JACKSONVILLE – This was the latest one to remember.
The Jaguars on Sunday followed one of their coolest, most-exciting victories in recent memory with a victory that was maybe more memorable and more exciting.
A 40-34 come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Cowboys at TIAA Bank Field Sunday afternoon was more than cool, though. It marked the Jaguars' second consecutive victory and their fourth in six games – and moved them to within a game of the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans with three games remaining.
The Jaguars are 6-8. The Titans are 7-7. The Jaguars' 36-22 victory over Tennessee last Sunday means they have the tiebreaker advantage if they beat the Titans at home in the regular-season finale.
The playoff chances aren't remote anymore. They're real.
The Jaguars aren't just a young, improving team anymore. They're a good team that's beating other good teams and forcing their way into the postseason conversation.
They're not perfect, but they're fun. And dangerous.
And it's more fun around TIAA Bank Field than it has been in a while.
Let's get to it …
Jon from Jacksonville
When is the last time we've controlled our own destiny this late in a season other than '17? With the Bolts beating the Titans we just grabbed the wheel.
The last time other than 2017 the Jaguars controlled their destiny with three games remaining was 2010. They traveled to Indianapolis with a one-game lead in the AFC South. They lost to the Colts and lost their last two games to miss the postseason. But yes … the Jaguars because of the Titans' loss to the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday control their destiny. If the Jaguars don't lose again, they will win the AFC South. If the Jaguars and Titans both lose once before the regular-season finale, the Jaguars will win the South with a victory in that final game. They control their destiny. It guarantees nothing. But it damned sure means they're playing meaningful games in December.
Sean from Jacksonville
I still hope fans are going to temper expectations about the playoffs. Sure, fans are gonna fan, but those rose-colored glasses can get fogged up.
What's the point in tempering expectations? The Jaguars are a game out of first place. If they enter the regular-season finale within a game of first, they will win the AFC South with a victory in that game. They beat the Titans on the road a week ago. None of this means the Jaguars definitely will win the division. But fans absolutely should get excited about the possibility. If you're not excited now, what's the point?
Joshua from Virginia Beach, VA
I was at the Jags versus Cowboys game and the Bank was rockin!
Good eye. And ear.
Mark from Kansas City, MO
WOW! This team fights until the final whistle, and beyond. This is getting fun.
The No. 1 storyline around this team right now is quarterback Trevor Lawrence; his improvement makes them relevant and gives them hope for the future. The defining characteristic of this team right now indeed is its fight. The Jaguars have come from behind in their last four victories. They were a team learning to win much of the season. Now, they know how.
Tyler from Belfort Road
Go Jags!! Wide receiver Zay Jones has been a pleasant surprise to this team and exceeded my expectations. Is he the best acquisition from the 2022 free agent class?
Maybe. Or maybe it's wide receiver Christian Kirk. Or tight end Evan Engram. Or linebacker Foye Oluokun.
Bradley from Yankton, SD
Doug Pederson called a masterful game!
Jaguars Head Coach Pederson indeed got a lot of praise Sunday, and deservedly so. It's funny how great coaches are when their teams win exciting games and score a lot of points.
Steven from Jacksonville
Don't need to see anymore. Anything else this year is gravy. Truly exited for the future of the Jags, for the first time in a very long time.
This has been true pretty much all season because this team clearly has been improving all season. It really has been true for the last six weeks as Lawrence has shown remarkable improvement. It's easier to see after the last two weeks. And yes … the future is bright.
Jim from Jagsonville
Starting off with a solid defensive performance. Now let's get this running game going! Let's Go Jaguars!
This was the much-ballyhooed, often-exciting, sometimes-craftily-penned First Email of the Game. It came during a solid start to the game for the Jaguars' defense, with the unit forcing a punt on the game's first possession. It felt like the sort of start that would bode well for home team. And while the defense gave up a lot of yards, it made a lot of big plays when it really mattered. This isn't going to be a great defense. But it's one that deserves credit for never giving up and for making key plays at some crucial times – and not just Sunday.
Keith from Saint Augustine, FL
We won! Football is fun! And John Oehser is the King of all Funk!
I am the king of all funk.
Carol from St. Johns
What A Win! This was to me the best game I've been to since the 1999/2000 Playoffs - most exciting game - we have a treasure in Trevor and Doug!
Winning is cool. Fans like it.
