JACKSONVILLE – They fought, and made big plays in some big situations early.

The Jaguars' defense forced their highest turnover total of the 2024 regular season and held a good offense without a touchdown Sunday – and in a very real sense played well enough to snap a midseason losing streak.

That was the view for some offensive players.

"They played a very good football game, and gave us plenty of chances to win," quarterback Mac Jones said, with center Mitch Morse adding, "The defense played incredible football. On offense, we didn't do them any favors."

That was absolutely true early, with the Jaguars' defense repeatedly holding the Minnesota Vikings out of the end zone and registering a season-high three takeaways – all interceptions – in a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at EverBank Stadium.

"I thought defense did an outstanding job with the type of firepower they have on offense," Head Coach Doug Pederson said following the Jaguars’ third consecutive loss.

While the Jaguars' defense allowed repeated extended drives, and while they also allowed 403 offensive yards and a major time-of-possession advantage, the unit repeatedly forced takeaways in the first three quarters to keep the game close despite the offense struggling mightily.

"We fought," cornerback Tyson Campbell said. "We fought 'til the triple zeroes came on the board. I'm proud of the defense, proud of those guys. We've still got belief in this team. I'd run through a wall for them."

The Jaguars registered key takeaway in each of the first three quarters:

• An interception late in the first quarter by linebacker Foye Oluokun at the Jaguars 22 after Campbell defensed a pass from Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
• An interception in the end zone with 5:24 remaining in the second quarter by cornerback Montaric Brown on a pass from Darnold to Jefferson.
• An interception at the goal line on the first drive of the second half by safety Darnell Savage on a pass from Darnold to Jefferson.

The Jaguars had entered the game with four defensive takeaways.

"They come in bunched for sure," Oluokun said.

All three interceptions preserved a 7-3 lead that the Jaguars held from late in the third quarter, with the Vikings not taking the lead permanently until midway through the fourth quarter.

"It definitely felt good to get in the turnover column, but we have to get another one," Oluokun said. "We didn't win that game. I'm happy we got turnovers for sure, so keep doing that, but let's find out where we could've gotten another one.

"There were a lot of long drives they had, extended drives. Kept them on the field and we've got to do a better job of getting off on third downs. No moral victories. They didn't score a touchdown, but we didn't do exactly what we needed to do to win the game."

NOTABLE WEEK 10 GAME MOMENTS

• This wasn't the "homecoming" Jones wanted. Jones, a Jacksonville native who played high school football locally at The Bolles School, made his first start for his hometown team Sunday in place of starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. "I grew up down the road," Jones said. "I'm definitely disappointed with my opening start, but I know I can be better and I usually bounce pretty good from failure, so we'll see what I can do." Jones, who started 2021-2023 for the New England Patriots before being acquired by the Jaguars in a trade this past offseason, completed 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards and no touchdowns with two interceptions Sunday. "I felt prepared," Jones said. "Everyone was on the same page for the most part during the week. No excuses. I've been playing my whole life. I've played a lot of football in this league. I know what I have to do to win. Today when I got out of the field I wasn't good enough, I just have to keep working and do everything I can to stay motivated and confident and lead the team with Trevor being out."

QUOTABLE MOMENTS FROM POST-GAME INTERVIEWS

• Campbell: "There's always something to be proud of taking away from the game, and always something to learn from. All in all, proud of the way these guys fought. I wouldn't want to fight with any other group. We just keep working, man, and we've got Detroit next week."
• Oluokun: "I feel like we lost a battle. Good battle, good fight but you want to come out on top. So, how do I feel? Pretty upset. We have to find a way to win these close games."