In the primary playoff video games of their profession, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert bought off to very completely different begins throughout Saturday night time’s recreation.
But it’s not about the way you begin a recreation, it’s the way you end it.
Lawrence threw three interceptions within the first quarter because the Chargers led 17-0. He threw 4 interceptions in complete because the Jaguars trailed 27-0 within the second quarter. But none of that mattered as Jacksonville railed to defeat Los Angeles 31-30 within the AFC Wild-Card Round, the third-biggest comeback in NFL historical past.
Not solely did the Chargers lead 27-7 into halftime, however in addition they gained the general turnover margin by 5. Lawrence not solely completed 28-of-47 for 288 yards with 4 touchdowns, however he additionally helped information the drive that arrange Riley Patterson’s 36-yard game-winning discipline aim.
As he confirmed when he gained a nationwide championship at Clemson, Lawrence was at his finest when the lights have been vibrant and the sport was pressured-packed. When Jacksonville chosen Lawrence No. 1 total within the 2021 NFL Draft, it was for moments like Saturday night time. Not solely did Lawrence ship, however now the Jaguars will play on the Chiefs within the divisional spherical subsequent Saturday.
“I played with one of the greatest quarterbacks ever in Brett Favre and there were times he didn’t have a great first half and came back in the second half and could light it up,” Doug Pederson stated.
“That’s what I love about Trevor [Lawrence] and his demeanor and his aggressiveness and the ability to just forget and move on. But he’ll be the first one to tell you that it’s not about him, it’s the guys around him, too. [They] made plays, the protection was good, receivers were doing a nice job being where they needed to be. But from an individual standpoint, this is really a great performance by our quarterback.”
Conversely, Herbert accomplished 25 of 43 passes for 273 yards and a landing. However, the Chargers offense solely scored three factors on 4 possessions after halftime.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley and Joey Bosa acquired many of the blame for Saturday night time’s debacle and deservingly so. Staley is normally a man who could be very aggressive early in video games, however that’s not how he coached on Saturday night time on either side of the ball.
On 4th and three within the third quarter, Staley despatched Cameron Dicker to aim a 40-yard discipline aim. Dicker missed the kick to the left, which gave the Jaguars much more momentum as they drove down the sector and scored.
Bosa’s habits additionally didn’t assist the Chargers case, as he was referred to as for 3 penalties within the loss. First, he was flagged for being within the impartial zone, which might have resulted in a Lawrence sack earlier than it was referred to as again. Jacksonville finally discovered the top zone after Bosa’s penalty.
Then later, Bosa bought referred to as for 2 unsportsmanlike penalties. First, Bosa acquired a penalty after saying one thing to the referee after which when he threw his helmet in frustration after a Jaguars lineman was not referred to as for a false begin. The Jaguars went for 2 factors after Bosa’s second private foul as Lawrence reached his arm over the aim line, making it 30-28.
Bosa’s antics modified the complexion of your complete recreation.
“I think he was frustrated,” Staley stated. “I think he felt like there were a bunch of things that kind of accumulated throughout the game and tried to talk through it with the officials. But we can’t lose our composure like that. We need to make sure that we stay on the high side of things, and we can’t hurt the team that way.”
Lamar Jackson didn’t journey with Ravens
Even when a frontrunner is out as a consequence of damage, they’re usually seen on the sideline supporting their teammates, particularly throughout a playoff recreation.
That was not the case with Lamar Jackson on Sunday night time as he didn’t journey with the Ravens of their 24-17 loss to the Bengals.
On Thursday, Jackson dominated himself out as he introduced on Twitter that he had a “PCL grade 2 sprain” in his knee. The Ravens formally dominated Jackson out Friday afternoon, however that didn’t preclude him from touring with the group.
Jackson and the Ravens look like heading nearer and nearer to a divorce. The two sides tried to work out a brand new long-term contract earlier than the beginning of the 2022 season. But after reaching an deadlock, Jackson ended all negotiations at the start of the season because the scenario has lingered over the franchise your complete 12 months.
After injuring his knee in opposition to the Broncos on Dec. 4, Ravens coach John Harbaugh initially stated Jackson can be week-to-week. However, Jackson missed 18 consecutive practices to finish the season as Tyler Huntley began in opposition to the Bengals.
During a highway recreation in opposition to the Steelers on Dec. 11, Jackson was seen on the sideline along with his teammates regardless of not enjoying. Now after being absent on Sunday, it’s truthful to surprise what’s forward for Jackson’s future this offseason.
Jackson will enter the offseason and not using a contract because the Ravens can franchise tag to retain him for one more 12 months. They might additionally franchise-tag Jackson and work out a commerce with one other group.
Several groups, just like the Jets, Raiders, Titans, and Panthers, have quarterback questions this offseason. One of them could also be keen to present Jackson the absolutely assured contract he has been in search of for the final 12 months.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com