestone by surpassing 1,000 career tackles in this game, further solidifying his importance to the Jaguars’ defensive unit. Despite Lawrence’s struggles, including three interceptions and a fumble that led to a touchdown, he managed to connect on key plays, including a touchdown pass to Parker Washington, who led the receiving group with five catches and a score.
Washington's performance included a critical fourth-quarter touchdown that gave the Jaguars a brief lead. Additionally, tight end Brenton Strange made a significant impact in his return from injury, recording a career-high 93 receiving yards.
On the Cardinals’ side, Jacoby Brissett had a solid outing, throwing for 317 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, but the team struggled to capitalize on their defensive efforts, which included forcing multiple turnovers.
Notably, the Cardinals had opportunities to win but failed to convert key plays, including a missed field goal and a crucial fourth down in overtime where Brissett's pass was incomplete, ending their chances.
Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker were standout players for the Cardinals' defense, both contributing with nine tackles each. The inability of Arizona's offense to establish a running game, with only 55 total rushing yards, compounded their struggles throughout the match.
The Jaguars' victory not only signifies a critical win in their playoff chase but also highlights their capability to thrive in high-pressure situations, showcasing a team that is learning to win close games as they head deeper into the season.