Jacksonville Jaguars 19-3 New York Jets: Trevor Lawrence scores the only TD of the game as Jags boost playoff hopes | NFL News

In a matchup of the first two picks taken in last year’s NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence finished 20 of 31 passing, for 229 yards, while also rushing for 51 and a score on seven carries; Zach Wilson went 9 of 18 for 82 yards, with an interception, before being benched to boos in the second half

Trevor Lawrence leapt in for the only touchdown of the game as the Jacksonville Jaguars continued their push toward the playoffs with their third-straight victory, a 19-3 road victory over the New York Jets on Thursday night.

Story of the Game

In a matchup between the first two picks taken in last year’s NFL Draft, it wasn’t even a contest as Lawrence finished 20 of 31 passing, for 229 yards, while also rushing for 51 and the score on seven carries. Wilson’s sophomore struggles continued, meanwhile, as he went 9 of 18 for just 82 yards, with an interception, before being benched late in the third quarter.

With the victory, the Jaguars (7-8) move closer still to the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans (7-7). They would clinch the division over their rivals with wins in their final two games, including the season finale against the Titans. As for the Jets (7-8), their own playoff ambitions have suffered a sizable blow with their fourth-straight defeat.

Wilson, who returned at quarterback after a three-game benching last Sunday in place of an injured Mike White, couldn’t make any plays and was booed frequently by the home crowd at MetLife Stadium before being replaced by journeyman backup Chris Streveler in the second half.

The game had actually got off to a promising start for the Jets when Quinnen Williams strip-sacked Lawrence – his NFL-highest eighth fumble of the season – on the Jaguars’ third play from scrimmage. Carl Lawson recovered to place New York at Jacksonville’s 16-yard line and a 37-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein would give them the lead.

But that was as good as it got for the hosts. Riley Patterson kicked a 32-yarder to tie things up on Jacksonville’s second possession, while Lawrence leapt into the end zone from the one-yard line for the go-ahead score in the second quarter to cap an impressive 16-play, 96-yard drive. The Jets, meanwhile, had just 66 yards of offense in the first half and only three first downs.

A further Patterson kick, this one from 45 yards, would extend Jacksonville’s lead to 13-3 by half-time, while he’d add two more field goals, one in each quarter, in the second half as the visitors wrapped up a comfortable win.

The New York offense, and the home crowd, briefly sparked into life with the insertion of Streveler at quarterback. He led the team all the way down to the Jacksonville 13-yard line on one drive, but sailed a throw to Garrett Wilson on fourth down to see the ball turned over on downs.

Streveler, who went 10 of 15 for 90 yards, became a fan favourite during the summer when he led the Jets to three fourth-quarter comeback victories in the preseason.