Late game heroics push Jacksonville Jaguars past Cleveland Browns
The Jacksonville Jaguars have an act for wining close games with only a few tics remaining on the clock. Maurice Jones-Drew punched the ball in from one yard out as the Jags defeated the Cleveland Browns
24-20 on Sunday 21 November.
It was a little less dramatic than last week’s last second Hail Mary touchdown pass from David Garrard to Mike Thomas, but it took the Jaguars two cracks on the goaline before finding the end zone with
just over one minute left in the fourth quarter. It was fitting that Jones-Drew got the game-winning score since his 75-yard catch and run was the key play that set up the score.
"I don't feel like we stole the game," Jones-Drew said. "We earned it."
In reality, the Jaguars (6-4) and Jones-Drew were lucky to escape with a victory. The diminutive running-back had a fumble which was returned it by Abram Elam for a touchdown. Jones-Drew was also the victim
of an interception as the Jags’ play calling got a little too creative and the offence kept turning the ball over.
"Turning the ball over six times is a hard thing to do," Browns coach Eric Mangini said. "When you have those chances, you have to close them out."
It seemed that no one on Jacksonville’s roster wanted to hold on to the ball. Garrard, tossed three interceptions. Despite all their misfortunes, the Jaguars kept fighting and their solid play on defence
essentially was the difference maker.
Browns’ rookie quarterback Colt McCoy, failed to connect on third downs and was sacked six times. With the defence making big plays and key stops in the red zone Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio was confident
that his squad could overcome a shaky start.
"Never felt like it was something that was out of our reach. I think certainly we defied the odds. ... We held our ground and didn't allow them to take those turnovers and bury us. That's what typically
happens -- it's a landslide."
Garrard completed 20 of 34 and finished the game with 254 yards. His two touchdowns were a five-yard touchdown strike to receiver Mike Thomas in the second quarter and on a 14-yard pass to Marcedes Lewis
in the fourth quarter.The win places the Jaguars in a tie for first place in the AFC South.
The Browns got a scare when McCoy injured his ankle. He stayed in the game, but appeared to be in obvious pain.
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