The Jacksonville Jaguars are heading into the offseason on a high note with a decisive 38-20 win over their AFC South rivals: the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars had a disappointing season in 2019, but Gardner Minshew and company decided to make one last statement as the team rallied in the second half to upset the 7-8 Colts.
Lets revisit the highlights for the final game of the decade:
The game started out in favor of the Colts as they quickly struck first with a field goal, but Jaguars’ kicker Josh Lambo quickly answered with one of his own. After a Colts touchdown and a second Jaguars field goal from Lambo, the Jaguars found the end zone on a 14-yard pitch and catch from Gardner Minshew to Keelan Cole.
❄🌍@Air4Cole with the TD.#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/08phvkkuyz
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) December 29, 2019
The Colts quickly rallied to score 10 more points, retaking the lead 20-13. However, after that point, it was all Duval. Jacksonville fired back with a bomb of a kick from Lambo, nailing a 56-yard field goal to end the half, still trailing 20-16. We all need a hero, and for Jacksonville, no player has answered that call more so than Lambo.
Lookin' good @JoshLambo pic.twitter.com/21hExGFML8
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) December 29, 2019
In the second half, Jacksonville started right where they left off and never let off the gas pedal. With Fournette out with the flu, back-up halfback Ryquell Armstead stepped up and filled the void admirably. In the third quarter, Armstead helped Jacksonville retake the lead catching a 3-yard touchdown from Minshew.
Rookie ➡ rookie for the TD@GardnerMinshew5 | @track_chaser #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/9jzixZPJ5E
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) December 29, 2019
After taking a 24-20 lead, the Jaguars pinned Indianapolis deep in their own territory, and as Ngakoue often does, the premier pass-rusher forced a fumble that cemented the Jaguars’ victory.
Scoop & score for the Mayor!@YannickNgakoue | @CalaisCampbell pic.twitter.com/gxSrcgG8hy
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) December 30, 2019
The fun didn’t end there as Dede Westbrook made the final statement, reeling in a 18-yard beauty from Minshew before the game ended.
Minshew on the run for his third TD pass of the day! #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/1cEw4Ocoum
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2019
Sunday’s win was fun due to the fact that the Jags’ franchise is in an awkward place in time. The team has developing young stars in place like D.J. Chark Jr., Tre Herndon, and Josh Allen to build around. With the right men at the helm, this franchise has all it needs to return to glory.