The first AFC playoff game of the 2022-23 season was one for the history books as the Jacksonville Jaguars came back from down 27-0 to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-30 on a last-second 36-yard field by second-year kicker Riley Patterson.
THE @JAGUARS WIN. SIMPLY UNBELIEVABLE.#SuperWildCard #LACvsJAX pic.twitter.com/OQGu34T6QI
— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2023
It was a tale of two half’s for Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the second-year pro went from throwing four interceptions in the first half to throwing four touchdowns in the second half. Lawrence showed such maturity and patience, which is very unusual, especially for such a young quarterback. Lawrence’s quick turnaround also adds to the difference head coach Doug Pederson has made in Lawrence and the team in general.
Lawrence spread the ball among multiple receivers as Evan Engram, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Marvin Jones Jr. each caught a touchdown in the second half of their big come-from-behind win. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a phenomenal playoff career debut rushing for over 100 yards on twenty carries.
On the defensive side of the ball for Jacksonville, they had a multitude of pass rushers who contributed significantly, with Josh Allen getting four quarterback hits, a sack, and a tackle for loss, as well as Roy Robertson-Harris, who had four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two pass deflections, and a sack, followed by Folorunso Fatukasi and 2022 NFL Draft number one overall pick Travon Walker combining for three quarterback hits and a sack.
As for the Chargers, their defense was headlined by second-year pro Asante Samuel Jr., who picked off Lawrence three times in the first half of the game; with that said, although Samuel did have a good game, he did get away with a lot of holding on receivers. Overall, other than Samuel’s turnovers, it was a mediocre performance by the defense.
Additionally, it was a very disappointing performance by the all-pro pass-rushing tandem of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Mack did have one sack, but Bosa had zero and, to go along, was flagged for arguing with a referee and, following the altercation, was seen slamming his helmet on the Chargers sideline.
— l (@IRydeForBosco) January 15, 2023
To mention some notable offensive players for LA, Austin Ekeler ran for two touchdowns, and tight end Gerald Everett had six catches for 109 yards and a score.
To put it simple, it was an overall frustrating second half for the Los Angeles Chargers and a very disappointing ending to their season.
All in all, the result of this game showed how resilient the Jacksonville Jaguars are, and the Jaguars will now head to Kansas City to face off against the Chiefs in the divisional round of the 2023 NFL playoffs; the game is set to be played on Saturday, January 21 at 4:30pm ET.
Let us know what you think about the Jaguars comeback win against the Chargers by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
