Jaguars Lose to Bengals in Overtime, Trevor Lawrence Injured
The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a 34-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on “Monday Night Football” as quarterback Trevor Lawrence left the game in the fourth quarter with a right ankle injury. Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning, filling in for the injured Joe Burrow, had an impressive performance, leading Cincinnati to a 21-14 lead late in the third quarter. However, the Jags fought back and took the lead with a pair of touchdowns. Browning responded with a touchdown of his own to even the score, and then led a late field goal drive after Lawrence’s injury. The game went to overtime, and the Bengals’ kicker Evan McPherson secured the win with a 48-yard field goal.
Bengals Backup Jake Browning Shines in Primetime Matchup
Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning had a standout performance in his second career start. He completed 32 of 37 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns. Browning’s performance gives the Bengals hope that they can still compete for a playoff spot. If Cincinnati can replicate this level of play, they have a chance to reach the playoffs for the third consecutive year. With only the Kansas City Chiefs as their remaining opponent with a healthy starting quarterback, the Bengals have a favorable schedule.
Rookie Running Back Chase Brown Shows Promise
Rookie running back Chase Brown is expected to see more carries for the Bengals in the remaining games of the season. Cincinnati wanted to evaluate Brown’s performance on the ground before he went on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. In his second game back, Brown showcased his potential as a big-play running back. His 31-yard carry in the third quarter was the team’s longest of the season. The Bengals will have the opportunity to assess whether Brown could be a long-term starter in the final five games of the regular season.
Eye-Popping Stat: Browning’s Impressive Completion Percentage
Jake Browning’s completion percentage over expectation in the first three quarters of the game was an impressive 16.3%, ranking 12th out of 386 quarterbacks this season. This statistic demonstrates Browning’s accuracy and ability to make plays downfield. Of his first 20 completions, five of them were for 10 or more air yards, highlighting his ability to throw deep passes.
Jaguars Face Setbacks with Lawrence’s Injury
The Jacksonville Jaguars not only suffered a loss to the Bengals but also faced a major setback when Trevor Lawrence injured his right ankle late in the fourth quarter. Lawrence’s injury occurred when left tackle Walker Little was pushed back and stepped on his ankle. If Lawrence is unable to play, the team will turn to backup C.J. Beathard, who has limited starting experience. Beathard showed promise by leading the team to a game-tying field goal in regulation. The Jaguars will face the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens in their next two games.
Pivotal Plays Shift Momentum in Jaguars’ Favor
Rookie wide receiver Parker Washington made a crucial play by turning an interception into a touchdown, tying the game at 21. Bengals safety Dax Hill had an opportunity to intercept Trevor Lawrence’s pass to Washington but couldn’t hold onto the ball, allowing Washington to make the catch for his first NFL touchdown. Another pivotal play occurred when linebacker Josh Allen intercepted Tyler Boyd’s pass, giving the Jaguars excellent field position and resulting in a touchdown run by Lawrence. These plays swung the momentum in the Jaguars’ favor.
Jaguars Struggle to Pressure Bengals Quarterback
The Jaguars had difficulty pressuring Bengals quarterback Jake Browning in his second career start. They managed to pressure him on a fourth-down play early in the game, but were unable to consistently disrupt his rhythm. Browning completed 17 of 19 passes for 178 yards in the first half and finished with 260 yards and only three incompletions entering the fourth quarter.
Upcoming Games
The Jaguars will face the Cleveland Browns in their next game, followed by a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.