Jaguars Fall to Chiefs 27-17

After a tough 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars record fell to 3-7. The recent defeat marks the eighth time this season the Jaguars lost a game by 10 points or less. Although the Jags have had multiple chances at the end of games, missed opportunities have become a common theme for this team.

Final score from Kansas City.@net_acr | #JAXvsKC pic.twitter.com/JjgxPfxuo5

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) November 13, 2022

Stagnant Offense

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence posted his second consecutive game with a quarterback rating over 100. The Clemson product is developing a reputation for his ability to remain conservative with the football when facing adversity. Lawrence tossed two touchdowns while finishing with 259 yards in the air.

Running back Travis Etienne Jr did not receive his usual work-load Sunday. The second-year back posted his fewest carry total in the past four weeks, carrying the ball 11 times for just 45 yards. The departure of James Robinson Jr. signaled that Jacksonville was identifying Etienne as their featured back. Despite carrying the ball 28 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns last week, the Jaguars focused on their passing game.

Since the beginning of the season, off-season addition Christian Kirk quickly established himself as Lawrence’s top target. The former Arizona Cardinal hauled in nine passes for 105 yards, reaching the endzone twice. The Texas A&M product is on pace to pass 1,000 receiving yards, this season. Zay Jones, another off-season addition, snagged eight passes for 68 yards. Jones has 47 catches this season.

.@Trevorlawrencee and @ckirk link up for their second TD of the day.#JAXvsKC on CBS pic.twitter.com/t8Qdx51ldw

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) November 13, 2022

Defense Struggles

The Jaguar defense almost witnessed history, as Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes nearly became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400 yards in three consecutive games. Mahomes was sure to spread the love, finding nine different targets throughout the game. Part of the reason he was able to involve multiple receivers was because the Jaguars pass-rush did not collect a single sack, leaving Mahomes with ample time to survey the field and go through his progressions.

Tight end Travis Kelce asserted his dominance as usual, snagging six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. Kelce outmatched the Jags, being a physical presence for any undersized defensive back that stood in his way.

Former Florida Gator receiver Kadarius Toney scored his first NFL touchdown on a goal-line flat-route. Toney’s performance demonstrated Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s willingness to work with Toney’s strengths. He hauled in four passes for 57 yards and carried the ball twice for 33 yards.

IT'S TONEY TIME. pic.twitter.com/VaWS3WzyIr

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 13, 2022

Despite allowing Mahomes to throw with ease, Jags free safety Andre Cisco hauled in his team-leading third interception of the year. Cisco garnered some attention earlier in the game with a hit that removed Chiefs receiver Juju-Smith Schuster from the contest. Despite originally being penalized for unnecessary roughness, the call was reversed after it was determined that Cisco led with his shoulder.

Up Next

Jacksonville has a bye week ahead in week 11. For Kansas City, they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers on Sunday Night Football.