FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS — Trevor Lawrence threw three interceptions, Rhamondre Stevenson carried the rock for two touchdowns and the Jacksonville Jaguars fell to the New England Patriots in a 50-to-10 blowout loss.
Jacksonville, which drops to 2-14 in its 2021-22 campaign, can wrap up the No. 1 overall pick for a second straight year with a loss to the Colts next week. The past NFL Draft’s previous crown jewel — Trevor Lawrence — continues to disappoint under pressure, finishing Sunday with 17 completions for a touchdown and three picks.
“Obviously, it wasn’t a good day,” Lawrence said. “Didn’t play well, all phases of the game. It sucks. You prepare for the game and to go out there and not perform, it’s disappointing.”
Jacksonville’s defense added fuel to New England’s fiery revenge tour with nearly 500 yards of total offense allowed. The Pats saw rookie quarterback Mac Jones total a trio of touchdowns and 227 yards on 22 completions.
“Mac is super consistent,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. “Every day is really the same day for Mac. He’s always well prepared.”
Jones received assistance at the hands of New England’s prolific run game, which registered 181 yards in part due to the two-touchdown performance from RB Rhamondre Stevenson. The Jags tried to limit him, but Damien Harris assisted with the overall course load to keep it at four TD’s on the ground for the Pats.
Aside from the usual superstars putting on a show, the Patriots would find help at the clutches of practice squad receiver Christian Wilkerson. Wilkerson caught two TD’s including one in the final five minutes of the first half to expand the New England advantage to 18 — a lead that would never be threatened.
Final Score: New England 50, Jacksonville 10
Season Finale
Jacksonville holds a date with Indianapolis (9-7) next Sunday at 1 P.M at TIAA Bank Field. The Colts, which fell short of downing Las Vegas Sunday, can clinch a playoff spot with a win.
New England stands set to play the Sunshine State’s own Miami Dolphins, who are coming off a disappointing loss to Tennessee. The Patriots earned their way back into the playoffs thanks to the win and a little bit of help from Tennessee taking down the Dolphins. They currently stand as the No. 5 seed, but a win next week and a Buffalo Bills loss could give them the AFC East crown.
Miami (8-8) has been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
New England Stat Leaders
Passing: QB Mac Jones, 22-30 for 227 yards and three touchdowns
Rushing: RB Rhamondre Stevenson, 19 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns
Receiving: WR Kendrick Bourne, five receptions for 76 yards
Tackling: CB J.C. Jackson, four total tackles (four solo)
Jacksonville Stat Leaders
Passing: QB Trevor Lawrence, 17-27 for 193 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions
Rushing: RB Dare Ogunbowale, nine carries for 36 yards (one receiving touchdown)
Receiving: WR Laquon Treadwell, six receptions for 87 yards
Tackling: CB Chris Claybrooks, nine total tackles (six solo)
Jaguars/FL Teams Links (Click to view):
Game Recap with Isaac Edelman, Samuel Reis, and Grant Flood
The Jag Roar Podcast – Live Play-by-Play
(Featured image by David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)